Initial NFL Free Agent Field Thoughts: Defense
What does the 2025 NFL offseason have to offer in free agency for defense?
Last week, I talked about what the free agent field looks like on offense. Now it's time to look at the defense — and here we find lots of talk already surrounding certain players who could re-set the market, though not among pending free agents.
Instead, the conversation surrounds pass rushers who are entering the final year of their contracts in 2025 or, in one case, a player who has requested a trade. The likes of Myles Garrett, Trey Hendrickson and Micah Parsons are getting talked up and it won't be long before the talk includes Aidan Hutchinson.
How likely is a trade market going to develop for multiple pass rushers? When it comes to an individual player, it depends on his and his team's current situation. But when it comes to who could be available in free agency, it's possible we could see a push by certain teams to try to trade for players.
I'll talk more about what would be involved in trading certain players, but let's get to the unrestricted free agent fields for defense as they currently stand. What exactly can teams expect when looking at each position?
Interior defensive line: When you look at the players who may be available, there will be a few notable names, but the notable names are mostly older players, with a couple of younger players who have yet to live up to their potential.
Among the less notable names, you will find players who have talent but haven't proven themselves as top options. There certainly isn't a Chris Jones out there, meaning none of the free agents are going to re-set the market.
It's possible prices don't get high at this position, but that's because you don't have players who can transform a defense. My expectation is you see players that hit the second tier of salaries but it's not likely you'll see anyone hit the first tier.
Edge rusher: The situation is similar to the interior defenders: Older players are among the notable names but there are a couple of younger players out there who haven't quite lived up to expectations. But in this case, it's possibly somebody might be prepared to pay a lot.
Khalil Mack might get a considerable two-year commitment from a playoff contender. Chase Young had a solid season and played all 17 games, so he might get a more lucrative deal this time around. Josh Sweat might be able to cash in as well.
It's this position at which I expect more activity in free agency. Again, there might not be game changers out there but there are pass rushers who could provide that player who forms a strong pairing with an elite pass rusher.
Linebacker: A few years ago, the off-ball linebacker market went crazy, to the point that multiple players got salaries that surpassed $15M APY. That market has settled down over the years, but is it possible it could go crazy again?
Zach Baun, Nick Bolton and Jamien Sherwood form a trio of a linebackers who rank among the better players at the position. After Patrick Queen got nearly $14M APY in free agency last year, it's possible these three could push for $15M APY or more.
There are other linebackers who are solid players but not standouts. Once the top three are signed, teams might be able to find value. It could pay to be patient here.
Cornerback: There will be some notable names set to hit free agency but, once again, you don't have a standout. The notable names are either older players or, for those who are younger, haven't reached their potential. In a few cases, there are players who are coming off injuries and might have to wait until they can pass a physical.
It's possible you could see a lot of activity at this position, but not activity in which there's a market re-set. But some teams could be tempted to overpay if they are in need of help.
For those who don't overpay, they might find value here. There are cornerbacks who could be quality No. 2 players when paired with a top corner. Again, patience could pay here.
Safety: Last offseason, the Packers were aggressive in signing Xavier McKinney and it paid off for them. Is there a Xavier McKinney among the pending unrestricted free agents?
My answer would be "maybe." There will be quality players at this position, but while McKinney was just 25 years old last year, the notable names among free agent safeties are much older.
It's possible a free agent safety could be the type of player that is a good scheme fit and, thus, will play at a high level in 2025. But that may mean teams shouldn't pay top dollar for such a player. Once again, the "patience pays" mindset may benefit teams.