Charvarius Ward, 28, has been a key contributor to the 49ers' defense. In the 2024 season, he recorded 54 tackles and 7 pass deflections. His physicality and coverage skills would bolster the Raiders' defensive backfield. Ward is anticipated to command a contract around $13.5 million annually.
Jamien Sherwood, 25, has been a reliable linebacker for the Jets. In the 2024 season, he recorded 158 tackles and 2 sacks. His ability to contribute in both run defense and pass coverage would enhance the Falcons' linebacker corps. Sherwood is anticipated to command a contract around $5 million annually.
In 2024, Davis allowed just two touchdowns and a 55.3% completion rate when targeted. He only managed two interceptions. Davis is a potential high-reward free agent. He is coming off the best season of his career, with a 77 passer rating allowed. we could see teams hesitant to commit big money over multiple years with those injury concerns.
Mike Hilton, 30, has been a versatile cornerback for the Bengals. In the 2024 season, he recorded 1 interception and 5 pass deflections. His ability to play both inside and outside would provide the Falcons with flexibility in their secondary. Hilton is expected to seek a contract in the range of $6 million per year.
Malcolm Koonce, 25, has shown promise as a pass rusher. After a strong finish to the 2023 season, he suffered a knee injury before the 2024 season, causing him to miss the entire year. A short-term "prove-it" deal would allow Koonce to reestablish his value.
Rasul Douglas, 29, has been a reliable cornerback for the Bills. In the 2024 season, he recorded 58 total tackles and 5 pass deflections. His ball-hawking skills and physicality would enhance the Falcons' secondary. Douglas is expected to seek a contract in the range of $7 million per year.
Byron Murphy is set to head into free agency coming off the best year of his career. He was targeted 119 times in coverage, allowing just a 76.7 passer rating when targeted. That ranked 18th among qualified corners this season. A big part of that was reeling in six interceptions, compared to just four touchdowns allowed when in coverage. This season, his six interceptions tied for the league lead among corners with Marlon Humphrey.
Sweat's pressure rate of 14.1% ranks outside the top 60 at the position. However, Sweat was impactful with those pressures, resulting in eight sacks. The lack of elite pass-rushers in this class boosts Sweat’s overall value in free agency, given the impact the pass rush can have on a game.
D.J. Reed is perhaps the top option in free agency. While his passer rating allowed (87.1) ranked just 50th this season, it is his consistency that is key. That was the highest passer rating allowed by Reed since his second year in the league. That is five years with a passer rating allowed of 87.1 or lower. Reed has allowed more than two touchdowns in coverage only once in his career, back in 2021.
Mack will be 35 years old when the new season begins. However, he is still a very valuable contributor to any defense and brings a lot of experience. A 13.7% pressure rate and six sacks last season are more than respectable, and when you add in a 12.7% tackle rate, there is a lot to be impressed about. Mack has some scheme versatility, being able to line up as a conventional defensive end or as an outside linebacker. He is unlikely to be too expensive at this point in his career, but should still command a contract in excess of $10 million a year.
