NFL Free Agency 2022: Previewing This Year's Class

Everybody else gets a little tight, he's the same guy," Steelers coach Mike Tomlin told reporters after their Week 18 win over the Ravens.If Big Ben doesn't call it quits, teams may seek him to steer the proverbial playoff ship—much like the Indianapolis Colts did with Philip Rivers a year ago.Notable Players:James Conner, Arizona CardinalsLeonard Fournette, Tampa Bay BuccaneersMelvin Gordon III, Denver BroncosMarlon Mack, Indianapolis ColtsJ.D. McKissic, Washington Football TeamRashaad Penny, Seattle Seahawks          We may also see trade activity at the running back position this offseason. Trent Brown and Nate Solder have been serviceable starting tackles, though neither has found strong success away from the Patriots.Expect plenty of money to be thrown at offensive linemen this offseason.Notable Players:Calais Campbell, Baltimore RavensAkiem Hicks, Chicago BearsMalik Jackson, Cleveland BrownsLarry Ogunjobi, Cincinnati BengalsNdamukong Suh, Tampa Bay BuccaneersBrandon Williams, Baltimore Ravens                Teams looking for run-stuffing defensive line help will have options, though they may be looking at the older end of the spectrum.The 2022 class of interior linemen is headlined by the likes of Calais Campbell (35 years old), Ndamukong Suh (35), Malik Jackson (32) and Brandon Williams (32). Both are capable of playing the role Clowney did opposite a player like Garrett—in fact, Ogbah did during his time in Cleveland—but neither is likely to break the bank or jump in as an All-Pro addition.Notable Players:Anthony Barr, Minnesota VikingsDont'a Hightower, New England PatriotsChristian Kirksey, Houston TexansLeighton Vander Esch, Dallas CowboysAnthony Walker, Cleveland BrownsK.J. Wright, Las Vegas Raiders  NFL teams aren't as enamored with true off-ball linebackers as they used to be. Expect a few teams to chase him, hoping a flier can yield high-end production on the cheap.Notable Players:Carlton Davis, Tampa Bay BuccaneersStephon Gilmore, Carolina PanthersJoe Haden, Pittsburgh SteelersChris Harris Jr., Los Angeles ChargersJ.C. Jackson, New England PatriotsPatrick Peterson, Minnesota VikingsDarious Williams, Los Angeles Rams  This year's cornerback class features one superstar, a high-end starter, a few aging big names and some nice complementary options. Teams, of course, will have to weigh the fact that Williams played alongside stars like Jalen Ramsey and Aaron Donald in Los Angeles.Notable Players:Jessie Bates III, Cincinnati BengalsQuandre Diggs, Seattle SeahawksAnthony Harris, Philadelphia EaglesTyrann Mathieu, Kansas City ChiefsMarcus Maye, New York JetsKeanu Neal, Dallas Cowboys       While the safety class might not be as deep as it was a year ago—when Justin Simmons, Marcus Williams and John Johnson III headlined a stellar group—it's still loaded with top-end talent. Similarly, New York Jets safety Marcus Maye was terrific a year ago but is now coming off a torn Achilles.In 2020, Maye compiled 88 tackles, two sacks, 11 passes defended and an opposing passer rating of only 80.4.Tyrann Mathieu is a four-time Pro Bowler whose resume largely speaks for itself, while Keanu Neal has found a new role as a hybrid linebacker-safety with the Dallas Cowboys.Quandre Diggs is coming off his second straight Pro Bowl campaign and will draw plenty of interest on the open market.Teams that are looking to add a starting-caliber safety and are willing to spend on the position will have numerous options in 2022.