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.
It has been an up-and-down start to Azeez Ojulari’s NFL career, and the fact that he has only played 29 games in the last three seasons is a big part of that. There is certainly potential, with double-digit tackle and pressure rates and 6.0 sacks in 2024. The support we have seen him show in the run games makes Ojulari an intriguing all-around option for defense. Given the injuries and relative lack of production, we should see Ojulari available at a reasonable price this offseason.
After four straight injury-riddled campaigns, Ronnie Stanley recaptured his franchise left tackle form in 2024. Stanley played all 17 games plus both playoff games. And while he wasn’t quite his vintage self in pass protection, his 6.5% pressure rate allowed was a big improvement from his 9.6% rate in 2023. He also allowed just three sacks in 17 games after allowing four in 13 games the prior season.
After an injury-plagued four-season run with the Jets, Mekhi Becton started all 15 regular season games he appeared in with the Eagles in 2024 at right guard. Becton has actually been healthy two years in a row now after playing 16 games in 2023. He had played just one game from 2021-22 combined. Becton didn’t fare particularly well in pass protection, allowing a 6.0% pressure rate. That ranked 48th out of 56 guards with at least 400 pass-blocking snaps.
Kevin Zeitler turns 35 this March but has remained as reliable as ever. For the 10th consecutive season, Zeitler started at least 15 games. His 3.2% pressure rate allowed with the Lions was a slight improvement from his 3.5% rate in 2023 with the Ravens. However, he did allow five sacks, as many as his previous three seasons combined.
After years of injury woes in Washington, Brandon Scherff has stayed healthy since signing with the Jaguars. Scherff played all 17 possible games for the third consecutive season. Scherff didn’t allow a single sack in 592 pass-blocking snaps this season. Among guards, only Trey Smith of the Chiefs (665) had more pass-blocking snaps without allowing a sack.
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.
Trey Smith, 25, has been a cornerstone of the Chiefs' offensive line. In the 2024 season, he started all 17 games. His proficiency in both pass protection and run blocking would significantly bolster the Lions' offensive line. Smith is anticipated to seek a contract in the range of $10 million per year.
The longtime Colts center was limited to 10 games in 2024, his fewest since 2017 (his second NFL season). Kelly allowed a 3.6% pressure rate, which ranked 17th among 31 centers with at least 300 pass-blocking snaps. “League-average starter” is likely an apt description for Kelly as he turns 32 this offseason, though that holds plenty of value when combined with his experience.
Drew Dalman missed eight games on injured reserve with an ankle injury in 2024, but otherwise has started all 40 games he’s played the last two seasons at center for the Falcons. Dalman returned for the final six games of the season, indicating he shouldn’t have any limitations for 2025. When he did play, Dalman had his best season in pass protection. He allowed a career-best 3.7% pressure rate, a big improvement from his 5.7% pressure rate allowed in his first three seasons.
