Now that the franchise-tag deadline has passed, we officially know which teams are poised to hit the open market once the new league year begins on March 9. With that in mind, NFL Nation pegged the biggest free agent on each team. Important note: This does NOT include the 10 players who received the franchise/transition tags on Tuesday.
And if you're wondering how active your team will be in free agency, check out this link.
AFC EAST
Buffalo Bills: The Bills assigned left tackle Cordy Glenn the franchise tag on Tuesday, making left guard Richie Incognito their biggest free agent. Retaining him could be tough, though. Glenn's tag ate $13.7 million in cap space -- the Bills needed to cut Mario Williams and others just to clear that space -- and there isn't much left over for Incognito. The Pro Bowler turns 33 this summer and will be looking for the last big deal of his career. -- Mike Rodak
Miami Dolphins: The Dolphins are in a unique situation. Defensive end and sack leader Olivier Vernon got the transition tag on Tuesday and remains the top potential free agent. Other teams can negotiate a long-term extension with Vernon, and Miami has a right to match. But running back and leading rushing Lamar Miller is the top player guaranteed to hit the open market. He rushed for 1,971 yards and 16 touchdowns over the past two seasons, and the Dolphins don't have a clear in-house replacement. -- James Walker
New England Patriots: Defensive tackle Akiem Hicks, who was acquired in a trade from the Saints on Oct. 1, has the combination of size (6-foot-4, 324 pounds), athleticism, power and age (26) to put himself in good position to earn a nice contract on the open market. Core special-teamer Nate Ebner ranks No. 2 on the Patriots' list. -- Mike Reiss
New York Jets: There are two, not counting DE Muhammad Wilkerson (franchise tag): QB Ryan Fitzpatrick and NT Damon Harrison. The Jets want Fitzpatrick to be their starter, and they don't have a viable fallback option. Harrison is a two-down run-stuffer, a key cog in Todd Bowles' 3-4 scheme; there's no heir apparent on the roster, so keeping him is vital. -- Rich Cimini
AFC NORTH
Baltimore Ravens: Kelechi Osemele is considered one of the top offensive linemen in free agency. He is a prime target for any team looking to upgrade its run blocking. Osemele's value gets a boost because he has started at right tackle, left guard and left tackle in his career. The Ravens have made a self-described "aggressive" offer to keep Osemele, but the lure of making $10 million-plus per season will cause him to test the market. Osemele is expected to follow the likes of Torrey Smith, Pernell McPhee and Arthur Jones as Ravens draft picks who cashed in elsewhere when they hit free agency. -- Jamison Hensley
Cincinnati Bengals: The Bengals have several free agents who ought to warrant their attention and the attention of other teams. But wide receiver Marvin Jones leads the list. With Alshon Jeffery slated to receive the Bears' franchise tag, Jones arguably becomes the league's most desired free-agent wideout. When you consider that Jones has effectively been the Bengals' No. 2 WR behind A.J. Green, you realize just how thin this year's crop of free-agent receivers is. That said, the Bengals are going to make a strong push to keep Jones. They won't want to overpay for him, but they might have to give him a very attractive deal considering the real possibility they will lose fellow free-agent receiver Mohamed Sanu. -- Coley Harvey
Cleveland Browns: According to ESPN's Adam Schefter, center Alex Mack opted out of the final three years of his contract, making him a free agent. Schefter also reported that a return to Cleveland is "very probable." The Browns need to find a way to keep Mack, who has been to the Pro Bowl two of the past three years. Teams don't get better letting their better players leave. -- Pat McManamon
Pittsburgh Steelers: Kelvin Beachum will be the most expensive of the Steelers' bunch. Left tackles usually get paid, and you could argue Beachum was a top-10 tackle before tearing his ACL in Week 7. Free agents William Gay and Ramon Foster are valued veterans, but the team can work out something reasonable with those two. With Beachum, the Steelers already offered a contract before the 2015 season. The two sides were too far apart then; now, Beachum doesn't want to slide to guard after the emergence of Alejandro Villanueva. Basically, all signs point to Beachum getting paid elsewhere. -- Jeremy Fowler
AFC SOUTH
Houston Texans: The closest the Texans have to a big free agent is guard Brandon Brooks. He's a priority for the Texans, who will make a push to wrap up his deal before free agency opens on March 9. Brooks would have plenty of suitors on the open market. That makes it more important for the Texans to re-sign him, even though this year's class of guards is pretty deep. Brooks knows the system, and the Texans should avoid creating an unnecessary need. -- Tania Ganguli
Indianapolis Colts: The majority of the Colts' key free agents have age or health concerns. But re-signing LB Jerrell Freeman is at the top of the list. Freeman started every game he played during his four seasons with the Colts. The inside linebacker led the team in tackles in his first two seasons and was second in that category the other two seasons. -- Mike Wells
Jacksonville Jaguars: The Jaguars don't have any big-name free agents that other teams will covet. The closest is Marcedes Lewis, the franchise's all-time leader in receptions, receiving yards and touchdown catches by a tight end. DE Andre Branch hasn't lived up to being a second-round pick (14 sacks in 51 games) and won't be highly sought after. -- Mike DiRocco
