Post NFL writer Bart Hubbuch ranks the 30 best players expected to become unrestricted free agents when the NFL’s signing period opens Wednesday:
1. Malik Jackson, DE, Broncos
Consistently disruptive, just turned 26 and can play both end and tackle.
Potential suitors: Broncos, Giants, Cardinals, Falcons, Texans, Jaguars, Buccaneers.
2. Kelechi Osemele, G/OT, Ravens
Elite guard who also can play tackle and doesn’t turn 27 until June.
Potential suitors: Ravens, Lions, Colts, Vikings, Raiders, Chargers, Titans.
3. Sean Smith, CB, Chiefs
Doesn’t make a lot of plays but is a steady, reliable veteran presence.
Potential suitors: Chiefs, Raiders, 49ers, Buccaneers, Titans.
4. Danny Trevathan, ILB, Broncos
A three-down player who can both stop the run and cover — a rarity.
Potential suitors: Broncos, Giants, Bears, Packers, Colts, Jaguars.
5. Tamba Hali, OLB/DE, Chiefs
Turns 33 in November but has made five consecutive Pro Bowl trips.
Potential suitors: Chiefs, Giants, Cardinals, Falcons, Jaguars, Buccaneers.
WeddleGetty Images6. Eric Weddle, S, Chargers
Coming off the worst season of his career but is a three-time Pro Bowl pick.
Potential suitors: Chargers, Jaguars, Raiders, 49ers.
7. Richie Incognito, G, Bills
Rejuvenated his reputation with a Pro Bowl year that was quiet off the field.
Potential suitors: Vikings, Raiders, Eagles, Chargers, 49ers, Seahawks, Titans.
8. Damon Harrison, NT, Jets
A run-stuffing ace who sometimes gets overlooked as part of a stacked line.
Potential suitors: Jets, Lions, Bears, Bengals, Packers, Chargers.
9. Jason Pierre-Paul, DE, Giants
Lots of talent but still lots of questions about his future with a mangled hand.
Potential suitors: Giants, Falcons, Texans, Jaguars, Buccaneers.
10. Doug Martin, RB, Buccaneers
Still just 27 and finished second in the NFL in rushing while making the Pro Bowl.
Potential suitors: Buccaneers, Bengals, Chiefs, Patriots, Seahawks.
11. Derrick Johnson, LB, Chiefs
Bounced back from injury with a terrific 2015 and likely to stay put.
Potential suitors: Chiefs, Giants, Bears, Packers, Colts.
12. Ryan Fitzpatrick, QB, Jets
The Jets want him back but are in a cap bind and could get blown away.
Potential suitors: Jets, Rams, Browns, 49ers.
MackAP13. Alex Mack, C, Browns
A Pro Bowl pick two of the past three years and Cleveland’s best lineman.
Potential suitors: Browns, Falcons, Eagles, Chargers.
14. Casey Hayward, CB, Packers
A steady player whose value is hiked by his ability to play the slot and outside.
Potential suitors: Packers, Cardinals, Chiefs, Rams, Raiders, 49ers, Buccaneers, Titans.
15. Matt Forte, RB, Bears
How much is left in the tank at age 30 after 2,500 career touches?
Potential suitors: Patriots, Bengals, Cowboys, Chiefs, Jets, Seahawks.
16. Evan Mathis, G, Broncos
Ranked the best run-blocking guard in the NFL last season by Pro Football Focus.
Potential suitors: Broncos, Vikings, Chargers, 49ers, Seahawks, Titans.
17. Robert Ayers, DE, Giants
Getting up in age for an end (31) but coming off an impressive, 9.5-sack season.
Potential suitors: Giants, Cardinals, Falcons, Jaguars, Buccaneers.
18. Haloti Ngata, DT, Lions
Five-time Pro Bowler and two-time first team All-Pro can still bring it at age 32.
Potential suitors: Lions, Packers, Bears, Bengals, Chargers.
19. Donald Penn, OT, Raiders
Ironman left tackle who has started 140 consecutive games in his career.
Potential suitors: Lions, Vikings, Eagles, Chargers, Seahawks, Titans.
20. Mario Williams, DE
Still relatively young (just turned 31) and merely has to prove that 2015 season was aberration.
Potential suitors: Redskins, Ravens, Cowboys, Panthers.
Reggie Nelson tries to catch Arizona’s J.J. Nelson.AP21. Reggie Nelson, S, Bengals
Turns 33 in September but led the NFL with eight interceptions last season.
Potential suitors: Bengals, Browns, Jaguars, Raiders, Chargers.
22. Kelvin Beachum, OT, Steelers
Arguably one of the league’s top-10 tackles before tearing his ACL in Week 7.
Potential suitors: Lions, Vikings, Raiders, Chargers, Seahawks, Titans.
23. George Iloka, S, Bengals
Young, athletic safety who can cover and support the run, and do both well.
Potential suitors: Bengals, Jaguars, Raiders, Chargers.
24. Lamar Miller, RB, Dolphins
A young back who rushed for 1,971 yards and 16 TDs the past two seasons.
Expected suitors: Dolphins, Bengals, Chiefs, Seahawks.
25. Marvin Jones, WR, Bengals
He is just 26 and is an ideal No. 2 receiver with a strong motor.
Potential suitors: Bengals, Browns, Chiefs, Rams, Vikings, Buccaneers.
Bruce IrvinEPA26. Bruce Irvin, LB/DE, Seahawks
Production dipped last season but he is just 28 and a capable pass rusher.
Potential suitors: Giants, Falcons, Bears, Texans, Jaguars.
27. Mitchell Schwartz, OT, Browns
Reliable right tackle who has made 64 consecutive starts.
Potential suitors: Browns, Lions, Vikings, Raiders, Chargers, Titans.
28. Adam Jones, CB, Bengals
He is aging (32) but has been an All-Pro and Pro Bowl pick the past two seasons.
Potential suitors: Bengals, Chiefs, Patriots, Raiders, 49ers, Buccaneers.
29. Tashaun Gipson, S, Browns
Injury-plagued last season but rang up 11 interceptions from 2013 to 2014.
Potential suitors: Browns, Bengals, Jaguars, Raiders, Chargers.
30. Russell Okung, OT, Seahawks
Slowing down and injury-prone, but Seattle can’t afford to lose him.
Potential suitors: Seahawks, Lions, Vikings, Raiders, Chargers, Titans.
