• Chris Jones is PFF's top-ranked 2024 free agent: The Chicago Bears and Las Vegas Raiders are potential landing spots if the Chiefs opt to move on from the elite interior defender.
• Justin Madubuike could beef up a defensive line in Arizona or Houston: The Cardinals need to add several starters along their defensive front, and the Texans could be set to lose Sheldon Rankins to free agency.
• Draft and trade for yourself: Try PFF's Mock Draft Simulator — trade picks and players and mock for your favorite NFL team.
Estimated Reading Time: 19 minutes
We started our free agent landing spots series with quarterbacks and wide receivers, rounded out the skill position players with running backs and tight ends and wrapped up the offensive side of the ball with offensive linemen.
Now, we’re continuing with the interior defender class after looking at a deep and diverse edge defender group. We’re operating under the assumption here that teams do not retain their own top pending free agents at the respective positions.
For our full list of the top 200 free agents, check out our free agent rankings page loaded with player analysis, PFF data and contract projections.
1. DI Chris Jones, Kansas City Chiefs
Potential landing spot(s): Chicago Bears, Las Vegas Raiders
The Bears may not be looking to make this big of a splash, and general manager Ryan Poles has often prioritized spending on younger players, but we’d be remiss if we didn’t make this connection; the missing piece to Chicago’s ascending defense taking another step is a proven interior pass rusher.
The Raiders' defense finished the second half of the season on an absolute tear, but a few key contributors on the interior defensive line are pending free agents. A duo of Maxx Crosby and Chris Jones would immediately become one of the league’s best.
Top free agent comparison: Ndamukong Suh, 2015
| Player | Run-defense grade | Pass-rush grade | True pass set pass-rush grade | Pass-rush win rate | APY as % of Cap at signing |
| Chris Jones | 74.2 | 92.5 | 92.3 | 18.5% | ? |
| Ndamukong Suh | 80.0 | 83.0 | 82.5 | 11.2% | 13.3% |
*All data in tables reflects two years prior to UFA contract signing
Contract projection: Available in PFF's free agency rankings
6. DI Justin Madubuike, Baltimore Ravens
Potential landing spot(s): Arizona Cardinals, Houston Texans
The Cardinals need to add several starters along their defensive front, and head coach Jonathan Gannon spent time in Minnesota and Philadelphia in past stops, two places where a talented and deep defensive line was always a priority.
Houston could be set to lose Sheldon Rankins to free agency, and while general manager Nick Caserio has always prioritized short-term deals for mid-tier players in free agency, one has to assume that strategy could be augmented for the next few years of C.J. Stroud’s rookie contract.
Top free agent comparison: Javon Hargrave, 2020
| Player | Run-defense grade | Pass-rush grade | True pass set pass-rush grade | Pass-rush win rate | APY as % of Cap at signing |
| Justin Madubuike | 66.1 | 73.6 | 81.9 | 11.2% | ? |
| Javon Hargrave | 81.3 | 77.5 | 79.8 | 12.2% | 6.5% |
*All data in tables reflects two years prior to UFA contract signing
Contract projection: Available in PFF's free agency rankings
7. DI Christian Wilkins, Miami Dolphins
Potential landing spot(s): Minnesota Vikings, New England Patriots
Wilkins sat back last offseason and not only saw effectively all of his fellow 2019 first-round interior defender cohorts get extended but also Dolphins under-appreciated interior defender Zach Sieler get a new deal. He used that as motivation at the right time, with a career year as a pass rusher. Here, he reunites with Vikings defensive coordinator Brian Flores, who was his head coach in Miami back when he was selected in the first round.
A one-two punch of Christian Barmore and Wilkins would be one of the best interior duos in the NFL, and even with Barmore eligible for an extension this offseason, perhaps New England loads up a bit in free agency just like they did in 2021 when they were set to take a rookie quarterback.
Top free agent comparison: Malik Jackson, 2016
| Player | Run-defense grade | Pass-rush grade | True pass set pass-rush grade | Run-stop rate | APY as % of Cap at signing |
| Christian Wilkins | 78.5 | 74.5 | 75.7 | 10.0% | ? |
| Malik Jackson | 81.5 | 74.1 | 78.1 | 9.7% | 9.2% |
*All data in tables reflects two years prior to UFA contract signing
Contract projection: Available in PFF's free agency rankings
16. DI Leonard Williams, Seattle Seahawks
Potential landing spot(s): Carolina Panthers, Seattle Seahawks
Carolina needs an interior defender to move around and play off run-stuffer supreme Derrick Brown up the middle, and Williams makes sense as a three- to five-technique who has blossomed as a pass rusher over time. This duo would be a nightmare to run on between the tackles.
