NFL · 9 hours ago

ESPN Highlights 5 Under the Radar Players for 2026 NFL Free Agency

John Canady

Host · Writer

2026 NFL Free Agency Final Verdict
The smartest front offices won’t just chase stars — they’ll capitalize on the overlooked talent that ultimately swings seasons.

Which ESPN under-the-radar free agent will boom? Who will bust? Who was left out? Tell us your favorite under-the-radar NFL free agent for 2026 in the comments!

More to Come: Check Back for Live 2026 Free Agent Landing Spots & Signing Grades!

The offseason is just getting started. Dive into the data and see where your team stands on our NFL Free Agency Hub.
ESPN Highlights 5 Under the Radar Players for 2026 NFL Free Agency
Every offseason we say it’s going to be wild — and somehow it always delivers. But 2026 feels different. There’s real quarterback intrigue, legitimate contender pressure, and a handful of under-the-radar names that could end up mattering more than the splashy headlines. ESPN’s latest predictions don’t just spotlight star power — they hint at the moves that could quietly be huge additions.
1) G/C James Daniels, Miami Dolphins
James Daniels brings interior versatility and experience, which makes him an easy plug-and-play option for teams needing stability up front. In the right system, he could quietly solidify an offensive line without the headline price tag.

James Daniels Free Agent Profile
- Free Agent Type: UFA
- Position: G/C
- Previous Team: Miami Dolphins
- Age: 28
- Experience: 8 Years
- Previous AAV: $8,000,000
Market Value (Spotrac): $6,780,135

"His 92.5% pass block win rate in 2023 was tied for 24th among qualifying guards; the year before, he ranked ninth at 94.5% pass block win rate." - ESPN
2) CB Jamel Dean, Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Jamel Dean has the size and speed profile teams covet on the outside, and a change of scenery could unlock more consistency. For a defense needing a reliable perimeter presence with great instincts, he’s the type of signing that pays off quickly.

Jamel Dean Free Agent Profile
- Free Agent Type: UFA
- Position: CB
- Previous Team: Tampa Bay Buccaneers
- Age: 29
- Experience: 7 Years
- Previous AAV: $13,000,000
Market Value (Spotrac): $12,468,672

"There are two downsides for Dean, however. The first is that he will turn 30 in October, and the second is that he has had injury problems nearly every season." -ESPN
3) RB Kenneth Gainwell, Pittsburgh Steelers
Kenneth Gainwell’s ability to contribute in both the run and pass game gives creative offenses flexibility. In the right rotation, he could outperform expectations and become a sneaky difference-maker on third downs.

Kenneth Gainwell Free Agent Profile
- Free Agent Type: UFA
- Position: RB
- Previous Team: Pittsburgh Steelers
- Age: 26
- Experience: 5 Years
- Previous AAV: $1,790,000
Market Value (Spotrac): $2,961,252

"Pittsburgh brought in Gainwell on a one-year deal, and by the end of the season, he had become quarterback Aaron Rodgers' favorite receiver. His 486 receiving yards ranked fifth among running backs. He also had a 47% success rate on rushing attempts, which ranked sixth among qualifying backs." - ESPN
4) CB Kader Kohou, Miami Dolphins
Kader Kohou has proven he can hold his own in coverage and compete against quality receivers. For a team looking to add depth with starting upside, he’s the kind of low-risk move that can age extremely well.

Kader Kohou Free Agent Profile
- Free Agent Type: UFA
- Position: CB
- Previous Team: Miami Dolphins
- Age: 27
- Experience: 4 Years
- Previous AAV: $3,263,000
Market Value (Spotrac): $2,047,307

"Kohou was out all of the 2025 season due to a partially torn ACL, but he had been a strong nickelback for the Dolphins through his first three seasons. Kohou ranked 29th among qualifying cornerbacks in my coverage DVOA metric in 2024 and is considered a strong run defender." - ESPN
5) C Connor McGovern, Buffalo Bills
Connor McGovern offers toughness and starting experience in the middle of the line, which always carries value. A contender looking for interior stability could find him to be one of the more quietly impactful additions of the cycle.

Connor McGovern Free Agent Profile
- Free Agent Type: UFA
- Position: C
- Previous Team: Buffalo Bills
- Age: 28
- Experience: 7 Years
- Previous AAV: $7,450,000
Market Value (Spotrac): $16,274,186

"You might be very surprised to see where McGovern landed in ESPN's block win rate stats for 2025. His 97.2% pass block win rate was tied for second behind the Chiefs' Creed Humphrey, and his 72.6% run block win rate was third among all centers. He's also just 28 years old." - Schatz
2026 NFL Free Agency Final Verdict
The smartest front offices won’t just chase stars — they’ll capitalize on the overlooked talent that ultimately swings seasons.

Which ESPN under-the-radar free agent will boom? Who will bust? Who was left out? Tell us your favorite under-the-radar NFL free agent for 2026 in the comments!

More to Come: Check Back for Live 2026 Free Agent Landing Spots & Signing Grades!

The offseason is just getting started. Dive into the data and see where your team stands on our NFL Free Agency Hub.
ESPN Highlights 5 Under the Radar Players for 2026 NFL Free Agency
Every offseason we say it’s going to be wild — and somehow it always delivers. But 2026 feels different. There’s real quarterback intrigue, legitimate contender pressure, and a handful of under-the-radar names that could end up mattering more than the splashy headlines. ESPN’s latest predictions don’t just spotlight star power — they hint at the moves that could quietly be huge additions.