Milton Williams, 25, has been a disruptive force on the Eagles' defensive line. In the 2024 season, he recorded five sacks and 24 tackles. His versatility and pass-rushing ability would strengthen the Commanders' interior defensive line. Williams is expected to seek a contract in the range of $8 million per year.
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.
Zack Baun figures to get paid in free agency after being a Defensive Player of the Year finalist. He had an impressive 23.8% tackle rate on run plays and finished with 151 total tackle. Baun’s value in the passing game could make him a better candidate for a multi-year contract. In coverage, Baun allowed an 80.5 passer rating and just 5.6 yards per target. He also demonstrated value as a blitzer with 3.5 sacks and a 19.3% pressure rate on just 83 pass rush snaps. With the Eagles boasting a roster capable of repeating as Super Bowl champs, it makes more sense to lock in a cornerstone for Vic Fangio’s defense.
In his second season as the Rams’ starting left tackle, Alaric Jackson cut his pressure rate allowed from 7.4% in 2023 to 4.7% in 2024. By raw totals, Jackson also cut his hits allowed in half from eight in 2023 to four in 2024. Jackson turns 27 years old in July and has demonstrated an ability to hold up at the most valued offensive line position, which should earn the former undrafted free agent a lucrative multi-year deal
Before playing all 17 games in 2024, Stanley had played only 31 out of 68 possible games the previous four seasons. Moreover, he wasn’t playing at a starter level in that span, allowing a 7.8% pressure rate. At 31 years old in March, it’s not inconceivable that Stanley could perform at a high level for the next two to three seasons if he receives a shorter term deal. Additionally, the Ravens don’t have a succession plan for Stanley, as backup swing tackle Josh Jones is also a free agent.
After six Pro Bowl seasons in 11 years with the Chargers, Keenan Allen’s first year with the Bears was considerably rockier. The veteran struggled to find chemistry with Caleb Williams, averaging the lowest catch percentage (57.9%) and fewest yards per route (1.4) of his career. Allen was also only targeted on 22% of his routes, the fewest since his rookie season in 2013. A surprising level of red-zone production goosed his touchdown total (seven), but that belies his actual impact on the Bears’ offense.
The 29-year-old is coming off a major ankle injury and could command a major deal as the top free agent wide receiver. Godwin was still performing at a high level. Before his injury, he averaged a career-best 2.4 yards. Godwin has become a franchise icon over the years and complements Mike Evans well. All that adds up to a player the Buccaneers should retain and continue to build around.
Moehrig started all 17 games for the third time in his four-year career last season, recording a career-high 10 passes defended. His ball skills have improved as a deep safety, as he has five interceptions the past two seasons after recording one pick over his first two seasons combined. As a reliable former second-round pick who will be 26 years old next season, Moehrig should be a priority to retain as a defensive building block.
Julian Blackmon was a staple in the Colts’ secondary in 2024, setting career-highs in starts (16) and percentage of snaps played (93.7%). A year after recording a career-high four interceptions, Blackmon followed that up with three picks. Blackmon enters this offseason healthy, which could land him a long-term deal.
In three seasons since joining the Chiefs, Reid has played at least 90% of the snaps every year. And in seven total NFL seasons, he’s never played fewer than 13 games. Reid’s versatility is indispensable for Steve Spagnuolo’s defense, which relies on interchangeable safeties that can line up anywhere. In 2024, Reid played 56% of his snaps as a deep safety, 26% in the box, and 18% in the slot or at outside cornerback.
