CBS Sports reporter Pete Prisco shares his Top 100 NFL Free Agents, biggest bargains, busts and AJ Brown and Maxx Crosby trades

Pete Prisco is a CBS Sports senior NFL columnist and analyst for CBS Sports HQ with decades of experience covering the league. Prisco (@PriscoCBS on X) provides a deep dive on the 2026 NFL Free Agency frenzy, including his annual informative story on his Top 100 NFL Free Agents on CBSSports.com (https://www.cbssports.com/nfl/news/pete-priscos-top-100-nfl-free-agents-for-2026/) .

Eric “Burg” Burgess and Manish Mehta leave no stone unturned during this entertaining episode filled with soon-to-be overpaid busts, the best bargains in this free agent class and a closer look at football trade talks involving disgruntled stars like Philadelphia Eagles wide receiver A.J. Brown and Las Vegas Raiders pass rusher Maxx Crosby.

Prisco leans on his institutional football knowledge and intel from talking to NFL scouts, general managers, executives and coaches to give a comprehensive look at the 2026 NFL free agent class.

EPISODE DETAILS:

(1:45): Forget about recognizable veteran free-agent players like Cincinnati Bengals pass rusher Trey Hendrickson, Buffalo Bills pass rusher Von Miller, Los Angeles Chargers pass rusher Khalil Mack, Seattle Seahawks Super Bowl MVP running back Kenneth Walker, Baltimore Ravens tight end Isaiah Likely, Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Aaron Rodgers and Philadelphia Eagles pass rusher Jaelan Phillips. Prisco’s explains why Baltimore Ravens center Tyler Linderbaum is his No. 1 free agency in the 2026 class, what his market value is and which teams will target him to bolster its offensive line. Ben Johnson and the Chicago Bears appear to be an ideal fit. Will Prisco hit a home run like he did before 2025 NFL Free Agency when he had former Vikings quarterback Sam Darnold as his top free agent?

(3:00): Who are some of the most overrated free agents in this class? Prisco believes that aging players Arizona Cardinals defensive end Calais Campbell and Saints linebacker Demario Davis might be more name than game at this stage of their careers.

(4:00): Prisco explains why Packers quarterback Malik Willis is the most overrated player in the 2026 NFL Free Agent class despite NBC football analyst Chris Simms’ belief that Willis will be a steal. Prisco makes a case that former Arizona Cardinals signal caller Kyler Murray would be a better option for quarterback-needy NFL teams.

(4:45): Prisco waxes poetic about Kansas City Chiefs cornerback Jalen Watson as possibly the best bargain in free agency. How critical is a free agent’s age when stacking his appeal?

(7:00): Is Kyler Murray destined to the Minnesota Vikings? Murray’s apparent desire to play with perennial Pro Bowl wide receiver Justin Jefferson -- and on a team with a defense led by Brian Flores -- makes sense. But do the Vikings want him? Prisco also wonders if head coach Kevin O’Connell is a quarterback whisperer, why didn’t he do a better job with quarterback J.J. McCarthy?

(7:55) Prisco mentions a darkhorse team for Murray’s services: The Indianapolis Colts. Would general manager Chris Ballard be better off adding Murray for cheap instead of paying a larger freight for the injured Daniel Jones, who received the transition tag?

(9:00) What will Aaron Glenn, new offensive coordinator Frank Reich, Darren Mougey and the New York Jets brass do at quarterback? Prisco discusses the benefits of tanking the 2026 season and drafting a quarterback from a deep 2027 NFL Draft class.

(10:50) Owner Robert Kraft, head coach Mike Vrabel and the New England Patriots went to the Super Bowl after spending a lot of money in free agency last season. So, what will they do for an encore? Prisco believes Indianapolis Colts wide receiver Alec Pierce would be a great fit, but will he be worth the inflated price tag? He’s definitely in the same class as Ja’Marr Chase, JSN or Loa Angeles Rams star Puka Nacua. How much money is too much money for him?

(12:00) Should the Patriots just trade for Philadelphi Eagles star wide receiver A.J. Brown, who seemingly want to be reunited with Vrabel after playing for him with the Tennessee Titans?

(13:30): Is Howie Roseman making a mistake if he trades away A.J. Brown? In a standoff between Brown and former Super Bowl MVP quarterback Jalen Hurts, who would you keep? Prisco offers his evaluation on Hurts as a player and why moving Brown probably would be the right decision.

(15:30): Which Eagles defensive players set to hit free agency should Roseman keep: passer Jaelan Phillips, linebacker Nakobe Dean or safety Reed Blankenship? Prisco offers a blunt assessment.

(16:50): Which player will be the steal of this free agent class when we look back in a few years? Prisco heaps high praise on Kansas City Chiefs safety Bryan Cook and Seattle Seahawks defensive back Coby Bryant.

(19:00) The guys wrap up relaying Prisco’s assessment of the Maxx Crosby drama that Tom Brady, Klint Kubiak and the rest of the Las Vegas Raiders brass is dealing with now. Would Prisco trade for the veteran All-Pro pass rusher?

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