There are some positions with few attractive options in free agency this offseason. If you want an impact tight end, you won't find one in March.
However, there are some interesting players hitting free agency for teams looking for defensive line help.
The defensive line (including edge rushers) is the strongest position in free agency. In the top 25 overall free agents at the start of the offseason, six of the top eight were on defense, including the No. 1 free agent, Chris Jones of the Kansas City Chiefs. Jones signed a significant contract extension before the legal tampering period began, but there are still plenty of attractive talents on the market for him.
Here are the top five free agent defensive linemen/edge rushers:
(update: Agreed to 4-year contract with Raiders)
Wilkins has been a good, dependable player since being drafted in the first round out of Clemson. While the Dolphins were dealing with salary cap issues, the Raiders swooped in and reached a deal. Wilkins is strong against the run and had nine sacks last season. He is in his prime working age and is reportedly very well paid with a four-year, $110 million contract.
(update: Agreed to 2-year contract with Texans)
Double-digit sacks are pretty much expected for Hunter. He has recorded at least 10 sacks in four of the past five seasons, and he would have gone 5-for-5 in 2021 had he not been limited to seven games due to injury. He will turn 30 this season, but Houston still agreed to sign him on a two-year contract with $48 million guaranteed.
(update: Returns to Seahawks on 3-year contract)
Last season, the Seahawks traded a second-round pick and a fifth-round pick to the New York Giants for Williams in hopes of making the playoffs. That speaks to Williams' value as he enters his age-30 season. Because he is a proven and versatile veteran, Seattle is reportedly bringing him back on a three-year deal that averages $21.5 million per year.
(update: He reportedly agreed to a three-year contract worth $51.1 million with the Eagles.)
Huff is an attractive player. He was an undrafted defender until last season, recording 8.5 sacks in three seasons. And last season, he had 10 sacks, and the latest stats prove he had a true breakout season. He will turn 26 next season with the Philadelphia Eagles, and they are reportedly making a big bet on him through free agency. All they have to worry about is the risk of paying too much for a player who had a great season for next to nothing.
(update: He reportedly agreed to a four-year, $76 million contract with the Vikings.)
Greenard took the opportunity to set a new career high in sacks. He hit 12.5 last season just before he became a free agent. Greenard, a 2020 third-round draft pick, has been a quality defender throughout his NFL career when healthy. He turns 27 in May and would be a great addition to the Vikings' pass rush. Greenard's contract with Minnesota is worth $76 million, with $42 million guaranteed, his agent told ESPN's Adam Schefter.
