Before free agency, DNA of Sports offers you its traditional Top 5 free agents who will be available at each position on March 13. Today, the defensive linemen.
There Free agency 2024 is rich in players available on the defensive line.
1- Danielle Hunter (DE) – 29 years old
Stats 2023: 83 tackles including 16.5 sacks
Author of 92 sacks in eight seasons (including 4.5 in six playoff games), Danielle Hunter is one of the best in the league at this important position. Minnesota would like to extend him but with quarterback Kirk Cousins up for re-signing, their finances seem too tight to do both!
Its position and production mean that it will be highly coveted at the market. The latest rumors suggest the Chicago Bears are very interested. But the competition will be tough including the Patriots, Texans, Colts and others.
The ideal destination: Washington Commanders
After parting with their two holders at the position during the 2023 season (Chase Young and Montez Sweat), Washington must add a threat on the outside of its Dline. Danielle Hunter could be seduced by the capital franchise because she has just signed a coach renowned for his defensive skills in Dan Quinn.
Above all, the Commanders have the second most comfortable salary margin in the NFL ($91M): enough to make him an offer that cannot be refused!
2- Chris Jones (DT) – 29 years old
Stats 2023: 38 tackles including 11 sacks (playoffs included)
Champion my brother! For the third time, Chris Jones can put a ring on his finger. A major player in the final victory against San Francisco, he is the best NFL player in his position.
This player, who had a happy childhood despite very modest living conditions, today enjoys fame and wealth.
At the end of his contract, he will be highly coveted: but will he leave?
The ideal destination: Kansas City Chiefs
The player himself says it: he wants to stay in Kansas City. Manager Brett Veach, however, must justify his salary by manipulating the Chiefs' payroll because the money available is very limited at the moment.
3- Christian Wilkins (DT) – 28 years old
Stats 2023: 65 tackles including 9 sacks
Five seasons that Christian Wilkins has been a defensive leader for Miami. A quality sought after in players of imposing size, he has only missed two matches in five years!
In 2023, he produces his best season in terms of pressure with 13% in pass rush win rate (13th in his position) and 9 sacks! Arriving at the age of maturity for an athlete, he will be very coveted in March.
The ideal destination: Houston Texans
To accompany Maliek Collins, Houston could extend Sheldon Rankins (6 sacks in 2023). But with a lot of money to spend ($70M), the Texans could also consider strengthening the sector with a player with superior talent.
Signing a big check as well as joining a promising team could appeal to the player.
4- Chase Young – 24 years old
2023 stats: 7.5 sacks and 19% pass rush win rate (15th NFL at his position)
Since his draft with the number 2 pick in 2020, Chase Young has never been able to confirm this status. Traded to the 49ers during the 2023 season, he was able to show his level of play.
Due to his injury history, franchises will undoubtedly offer him a one-season contract (and an optional 2nd) but betting on his potential could pay off big.
The ideal destination: Chicago Bears
After recruiting Montez Sweat, Chicago should not stop there. With the 3rd NFL salary margin, the Bears must improve an anemic playing sector in 2023: 30 sacks, 31st NFL total!
5- Leonard Williams – 29 years old
Arriving during the 2023 season in Seattle, Leonard Williams brought what the Seahawks were missing: pressure from inside the defensive line. From the 9th week and his arrival in Seattle, he became the 10th NFL Defensive Tackle in quarterback pressure, 9th in quarterback hits and 14th in sacks.
The ideal destination: Seattle Seahawks
To bring him in, Seattle gave the Giants a 2nd round pick and a 5th round pick in the 2024 draft! Paying such a price for a player at the end of his contract means that the manager at that time intended to keep the player after 2023.
By parting ways with Jamal Adams and Quandre Diggs, Seattle freed up salary room to extend Leonard Williams.
Other interesting players: Leonard Floyd (DE), DJ Reader (DT), Grover Stewart (DT), Andrew Van Ginkel (Edge), Jonathan Greenard (DE), Denico Autry (DL), Javon Kinlaw (DT), Sheldon Rankins (DT), Emmanuel Ogbah (DE), Yetur Gross-Matos (DE), AJ Epenesa (DE), Jordan Elliott (DT), DJ Wonnum (DE), Jadeveon Clowney (DE), Bryce Huff (Edge) etc.