Tennessee Titans: The Titans don't have any big free agents. They kept tight end Craig Stevens, a key player, with a one-year deal. So that leaves nose tackle Al Woods as the team's top free agent. He was solid for the defense in the second year of his two-year deal and can clearly thrive in Dick LeBeau's scheme. Both Woods and Sammie Hill have expiring contracts. If they don't sign Woods back, they'll have to find another nose tackle. -- Paul Kuharsky
AFC WEST
Denver Broncos: With linebacker Von Miller getting the franchise tag, quarterback Brock Osweiler is the Broncos' biggest free agent. Since their Super Bowl 50 win, Miller and Osweiler have been the focus of much of the team's negotiations. They are expected to sign Miller to a long-term deal in the weeks and months to come, which makes Osweiler the top priority in the near term. -- Jeff Legwold
Kansas City Chiefs: Cornerback Sean Smith may be asking for a contract the Chiefs aren't willing to give him, but he would be difficult for them to replace if he departs as a free agent. While Smith wasn't much of a playmaker in 2015, he was a steady presence on a down-by-down basis, making him the perfect cornerback to complement up-and-down rookie Marcus Peters. -- Adam Teicher
Oakland Raiders: The Raiders re-upping punter Marquette King on Monday makes you wonder how much of a priority left tackle Donald Penn is for them. Penn has been a solid addition the past two seasons in protecting QB Derek Carr's blind side and starting all 32 games. In fact, Penn -- a Pro-Bowler for the Buccaneers in 2010 -- has started 140 straight games in his career, the third-longest streak among tackles in the NFL. Penn, who was ranked the 10th-best left tackle in the NFL by Pro Football Focus, turns 33 on April 27. -- Paul Gutierrez
San Diego Chargers: Eric Weddle is San Diego's top free agent, and he's expected to hit the open market after an acrimonious 2015 season with the Chargers. Even though he's 31 years old, Weddle will have suitors because of his smarts, durability and production during his nine years in San Diego. Weddle also provides versatility, with the ability to play both safety positions and serve as a slot defender. -- Eric D. Williams
NFC EAST
Dallas Cowboys: The Cowboys don't really have a big-name free agent like last year, when they had DeMarco Murray on the open market. Greg Hardy would probably be it, but that's only because of his off-field issues and on-field success in the past. He had just six sacks in 2015 and made things difficult for the Cowboys' coaches and staff. Morris Claiborne was the sixth pick in the 2012 draft, but he recorded just three interceptions in four seasons and has missed 24 regular-season games in his career. Of the Cowboys' 16 unrestricted free agents, they don't have a "must return" on the list. -- Todd Archer
New York Giants: There are legitimate questions about what kind of player DE Jason Pierre-Paul can be after he lost his right index finger in a July 4 fireworks accident last year. But he was a disruptive pass-rusher upon his return, and the pass-rush-starved Giants have been working to try to re-sign him before the market opens. If he leaves for a longer, more lucrative deal, the Giants will need even more help at the position. And even with his damaged hand, Pierre-Paul still offers a high level of athleticism they're not likely to find elsewhere in free agency. -- Dan Graziano
Philadelphia Eagles: With new contracts for quarterback Sam Bradford and defensive end Vinny Curry, the Eagles managed to take care of their two biggest pending free agents. Of the remaining players, defensive back Walter Thurmond is arguably the most important. Thurmond gave the Eagles a fine safety partner for Pro Bowler Malcolm Jenkins, who said recently that he would love to work with Thurmond again. If defensive coordinator Jim Schwartz is looking for a more physical safety, Thurmond can return to his original role as a nickel cornerback. -- Phil Sheridan
Washington Redskins: Linebacker Junior Galette is Redskins' biggest free agent now that Kirk Cousins has been given the non-exclusive franchise tag. Galette signed a one-year deal with Washington last summer, but he missed the entire season because of an Achilles tendon tear. Galette is an unrestricted free agent, but his previous deal was unique in that it gave the Redskins the first right of refusal on any deal he gets on the open market. Washington needs to find a way to keep him, because Galette is a legitimate pass-rush threat who looked terrific in training camp last year and routinely gave left tackle Trent Williams fits. A potential sticking point: Galette wants a one-year deal so he can enter true unrestricted free agency next year off what he hopes will be a strong season. The Redskins want to sign him for up to three years. -- John Keim
NFC NORTH
Chicago Bears: The Bears already made decisions on wide receiver Alshon Jeffery (franchise tag) and running back Matt Forte (will not be re-signed), leaving tight end Zach Miller as arguably Chicago's most important free agent to retain, especially since Martellus Bennett's future is unknown. Miller is 31 years old, but he had a career-best 34 receptions for 439 yards and five touchdowns last season. General manager Ryan Pace said he plans to allow Miller to test the open market, but keep in mind, San Francisco just signed tight end Garrett Celek to a four year, $14 million with $5 million guaranteed. Celek is younger than Miller, but Miller is a more accomplished receiver. -- Jeff Dickerson