We break our rule of not mapping players to their incumbent team here because Seattle acquired Williams at the deadline and he had a case to be the best player on the defense over the second half of the season, forming a solid pass-rush tandem with Dre’Mont Jones. Teams shouldn’t always let the sunk cost fallacy dictate their decisions, but sending second- and fifth-round picks for half a season of Leonard Williams and no playoff games would be a tough look.
Top free agent comparison: Fletcher Cox, 2022
| Player | Run-defense grade | Pass-rush grade | True pass set pass-rush grade | Pass-rush win rate | APY as % of Cap at signing |
| Leonard Williams | 69.0 | 78.5 | 85.6 | 11.8% | ? |
| Fletcher Cox | 63.1 | 75.1 | 81.8 | 12.0% | 6.7% |
*All data in tables reflects two years prior to UFA contract signing
Contract projection: Available in PFF's free agency rankings
19. DI D.J. Reader, Cincinnati Bengals
Potential landing spot(s): Detroit Lions, New Orleans Saints
Reader’s recovery from a torn quadriceps is key to any decision here, and we went with some short-term connections if Reader wanted to build his value heading into 2025 free agency. Detroit needs more talent across its defensive front, and a combination of Alim McNeill and Reader would be an extremely stout foundation to build out from.
The Saints need more on the interior, as 2023 free agent-additions Khalen Saunders and Nathan Shepherd are both solid players but not necessarily difference-makers. Reader joins a Saints defense that has been among the league’s best during the Dennis Allen years.
Top free agent comparison: Dalvin Tomlinson, 2023
| Player | Run-defense grade | Pass-rush grade | True pass set pass-rush grade | Run-stop rate | APY as % of Cap at signing |
| D.J. Reader | 76.1 | 85.6 | 86.8 | 9.5% | ? |
| Dalvin Tomlinson | 67.4 | 79.1 | 85.8 | 7.6% | 6.3% |
*All data in tables reflects two years prior to UFA contract signing
Contract projection: Available in PFF's free agency rankings
51. DI Grover Stewart, Indianapolis Colts
Potential landing spot(s): Cincinnati Bengals, New York Jets
The Bengals' defense took a major step back in 2023, and while their secondary allowed one of the highest explosive pass rates in the league, their front four was also pushed around more than we’ve become accustomed to seeing, especially following the loss of D.J. Reader to injury. Stewart opens things up for B.J. Hill and the edge rushers while clogging up the middle and improving the run defense.
The Jets added veteran nose tackle Al Woods ahead of the 2023 season, but the ageless Woods suffered an injury. Star interior defender Quinnen Williams was as good against the run as any defensive tackle in football in 2023, but freeing him up to get upfield and terrorize opposing quarterbacks unlocks his true powers.
Top free agent comparison: Terrance Knighton, 2016
| Player | Run-defense grade | Pass-rush grade | True pass set pass-rush grade | Run-stop rate | APY as % of Cap at signing |
| Grover Stewart | 74.5 | 60.5 | 62.3 | 8.7% | ? |
| Terrance Knighton | 77.3 | 57.1 | 55.9 | 7.4% | 1.3% |
*All data in tables reflects two years prior to UFA contract signing
Contract projection: Available in PFF's free agency rankings
62. DI Sheldon Rankins, Houston Texans
Potential landing spot(s): Arizona Cardinals, Detroit Lions
Rankins has largely played in even fronts, and while the Cardinals appear to be sticking with a predominantly odd front for the time being, head coach Jonathan Gannon has extensive experience with the former and there is still so much uncertainty with this unit that we probably shouldn’t put them in any sort of box. Arizona needs all the help it can get up front, and here Gannon adds a veteran with playoff experience to a young roster.
A reunion between Rankins and Lions defensive coordinator Aaron Glenn, who worked together with the New Orleans Saints, would make a lot of sense for all parties. His experience and familiarity could help push the Lions over the proverbial hump.
