Kyle Pitts recently had the best game of his NFL career with the Atlanta Falcons. It was perfect timing, as his contract is expiring. The same is true for many other top players.

Things had been relatively quiet for Kyle Pitts for a long time. The Atlanta Falcons tight end had never really lived up to the high expectations set for him since his strong rookie season in 2021.

Then came this game in Week 15 of the 2025 season at the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.

The now 25-year-old caught 11 passes for 166 yards and three touchdowns – personal career bests in all three categories. It was a statement at perhaps the best possible time for Pitts, as his future in the NFL is up in the air. His contract expires after this season. But the Falcons pro is not alone in this situation; numerous well-known players will become free agents in March when the new league year officially begins.

Kyle Pitts (tight end, Atlanta Falcons)

Pitts is currently playing in Atlanta on his fifth-year option, which the Falcons exercised before the 2024 season. In the 2021 draft, the franchise invested its No. 4 pick in the tight end, who was considered elite material at the time.

However, he was never able to live up to expectations, partly due to acute quarterback problems at the Falcons. However, he also had plenty of weak games individually. In his rookie year, he broke the 1,000-yard mark with Matt Ryan under center, but then he slumped.

Pitts was already much more noticeable in the two games before the gala against the Bucs. If this strong trend continues until the end of the season, Pitts could still get a payday that seemed unthinkable just a few weeks ago – either in Atlanta or elsewhere.

Daniel Jones (Quarterback, Indianapolis Colts)

It’s probably the most bitter story of this NFL season. Daniel Jones, already branded a failure, is experiencing a Hollywood-style rise with the Colts, Indianapolis is in contention for the No. 1 seed in the AFC – and then Jones tears his Achilles tendon.

This means the 28-year-old is likely to miss the start of next season, although it is unclear if and where he will be under contract. The Colts only gave him a one-year contract before the season because absolutely no one expected him to perform so well.

Now, of course, one could say that it’s actually an advantage for the Colts if they don’t have to pay a seriously injured quarterback. But with the all-in trade for Sauce Gardner, Indianapolis has committed itself fully to Jones. Which is why he should actually get a new contract from the Colts.

Trey Hendrickson (edge, Cincinnati Bengals)

The saga surrounding Trey Hendrickson dominated the Bengals’ offseason, with both parties ultimately agreeing on a restructured one-year contract. But after this season, they are likely to part ways. However, the negotiating position for the pass rusher, who recently turned 31, has not improved. Hendrickson is currently sidelined with an injury and is likely to miss the rest of the season after undergoing surgery on his core muscles. Even before that, he rarely made an impact in a weak Bengals defense. However, a fit Hendrickson is likely to be of great interest to many teams.

George Pickens (wide receiver, Dallas Cowboys)

Anyone who would have bet before the season that George Pickens, and not CeeDee Lamb, would be the Cowboys’ outstanding receiver would have made a lot of money. However, Lamb also missed three games due to injury, which Pickens took full advantage of.

The trade for the pass receiver paid off for the Cowboys before the season, but such a move only really makes sense if the contract is subsequently extended. In this respect, however, Dallas has a problem. The franchise is already well above the salary cap forecast for 2026.

In addition, Lamb was paid a lot of money, and no team can really afford two financial number one receivers. This raises the question of what will happen to Pickens after the season. He is currently still playing on his rookie contract, which he signed with the Pittsburgh Steelers in 2022.

Rasheed Walker (offensive tackle, Green Bay Packers)

Not everyone may have this name on their list, but Rasheed Walker is by far the most interesting offensive tackle entering free agency after the season – unless the Packers themselves decide to take action and sign the 25-year-old to a long-term contract.

Walker was drafted by the Packers in the seventh round in 2022 and, despite this difficult starting position, made the leap to undisputed starter. In just his second year, he took over the left side of the offensive line and never gave it up.

Marcus Mariota (Quarterback, Washington Commanders)

From backup to temporary starter with some good moments – to new full-time starter in the autumn of his career? That’s exactly what Marcus Mariota has in store. Replacing Jayden Daniels, who has been injured almost exclusively this season, the now 32-year-old has made a decent impression with the Commanders.

And so Mariota could be a sought-after commodity on the free agent market for teams looking for a temporary solution. The 2026 draft class is not considered particularly strong at the quarterback position, which should increase Mariota’s chances of landing a contract and a relevant role on the field.

Aaron Rodgers (Quarterback, Pittsburgh Steelers)

Aaron Rodgers is probably not a realistic option for any team. Instead, there are many indications that the 42-year-old will end his impressive career after this season.

But you never know, maybe there will be a combination that Rodgers likes. In any case, he would be on the market.

Devin Lloyd (linebacker, Jacksonville Jaguars)

Before the current season, the Jaguars decided against exercising the fifth-year option on linebacker Devin Lloyd – a decision they may now regret. This means he will become a free agent after the season and is likely to attract interest from numerous teams. Lloyd has already recorded an impressive 21 quarterback pressures, and PFF ranks him second among all linebackers in the league in their overall rating. At 27, Lloyd is at the beginning of his prime. The Jaguars will have to stretch themselves if they want to extend his contract.

Joey Bosa (edge, Buffalo Bills)

After being released by the Los Angeles Chargers last year, Joey Bosa signed with the Bills, where the 30-year-old veteran is having a more than solid season. He has already forced five turnovers this season – a very strong statistic. His 41 quarterback pressures are also more than impressive. However, since Buffalo only gave him a one-year contract, Bosa will become a free agent again after the season and can choose his new team. Good pass rushers are always in demand, and alongside Trey Hendrickson, he is probably the most exciting option on the market.

Romeo Doubs (wide receiver, Green Bay Packers)

Another player drafted by the Packers themselves who has proven to be a hit. Romeo Doubs is not one of the NFL’s absolute star receivers, but he is an important factor in Green Bay’s versatile offense.

In his NFL career, Doubs, who is in the final year of his rookie contract, has scored 20 touchdowns so far. It’s easy to imagine that the Packers themselves will extend Doubs’ contract. If not, there are sure to be a few teams that would consider him a good addition to their roster.