Detroit Lions: In size, the biggest free agent is clearly Haloti Ngata, the massive defensive tackle who was traded from Baltimore to Detroit last offseason. Ngata is one of the Lions' bigger free agents on the field too, and as long as the price is right, Detroit will attempt to re-sign him. If Detroit does bring him back, the next-biggest free agents for the Lions are defensive tackle Tyrunn Walker and safety Isa Abdul-Quddus. Walker is coming off a nasty leg and ankle injury in Week 4 that landed him on injured reserve. Abdul-Quddus, who is just 26 and hitting his prime, showed he can be a starting safety in the second half of the season. -- Michael Rothstein
Green Bay Packers: The Packers already took care of two free-agent priorities, defensive end Mike Daniels (who signed in December) and now kicker Mason Crosby (who signed on Tuesday). That leaves cornerback Casey Hayward next in line. Hayward had a solid season and showed he can play both in the slot and on the edge. But the Packers are so deep at cornerback that they might let Hayward walk despite the fact that he played more snaps (88.1 percent of the defensive plays) last season than any cornerback on their roster. The Packers would love to have him back, but it may be a luxury they can't afford. -- Rob Demovsky
Minnesota Vikings: Cornerback Terence Newman started the entire season for the Vikings at age 37, and he became an integral piece of the team's defense at left cornerback. The Vikings don't seem interested in trying Newman at safety -- general manager Rick Spielman said he thinks Newman is still a cornerback -- but if Newman wants to return at age 38, it would make sense for him to come back to the Vikings, given how untested first-round pick Trae Waynes remains. -- Ben Goessling
NFC SOUTH
Atlanta Falcons: Defensive end Adrian Clayborn is probably the Falcons' best free agent of the bunch. Atlanta values Clayborn because he brings pass-rush ability, something the Falcons sorely need after finishing with a league-low 19 sacks. The question is how much the Falcons will be willing to pay him after signing Clayborn to a one-year, $3-million contract last season. -- Vaughn McClure
Carolina Panthers: The Panthers really don't have a free agent you would consider a must re-sign since cornerback Josh Norman received the franchise tag. One could make a case for fullback Mike Tolbert, 30, who has been an important cog in the offense as a runner, blocker and passer. But Tolbert's numbers were down in 2015, and the Panthers have young backs they want to develop. Punter Brad Nortman could be the next most significant player to re-sign, but Carolina already has signed Swazye Waters from the Canadian Football League as insurance. -- David Newton
New Orleans Saints: The best thing about the Saints' tight salary cap situation is that their free-agent list is very manageable. TE Benjamin Watson is their biggest name hitting the open market -- especially since their top three tight ends are all free agents -- but he shouldn't break the bank. Although Watson is 35, he had the best statistical season of his career last year (74 catches, 825 yards, 6 TDs) and was elected a captain for the first time. The Saints could also consider upgrading at the position, which is loaded with intriguing midlevel free agents this year. -- Mike Triplett
Tampa Bay Buccaneers: The Bucs' top free agent is RB Doug Martin, who was second in the NFL in rushing in 2015. There were some who thought the Bucs would use the franchise tag on him, but they opted not to -- Mike DiRocco
NFC WEST
Arizona Cardinals: Cornerback Jerraud Powers saw his value increase last season after safety Tyrann Mathieu went down with an ACL injury in Week 15. Powers was moved to the slot to replace Mathieu, and inexperienced cornerback Justin Bethel replaced Powers at outside corner. Quarterbacks tried to exploit Bethel as much as they could, which wouldn't have happened to Powers. Nearly all of the Cardinals' other free agents are replaceable, but losing Powers could hurt the most because he lines up across from Patrick Peterson, and teams have stopped throwing to Peterson's side of the field. With a corner who can handle a heavier load and work on an island, the Cardinals could have made it to the Super Bowl. -- Josh Weinfuss
Los Angeles Rams: The Rams used the franchise tag on cornerback Trumaine Johnson, thus protecting themselves from losing one of their top two corners. But they still have key defensive pieces they must bring back. Safety/linebacker Mark Barron would be at the top of that list. You could also make an argument for S Rodney McLeod, DE William Hayes and CB Janoris Jenkins. Barron is first, though, because the Rams already made a corresponding move in releasing James Laurinaitis to create the domino effect that would make him a full-time starter. There's no obvious in-house option for that spot if they lose him. -- Nick Wagoner
San Francisco 49ers: Nose tackle Ian Williams showed how good he could be when healthy. He started all 16 games for the first time and finished with a career-high 65 tackles, a sack, a forced fumble, a fumble recovery, a pass defensed and a blocked kick. So yeah, the soft-spoken Williams let his on-field play do the talking. The Niners, you would think, should talk with their checkbook. -- Paul Gutierrez
Seattle Seahawks: Left tackle Russell Okung is the biggest free agent the Seahawks have for a few different reasons: (1) They don't have an obvious replacement on the current roster if he signs elsewhere; (2) fielding a unit that can consistently protect QB Russell Wilson is an offseason priority; and (3) demand outweighs supply when it comes to offensive linemen leaguewide. A case also can be made for outside linebacker Bruce Irvin, but of the Seahawks' 17 unrestricted free agents, Okung would be the most difficult to replace. -- Sheil Kapadia