Top free agent comparison: Nick Fairley, 2017
| Player | Run-defense grade | Pass-rush grade | True pass set pass-rush grade | Pass-rush win rate | APY as % of Cap at signing |
| Sheldon Rankins | 53.2 | 74.2 | 83.6 | 11.7% | ? |
| Nick Fairley | 65.6 | 71.6 | 77.0 | 9.9% | 4.2% |
*All data in tables reflects two years prior to UFA contract signing
Contract projection: Available in PFF's free agency rankings
71. DI Teair Tart, Tennessee Titans
Potential landing spot(s): Houston Texans, Philadelphia Eagles
Houston added Tart off waivers at the end of the season, hoping to get an extended and up-close look at a former division rival who has a ton of talent. Question marks remain about his tumultuous time in Tennessee that led to a departure amid a contract stalemate and a very frustrated Tart, but the talent is undeniable.
If Tart’s market doesn’t pan out as he hopes, this would be a very Eagles move. Trust the culture and veteran leadership in the locker room, and sell Tart on an opportunity to play with one of the league’s best defensive lines en route to a big year and cashing in in 2025.
Top free agent comparison: D.J. Jones, 2022
| Player | Run-defense grade | Pass-rush grade | True pass set pass-rush grade | Pass-rush win rate | APY as % of Cap at signing |
| Teair Tart | 58.0 | 73.9 | 76.8 | 8.7% | ? |
| D.J. Jones | 64.0 | 66.9 | 69.1 | 8.2% | 4.8% |
*All data in tables reflects two years prior to UFA contract signing
Contract projection: Available in PFF's free agency rankings
72. DI Fletcher Cox, Philadelphia Eagles
Potential landing spot(s): New York Jets, Pittsburgh Steelers
Cox had a bounce-back 2023 season after one of the least productive seasons of his career in 2022, and he played a massive role despite the addition of two first-round interior defenders in recent years, among other, younger additions. The veteran still has good football left in him, and while you may not want him playing 700-plus snaps, he is plenty capable. The Jets add a veteran who can serve as a mentor to Quinnen Williams and also play a key role on a rotation that needs beefing up.
Steelers assistant general manager Andy Weidl came aboard from the Philadelphia Eagles last offseason, and here he recruits Cox to join a rotation featuring Steelers legend Cameron Heyward and explosive rookie Keeanu Benton. Pittsburgh has already begun shedding some bigger salaries this offseason, and while Larry Ogunjobi has been solid, perhaps there would have to be a one-for-one swap of sorts there.
Top free agent comparison: Akiem Hicks, 2022
| Player | Run-defense grade | Pass-rush grade | True pass set pass-rush grade | Pass-rush win rate | APY as % of Cap at signing |
| Fletcher Cox | 59.2 | 69.3 | 70.2 | 9.8% | ? |
| Akiem Hicks | 65.0 | 75.7 | 78.5 | 12.3% | 3.8% |
*All data in tables reflects two years prior to UFA contract signing
Contract projection: Available in PFF's free agency rankings
90. DI DaQuan Jones, Buffalo Bills
Potential landing spot(s): Carolina Panthers, Tennessee Titans
Jones spent a year in Carolina and returns here to work with now-general manager Dan Morgan, providing a veteran presence to work alongside Derrick Brown. Carolina needs an interior defender who can get into the backfield in a hurry while Brown pushes the pocket from the middle, and that’s exactly what Jones showed last season.
Jones could also rejoin the squad he spent the first seven years of his career with, though he played only one full season opposite of Jeffery Simmons.
Top free agent comparison: Mike Daniels, 2019
| Player | Run-defense grade | Pass-rush grade | True pass set pass-rush grade | Pass-rush win rate | APY as % of Cap at signing |
| Daquan Jones | 70.7 | 77.9 | 79.5 | 12.7% | ? |
| Mike Daniels | 75.4 | 76.7 | 82.5 | 11.8% | 4.3% |
*All data in tables reflects two years prior to UFA contract signing
Contract projection: Available in PFF's free agency rankings
95. DI Maurice Hurst, Cleveland Browns
Potential landing spot(s): Cincinnati Bengals, Detroit Lions
Hurst is always productive when healthy — but the “when healthy” part is, unfortunately, the challenge. However, a low-cost flier to improve Cincinnati’s interior could go a long way.
