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Players in the NWSL are embracing the free agency market. Athletes have been able to enter negotiations since September, and now that the NWSL Expansion Draft has concluded, and some newly signed free agents have been announced with new teams. Others have re-signed new contracts while some look for their next club at the right terms. So who are the best players out there and where have some landed?

We took a look at the top players in the free agency market:

Top 10 NWSL free agents

10. MID Savannah McCaskill (Angel City ➡️ San Diego Wave FC): The center attacking mid saw her role increase over the last two seasons with Angel City. She led the team in offensive production in 2023 with three assists and four goals as the team reached the NWSL Playoffs. She recently inked a new deal with SoCal rivals Wave FC to a three-year contract.

9. FWD Maria Sanchez (Re-signed with Houston Dash): A winger with a notorious left foot, the Mexican international was the driving force behind Houston's entire attack in 2023. She led the team in chances created (29) while providing four assists and four goals during the season. The free agent re-signed with the Dash on a new multi-year deal that is currently reported as the highest-paid contract in NWSL.

8. DEF Sarah Gorden (Re-signed with Angel City): The centerback has been a league professional since 2016 and a starting-caliber player for the last six seasons. She earned iron woman honors for the second time in her career after playing every minute for Angel City after sustaining an ACL injury the year before and was a Defender of the Year finalist. Her efforts were not in vain and Angel City re-signed the free agent to a new three-year deal.

7. DEF Casey Krueger (Chicago Red Stars): A long-time fullback in the league, Krueger's experience as a defensive back has been split across the backline nearly her entire professional career. Her versatility in multiple roles would provide a solid presence to any backline, but her recent attacking tendencies make her an asset on offense. She was second on the team in chances created (19) and expected assists (xA 1.98).

6. DEF Tierna Davidson (Chicago Red Stars ➡️ Gotham FC): A defender with good vision and strong in the air, she made her return to the pitch after an ACL injury in 2022. She was second in the league in clearances (101) and blocked shots (22). She is officially an east coaster now with Gotham FC having recently signed a three-year deal with them. 

5. DEF Emily Fox (North Carolina Courage): Recently nominated for U.S. Soccer Female Player of the Year, Fox had a massive 2023 for club along with U.S. national team duty. She flexed her adaptability playing as a right back after featuring mostly as a left back during her first seasons in the league. If the offers aren't right, recent reports say she could be headed overseas.

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4. MID Emily Sonnett (OL Reign ➡️ Gotham FC): Sonnett made a positional shift under head coach Laura Harvey and rose to prominence as a defensive midfielder this year. She's effective in different pressing scenarios and led the team in recoveries (212) while finishing second in interceptions (27). She'll help organize the middle third for Gotham through 2026 on a new deal.

3. FWD Mallory Swanson (Chicago Red Stars): The forward had her 2023 cut short due to a torn patellar tendon in April. She still ended as the leading goal scorer for the U.S. national team with seven goals. Despite an injury cutting her blazing form, she's been an MVP-caliber player for the Red Stars her last few seasons. She's on the road to recovery and her 22 goals (across all competitions) in the last three seasons will have teams calling for her services. 

2. MID Rose Lavelle (OL Reign ➡️ Gotham FC ): The 28-year-old midfielder had her 2023 hampered by injury but is closing out the year on a high note. Lavelle's 2023 NWSL Championship performance kept the Reign's hope alive after a jarring start to the final with Megan Rapinoe's injury and impending retirement. Lavelle is a menace on the dribble and her ability on the ball will be a game-changer for Gotham FC.

1. MID Crystal Dunn (Portland Timers ➡️ Gotham FC): The three-time NWSL Champion and 2019 World Cup winner had already announced her departure from the Thorns to test free agency waters. Dunn is a proven winner and can be both collaborator and clinical in the attacking third. CBS Sports previously reported Gotham as a landing spot for Dunn, and after multiple club suitors, she's signed with Gotham FC on a three-year deal.