This is a list of top free agents at each position. The list likely will change by the time free agency starts March 2, because, for instance, the Colts are expected to put their franchise tag on defensive end Dwight Freeney.
Also, restricted free agents — designated as RFA on the list — could be offered a second-round tender, a first-round tender or a first- and third-round tender, which means any team signing them would have to give up even higher draft picks if the original team doesn’t match.
Some quality players also might get cut before free agency begins for salary-cap reasons as well.
Quarterbacks
1. Matt Schaub, Atlanta (RFA, 3rd round)
2. Jeff Garcia, Philadelphia
3. Damon Huard, Kansas City
4. Tim Rattay, Tampa Bay
5. Marques Tuiasosopo, Oakland
Running backs
1. Michael Turner, San Diego (RFA, 5th round)
2. Jamal Lewis, Baltimore
3. Ahman Green, Green Bay
4. Dominic Rhodes, Indianapolis
5. Ron Dayne, Houston
Receivers
1. Donte Stallworth, Philadelphia
2. Drew Bennett, Tennessee
3. Kevin Curtis, St. Louis
4. Ashley Lelie, Atlanta
5. D.J. Hackett, Seattle (RFA, 5th round)
Tight ends
1. Daniel Graham, New England
2. Jerramy Stevens, Seattle
3. Ben Utecht, Indianapolis (RFA, undrafted)
4. Mike Seidman, Carolina
5. Eric Johnson, San Francisco
Tackles
1. Leonard Davis, Arizona
2. Marc Colombo, Dallas
3. Sean Locklear, Seattle (RFA, 3rd round)
4. Jon Stinchcomb, New Orleans
5. Damion McIntosh, Miami
Guards
1. Eric Steinbach, Cincinnati
2. Kris Dielman, San Diego
3. Andre Gurode, Dallas
4. Jake Scott, Indianapolis (RFA, 5th round)
5. Derrick Dockery, Washington
Centers
1. Al Johnson, Dallas
2. Hank Fraley, Cleveland
3. Kendyl Jacox, Miami
4. Alex Steponovich, Arizona (RFA, 4th round)
5. Cory Withrow, Minnesota
Defensive ends
1. Dwight Freeney, Indianapolis
2. Jared Allen, Kansas City (RFA, 4th round)
3. Justin Smith, Cincinnati
4. Patrick Kerney, Atlanta
5. Charles Grant, New Orleans
Defensive tackles
1. Ian Scott, Chicago
2. Cory Redding, Detroit
3. Vonnie Holliday, Miami
4. Randy Starks, Tennessee (RFA, 3rd round)
5. Terdell Sands, Oakland
Linebackers
1. Lance Briggs, Chicago
2. Adalius Thomas, Baltimore
3. Shaun Phillips, San Diego (RFA, 4th round)
4. London Fletcher, Buffalo
5. Cato June, Indianapolis
Cornerbacks
1. Nate Clements, Buffalo
2. Asante Samuel, New England
3. Nick Harper, Indianapolis
4. David Macklin, Arizona
5. Kenny Wright, Washington
Safeties
1. Ken Hamlin, Seattle
2. Michael Lewis, Philadelphia
3. Gibril Wilson, N.Y. Giants (RFA, 5th round)
4. Deon Grant, Jacksonville
5. Terrance Holt, Detroit
Kickers
1. Josh Brown, Seattle
2. Rian Lindell, Buffalo
Punter
1. Matt Turk, St. Louis