Hurst played college football at Michigan State, so he returns to the great state of Michigan to make a potentially huge impact in a rotational capacity.
Top free agent comparison: Zach Kerr, 2021
| Player | Run-defense grade | Pass-rush grade | True pass set pass-rush grade | Pass-rush win rate | APY as % of Cap at signing |
| Maurice Hurst | 76.5 | 75.9 | 76.7 | 14.1% | ? |
| Zach Kerr | 78.3 | 77.2 | 84.4 | 10.9% | 0.7% |
*All data in tables reflects two years prior to UFA contract signing
Contract projection: Available in PFF's free agency rankings
98. DI Quinton Jefferson, New York Jets
Potential landing spot(s): Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Washington Commanders
Tampa looks to have hit on another crop of draft picks in 2023, with first-round interior defender Calijah Kancey generating 11 quarterback pressures in his first two playoff games. But the unit needs more depth alongside Kancey and Vita Vea.
Washington has the dynamic duo of Jonathan Allen and Daron Payne but not much behind them to spell them and still get after the quarterback. Enter interior pass-rush specialist Quinton Jefferson, who never played for Dan Quinn but has worked with many of his proteges over the years.
Top free agent comparison: Henry Melton, 2015
| Player | Run-defense grade | Pass-rush grade | True pass set pass-rush grade | Pass-rush win rate | APY as % of Cap at signing |
| Quinton Jefferson | 34.6 | 63.5 | 66.2 | 10.2% | ? |
| Henry Melton | 43.9 | 72.0 | 71.2 | 9.6% | 2.6% |
*All data in tables reflects two years prior to UFA contract signing
Contract projection: Available in PFF's free agency rankings
100. DI Javon Kinlaw, San Francisco 49ers
Potential landing spot(s): Atlanta Falcons, New England Patriots
New Falcons head coach Raheem Morris will likely want to add some temporary replacements for Grady Jarrett while he recovers from injury and gets fully back up to speed, but the team may not want to make a third splash along the interior with Jarrett and David Onyemata both on sizable deals. This is a buy-low on a former first-round pick who still shows flashes of elite athleticism but hasn’t quite put it all together just yet.
With a stout run defense up the middle, led by Davon Godchaux and Christian Barmore, New England takes a gamble on the talent and adds an interior pass rusher with untapped potential.
Top free agent comparison: Jordan Phillips, 2019
| Player | Run-defense grade | Pass-rush grade | True pass set pass-rush grade | Pass-rush win rate | APY as % of Cap at signing |
| Javon Kinlaw | 28.3 | 67.6 | 75.2 | 9.3% | ? |
| Jordan Phillips | 48.7 | 70.6 | 73.7 | 8.1% | 2.4% |
*All data in tables reflects two years prior to UFA contract signing
Contract projection: Available in PFF's free agency rankings
103. DI Shelby Harris, Cleveland Browns
Potential landing spot(s): Baltimore Ravens, New York Jets
Harris had a solid year in Cleveland and should be a quality member of an interior rotation for a few more years. The Ravens may end up giving Justin Madubuike a monster extension, but a lot of the other interior defenders in Baltimore profile as more of run-first, one-technique types. Here, they add a little pass-rush juice to the unit at a bargain price.
The Jets simply need to add more alongside Quinnen Williams, and this is a potentially much cheaper Quinton Jefferson replacement. While Harris may not be quite the same pass rusher at this point, he is not a liability against the run.
Top free agent comparison: Chris Baker, 2018
| Player | Run-defense grade | Pass-rush grade | True pass set pass-rush grade | Pass-rush win rate | APY as % of Cap at signing |
| Shelby Harris | 76.8 | 68.4 | 71.7 | 9.8% | ? |
| Chris Baker | 67.7 | 67.2 | 73.6 | 7.7% | 1.4% |
*All data in tables reflects two years prior to UFA contract signing
Contract projection: Available in PFF's free agency rankings
111. DI A'Shawn Robinson, New York Giants
Potential landing spot(s): Indianapolis Colts, Las Vegas Raiders
If the Colts lose nose tackle Grover Stewart, they save some money and add a stout replacement who has one of the highest run-stop rates in the NFL. Robinson would be a great fit next to DeForest Buckner.
