Best pending NFL free agents

It's hard to imagine the Steelers letting Bell get to free agency without at least franchising him. Arguably the best running back in football, Bell had 1,884 yards from scrimmage in only 12 games in 2016.

Bennett has revitalized his career in New England, and would love to return. He had 55 receptions for 701 yards and seven touchdowns spending much of the year as Rob Gronkowski's sidekick.

Berry was franchised in 2016, and the Chiefs would love to have him back. He's the team's defensive leader and was named to his fifth Pro Bowl this year.

The last time Blount left New England, things didn't go as hoped with Pittsburgh and he found his way back. Coming off a career year with 1,161 rushing yards and 18 touchdowns, Blount could return again but will likely net a big raise.

Britt had a career year at the right time, with 68 receptions for 1,002 yards in 2016. The Rams would be well-advised to retain their top receiving option as quarterback Jared Goff develops.

Brown had a career year in his first season with Buffalo, netting 97 tackles and four sacks. He could cash in after solidifying himself as a starter.

One of the best interior pass rushers in football, Campbell had eight sacks in 2016 for the Cardinals. He has more than 50 sacks for his career.

The Patriots shocked the football world when they traded Collins to Cleveland at midseason, and the Browns would like to retain him. Collins had 79 tackles and three sacks this season.

Conte was a playmaker for the Bucs this season, with 54 tackles, two interceptions, and five passes defensed.

Clearly the best quarterback on the market, Cousins got a huge payday with the franchise tag in 2016. Washington could opt to do the same this year, but more likely Cousins will get the long-term deal he's been hoping to receive.

Floyd had a huge opportunity in his walk year and completely blew it. He struggled in Arizona before a DUI arrest that got him released. New England scooped him up late in the year, and a good playoff run could still earn him some money. Floyd had at least 800 yards in three consecutive seasons leading up to 2016.

With teams desperate for quarterbacks, Glennon is likely to find a starting job somewhere. He has 18 starts since he was drafted in 2013, but hasn't found much of the field since the Bucs drafted Jameis Winston in 2015.

Hightower has made his share of plays for the Patriots during his five-year career, but he had only 31 tackles and 2.5 sacks in 2016. New England should be able to afford to retain him if they choose.

Ingram has really come on strong for the Chargers over the last two seasons, with a total of 18.5 sacks. Pass rushers are hard to find, so Ingram should find a sizable market if the Chargers let him walk.

Jackson returned to 1,000 receiving yards this season for Washington, showing his immense speed into his 30's. There should still be some worry that the deep threat will slow down soon, but surely there will be teams interested in giving him a significant contract this offseason.

Jeffery missed time due to a PEDs suspension in 2016, but had 52 receptions for 821 yards in 12 games despite poor quarterback play in Chicago. He still brings huge upside just entering his age 27 season.

After getting seven interceptions in 2015, Johnson had only one this season. He's still a quality cover corner and arguably the best on the market this year. The Rams can ill-afford to give up players of his quality.

Shipped from the Patriots to Arizona last offseason, Jones had 11 sacks during the regular season. He has double-digit sacks in three of the last four seasons, showing as one of the league's most consistent pass rushers.

Lacy's market is unclear after a frustrating two years. He got in better shape last season, only to suffer an ankle injury this year and play only five games.

Lang has been a solid guard for the Packers over the last six seasons, and should be able to cash in somewhere this offseason.

Kalil played only two games in 2016 due to a hip injury. The former Pro Bowler should still get a huge contract at his premium left tackle position.

Averaging only 4.0 yards per carry in each of the last two seasons, Murray could be allowed to walk in free agency with young options behind him in Oakland. He has generally performed adequately as a workhorse running back.

Pierre-Paul rebounded this season to have seven sacks in 12 games for the Giants. After a fireworks accident during the 2015 offseason, Pierre-Paul has proven that he can be a solid pass rusher again.

Perry has made the most of his first season as a full-time starter, finishing the regular season with 11 sacks. He will certainly get a larger payday as a result of his big performance.

Poe has been slowed over the last two seasons due to back issues, which could deter the Chiefs from giving him a huge contract this offseason. He's still one of the top run stuffers at his position, often requiring double teams.

A former quarterback in college and the NFL, Pryor really developed as a wide receiver for the Browns this season. He finished with 77 receptions for 1,007 yards and four touchdowns.

A former first-round pick, Reiff has been a solid player protecting Matthew Stafford's blindside in recent seasons. He should get a huge pay increase this offseason.

Sheard has been a solid supplementary pass rusher for the Patriots over the last two seasons, with a total of 13 sacks. His consistent contribution should create plenty of free agent interest.

Short has come on strong over the last two seasons as a pass rusher, with a total of 17 sacks. The former second-round pick is set for a huge pay increase.

Injuries have really hindered Smith in recent seasons, including a triceps injury that limited him to four games in 2016. Still solid when on the field, Smith should find a home, likely on a short-term deal.

Smith piled up 186 tackles over the last two seasons in Oakland, showing comfort in the same defensive system he came up with in Seattle. He's a great fit to return to Oakland.

One of Pittsburgh's defensive leaders, Timmons had 78 tackles, 2.5 sacks, two interceptions, and one forced fumble in 2016. It would be a major loss and surprise if the Steelers let him depart.

A solid player when he's on the field, Vollmer missed all of 2016 due to injury. His past injury issues could make him a high risk, high reward player in free agency.

Ware has struggled to stay healthy over the last two seasons due to injuries, and could opt for retirement this offseason in his mid-30's. Still, he has 11.5 sacks over the last two seasons, spanning 21 games.

One of the oldest players in the NFL, Whitworth was still solid at tackle this season at age 35. He's been a late bloomer for the Bengals, and seems to have plenty left despite his age.