NFL free agency 2018: Top 5 unrestricted free agents

1. Kirk Cousins, QB, Redskins

After playing two years on the franchise tag, Cousins will now be free to strike his own deal, and there’s a chance he signs for at least $30 million a season. He’s coming off his third straight 4,000-yard season.

2. Drew Brees, QB, Saints

Brees’ contract will void on Wednesday, and he’ll technically be a free agent. But Brees and the Saints have made it clear he will re-sign with New Orleans.

3. Andrew Norwell, G, Panthers

A terrific interior blocker, Norwell has been a major factor in the Panthers’ consistently strong running game. He’ll be a target of Giants GM Dave Gettleman, the former Panthers’ GM who signed Norwell as an undrafted free agent in Carolina in 2014.

4. Allen Robinson, WR, Jaguars

The 24-year-old receiver is coming off a torn ACL but is considered an elite talent and should command plenty of attention on the open market. The Jets may be interested.

5. Trumaine Johnson, CB, Rams

With the Rams trading for Marcus Peters and Aqib Talib, Johnson now becomes expendable. He’s regarded as one of the league’s top cover corners and had a career-high seven interceptions in 2015.

Other free agents of note

Malcolm Butler, CB, Patriots

Richard Sherman, CB, Seahawks

Nate Solder, T, Patriots

Sheldon Richardson, DT, Seahawks

Sammy Watkins, WR, Rams

Teddy Bridgewater, QB, Vikings

Case Keenum, QB, Vikings

Justin Pugh, G, Giants

Jerick McKinnon, RB, Vikings

Mo Wilkerson, DT, Jets

Weston Richburg, C, Giants

Star Lotulelei, DT, Panthers

Dion Lewis, RB, Patriots

(Note: List does not include players who were designated with franchise or transition tags.)

By Bob Glauber

Special to NewsdayBobGlauber

Bob Glauber retired in 2022 after covering the NFL for nearly 40 years. He was selected in 2021 for the Bill Nunn Career Achievement Award by the Pro Football Writers of America, and is a three-time winner of the New York State Sportswriter of the Year by the National Sports Media Association. President of the PFWA for the 2018-20 seasons, he is the author of “The Forgotten First” and “Guts and Genius.”