The Raiders' run defense was as good as any over the second half of the 2023 season, and why not keep a strength a strength? Head coach Antonio Pierce has made it very clear he prioritizes stopping the run on early downs and forcing opponents into less favorable downs and distances.
Top free agent comparison: Bennie Logan, 2017
| Player | Pass-rush grade | True pass set pass-rush grade | Run-defense grade | Run-stop rate | APY as % of Cap at signing |
| A’Shawn Robinson | 51.1 | 56.3 | 64.8 | 12.6% | ? |
| Bennie Logan | 49.1 | 50.8 | 78.2 | 12.6% | 4.8% |
*All data in tables reflects two years prior to UFA contract signing
Contract projection: Available in PFF's free agency rankings
120. DI Raekwon Davis, Miami Dolphins
Potential landing spot(s): Dallas Cowboys, Indianapolis Colts
We know Colts general manager Chris Ballard values athleticism, and there’s a reason the 6-foot-7 Davis went in the second round of the 2020 draft. Davis’ 2023 Miami tape showed a lot of late pressure, reading opposing quarterbacks well after quick pressure from teammates, so he could be a nice complement to DeForest Buckner as a nose tackle.
Top free agent comparison: Angelo Blackson, 2021
| Player | Pass-rush grade | True pass set pass-rush grade | Pass rush win rate | Run-defense grade | APY as % of Cap at signing |
| Raekwon Davis | 60.9 | 60.9 | 6.9% | 41.1 | ? |
| Angelo Blackson | 56.2 | 58.2 | 6.1% | 36.4 | 1.5% |
*All data in tables reflects two years prior to UFA contract signing
Contract projection: Available in PFF's free agency rankings
157. DI Kevin Givens, San Francisco 49ers
Potential landing spot(s): Chicago Bears, Cleveland Browns
Givens carved out a larger and larger role in the 49ers' defensive front, eating into Javon Kinlaw‘s snaps and simply forcing his way onto the field despite a very talented depth chart. Chicago may prioritize spending on the edge or the offense, but Givens would be a nice complementary piece on the interior.
Cleveland and defensive coordinator Jim Schwartz want to be stout and deep along the defensive line, and Givens could replace some of the production from Shelby Harris and/or Maurice Hurst. Expect the Browns to add along the defensive line, even after potential reunions with their own free agents.
Top free agent comparison: Akeem Spence, 2017
| Player | Pass-rush grade | True pass set pass-rush grade | Pass rush win rate | Run-defense grade | APY as % of Cap at signing |
| Kevin Givens | 64.6 | 69.3 | 8.2% | 35.7 | ? |
| Akeem Spence | 63.3 | 67.5 | 8.2% | 38.5 | 1.8% |
*All data in tables reflects two years prior to UFA contract signing
Contract projection: Available in PFF's free agency rankings
158. DI Bilal Nichols, Las Vegas Raiders
Potential landing spot(s): New England Patriots, New York Giants
Nichols is one of the more versatile interior defenders available, with experience across the formation in both odd and even fronts, and is the type of solid and reliable member of a unit who can be a matchup-specific chess piece.
New Giants defensive coordinator Shane Bowen has done a lot of great work aiding in the development of defensive linemen, valuing versatile players who bring consistency and effort.
Top free agent comparison: Adam Butler, 2021
| Player | Pass-rush grade | True pass set pass-rush grade | Pass-rush win rate | Run-defense grade | APY as % of Cap at signing |
| Bilal Nichols | 61.4 | 69.1 | 7.7% | 46.9 | ? |
| Adam Butler | 62.9 | 62.5 | 5.7% | 52.8 | 2% |
*All data in tables reflects two years prior to UFA contract signing
Contract projection: Available in PFF's free agency rankings
159. DI Sebastian Joseph-Day, Los Angeles Chargers
Potential landing spot(s): Miami Dolphins, Los Angeles Rams
Joseph-Day had a very unceremonious end to his tenure with the Chargers after signing a strong free-agent contract to follow Brandon Staley from the Los Angeles Rams. Nonetheless, he’s still a solid early-down run stuffer with some tread left on his tires.
The Rams could use some help on early downs, and a reunion with a homegrown success story would make sense.
