Nothing sells tickets in the NFL quite like an elite quarterback and explosive offense. But Super Bowl LVIII is recent evidence that defense still matters greatly in the hunt for a Lombardi Trophy. Perhaps more than even Patrick Mahomes, Steve Spagnuolo’s Kansas City Chiefs defense helped propel the third title in five years for this generation’s NFL dynasty.
With that in mind, all 32 teams figure to explore this year’s veteran market for defensive upgrades. And 2024 free agency actually has quite a few starting-caliber pieces to offer.
(To check out the top 25 offensive free agents, click here).
Here’s an early look at 25 of the best defenders set to be available:
Honorable mentions: Chiefs DE Mike Danna, Eagles DE Brandon Graham, Texans DL Sheldon Rankins, Colts DL Grover Stewart, Ravens OLB Jadeveon Clowney, Browns OLB Za’Darius Smith, Patriots OLB Josh Uche, Buccaneers LB Devin White, Seahawks LB Jordyn Brooks, Seahawks LB Bobby Wagner, Broncos LB Josey Jewell, Chiefs LB Willie Gay Jr., Texans CB Steven Nelson, Colts CB Kenny Moore II, Rams S Jordan Fuller, Lions S C.J. Gardner-Johnson, Giants S Xavier McKinney
He turns 30 this summer, and he’s missed extensive time due to injury in two of his last four seasons. But Reader is a mammoth-sized gap-plugger who’s been rock-steady when healthy for both the Cincinnati Bengals and Houston Texans. His impact goes well beyond the numbers, particularly as a run defender.
After a multiyear lull, Cox returned to starting-caliber form on an otherwise shoddy Philadelphia Eagles defense in 2023. At 33, he’s still best suited in a rotational role, no longer the every-down stud of his prime. But if he doesn’t retire or re-sign in Philly, he should have suitors as an interior chess piece.
The former New York Jets reserve has quietly carved out a niche as the Carolina Panthers’ top off-ball blitzer, totaling 12.5 sacks and 20 quarterback hits since 2022. His speed to the ball gives him great appeal even at a devalued position, and he’s only two years into his opportunity as a full-time starter.
There are few veterans better positioned to capitalize on a single season of production than Stone, whose seven picks in 2023 made him an unlikely star of a loaded Baltimore Ravens defense. While he projects as more of a No. 3 center fielder than do-it-all starter, his knack for finding the ball in pass coverage can’t be denied.
If Geno Stone is the safety market’s boom-or-bust playmaker, then Curl is the steady, if unspectacular, prototype. While Washington’s struggled to field a respectable pass “D,” he’s still logged four straight years of generally reliable play on the back end, hitting a career-high 115 tackles in 2023.
His highs are super-high, which makes sense considering he’s earned Pro Bowl nods with three different teams. Even at 33, Gilmore had a few vintage lockdowns for the Dallas Cowboys in 2023. The concern, however, is that he’s not getting any younger and will likely be joining his fifth different defense in as many years.
Will Anderson Jr. won Defensive Rookie of the Year in the Houston Texans’ trenches, but Greenard quietly set the stage for his pass-rushing efficiency, leading the club with 12.5 sacks in 2023. Injuries robbed him of 16 games from 2021-2022, but when active, he’s been one of the Texans’ steadiest starters.
On a Miami Dolphins roster loaded with speed and celebrity, Van Ginkel emerged in 2023 as more of a rugged breakout, logging a career-high six sacks, plus 19 QB hits, as a part-time starter. Couple that with three other years of solid rotational work, and he’s primed for a bigger gig moving forward.
Speaking of age, David continues to defy it as the rock of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers defense, topping 120 tackles for the fourth time in six years at 33. It’s just hard to find him out of position, and he still brings a physical edge. It’s difficult,…
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