The long offseason is nearing its first big tentpole.
When the new league year kicks off on March 17, several high-profile names will become unrestricted free agents.
Take a look at NFL.com's Top 101 free agents for 2021 and read on for major takeaways from this year's list.
Quarterbacks?
Last spring, Gregg Rosenthal listed six quarterbacks within his top 20 free agents, including Dak Prescott, Ryan Tannehill, Drew Brees, Tom Brady, Philip Rivers and Jameis Winston.
The Cowboys applied the franchise tag to Prescott last year, and now he's back at the top of Rosenthal's free agent list. But beyond Prescott, the next quarterback listed is Winston at No. 23.
While quarterback movement is certainly garnering big headlines around the league this spring, the majority of it won't come as a part of the free agency carousel like in 2020.
Offensive linemen to watch
The Panthers have five offensive linemen who started at least one game last year slated to become unrestricted free agents. Tackle Taylor Moton was listed 10th overall in Rosenthal's list after he posted yet another strong season for Carolina at right tackle.
Other offensive linemen worth noting are tackle Trent Williams (No. 2), guard Brandon Scherff (No. 11), guard Joe Thuney (No. 17), former Panthers tackle Daryl Williams (No. 37), tackle Alejandro Villanueva (No. 79) and tackle Kelvin Beachum (No. 86).
Numbers in the secondary
Two Panthers cornerbacks, Rasul Douglas and Corn Elder, are set to become free agents, so finding both a starter and quality depth is essential.
Only one secondary player, Broncos safety Justin Simmons, cracked Rosenthal's top 25, but there were a lot of solid names in the next segment of the list. Players like cornerback Shaquill Griffin (No. 29), safety Marcus Maye (No. 33),safety John Johnson (No. 35), safety Marcus Williams (No. 38), cornerback William Jackson (No. 40), cornerback Jason Verrett (No. 45), cornerback Ronald Darby (No. 46) and safety Anthony Harris (No. 50) all cracked the top 50.
Leaving the NFC South?
While Carolina had three players – Moton, wide receiver Curtis Samuel (No. 24) and defensive tackle Kawann Short (No. 98) – listed, it's worth taking a look at who divisional opponents may be moving on from.
Atlanta Falcons: safety Keanu Neal (76)
New Orleans Saints: edge rusher Trey Hendrickson (13), quarterback Jameis Winston (23), safety Marcus Williams (38), defensive tackle Sheldon Rankins (75)
Tampa Bay Buccaneers: wide receiver Chris Godwin (6), linebacker Shaquil Barrett (8), linebacker Lavonte David (36), tight end Rob Gronkowski (55), wide receiver Antonio Brown (64), defensive tackle Ndamukong Suh (71)