Top free agent comparison: Tyson Alualu, 2017
| Player | Pass-rush grade | True pass set pass-rush grade | Pass-rush win rate | Run-defense grade | APY as % of Cap at signing |
| Sebastian Joseph-Day | 55.6 | 56.8 | 6.1% | 50.0 | ? |
| Tyson Alualu | 55.7 | 61.9 | 6.3% | 59.5 | 1.8% |
*All data in tables reflects two years prior to UFA contract signing
Contract projection: Available in PFF's free agency rankings
167. DI Adam Butler, Las Vegas Raiders
Potential landing spot(s): Minnesota Vikings, New England Patriots
Butler is clearly well-liked by the New England Patriots tree, spending time with the Miami Dolphins and Las Vegas Raiders once Belichick offshoots landed there in positions of power. Brian Flores could use Butler's help in Minnesota, or he could return to where his career got off the ground.
Top free agent comparison: Hassan Ridgeway, 2023
| Player | Pass-rush grade | True pass set pass-rush grade | Pass-rush win rate | Run-defense grade | APY as % of Cap at signing |
| Adam Butler | 70.2 | 72.6 | 9.2% | 39.4 | ? |
| Hassan Ridgeway | 65.0 | 66.5 | 7.5% | 33.9 | 1.4% |
*All data in tables reflects two years prior to UFA contract signing
Contract projection: Available in PFF's free agency rankings
177. DI Poona Ford, Buffalo Bills
Potential landing spot(s): Carolina Panthers
Ford has fallen down the depth chart a bit in recent seasons but could be a solid member of a Carolina rotation along the front, spelling Derrick Brown throughout games.
Top free agent comparison: N/A
| Player | Pass-rush grade | True pass set pass-rush grade | Pass-rush win rate | Run-defense grade | APY as % of Cap at signing |
| Poona Ford | 63.7 | 65.1 | 10.5% | 50.2 | ? |
| N/A | – | – | – | – | – |
*All data in tables reflects two years prior to UFA contract signing
Contract projection: Available in PFF's free agency rankings
182. DI Justin Jones, Chicago Bears
Potential landing spot(s): Kansas City Chiefs, Las Vegas Raiders
Kansas City has lost a lot of depth pieces along the interior in recent years, and inside-outside threat Charles Omenihu may miss the early portion of the 2024 season. Jones played against the Chiefs twice a year over his rookie contract and returns here in a specific role.
Jones was drafted to the Los Angeles Chargers by new Raiders general manager Tom Telesco, and while consistency can fluctuate, there were some solid flashes in 2023. Antonio Pierce may also appreciate that Jones likes to talk trash as much as anyone — before, during and after games.
Top free agent comparison: N/A
| Player | Pass-rush grade | True pass set pass-rush grade | Pass-rush win rate | Run-defense grade | APY as % of Cap at signing |
| Justin Jones | 54.4 | 54.4 | 5.7% | 42.2 | ? |
| N/A | – | – | – | – | – |
*All data in tables reflects two years prior to UFA contract signing
Contract projection: Available in PFF's free agency rankings
183. DI Solomon Thomas, New York Jets
Potential landing spot(s): Green Bay Packers
Green Bay has gotten continued growth from recent draft picks along the interior, but a position-flex five-technique type to add to the rotation could be a nice piece in a young group.
Top free agent comparison: N/A
| Player | Pass-rush grade | True pass set pass-rush grade | Pass-rush win rate | Run-defense grade | APY as % of Cap at signing |
| Solomon Thomas | 58.8 | 60.2 | 6.1% | 34.7 | ? |
| N/A | – | – | – | – | – |
*All data in tables reflects two years prior to UFA contract signing
Contract projection: Available in PFF's free agency rankings
197. DI Taven Bryan, Indianapolis Colts
Potential landing spot(s): Chicago Bears, Kansas City Chiefs
The former first-rounder has shown an improved pass-rush arsenal in recent years and is a good late-down rotational piece.
Top free agent comparison: N/A
| Player | Pass-rush grade | True pass set pass-rush grade | Pass rush win rate | Run-defense grade | APY as % of Cap at signing |
| Taven Bryan | 64.5 | 64.0 | 7.8% | 50.5 | ? |
| N/A | – | – | – | – | – |
*All data in tables reflects two years prior to UFA contract signing
Contract projection: Available in PFF's free agency rankings
© 2024 PFF - all rights reserved.