NFL free agency 2021: Top 10 NFL defensive linemen available
Here's a look at the top 10 NFL defensive linemen available in free agency this offseason. By Dave Zangaro
Barrett wasn’t able to duplicate his 19 1/2 sack season from 2019 but he had 8 in 2020 and then showed out in the playoffs. He had three sacks in the NFC Championship Game and another in the Super Bowl. He was a menace against the Chiefs in Super Bowl LIV.
The former Jet hard a very good season with the Giants in 2020, picking up 11 1/2 sacks. He showed that he belongs in an attacking 4-3 front and he’s going to make plenty of money on the open market this offseason.
Because of the presence of T.J. Watt on the other side, Dupree sometimes gets overlooked. He shouldn’t. He had 8 sacks in 2020 in just 11 games and has been an extremely consistent player for a few seasons now. He’s coming off a torn ACL, which might hurt his value but he’s still very good.
Speaking of the Watt family, J.J. will end up in the Hall of Fame one day but he’s going to make another stop before then. The Texans granted his release earlier this offseason. Watt will turn 32 later this month and he’s not the same guy he was when he was the Defensive Player of the Year, but he’s still going to be a very big help to whichever team signs him.
Ngakoue is about to play for his third team in two seasons when the 2021 season starts. He still managed to pick up 8 sacks in 2020, splitting time with the Vikings and Ravens, but it’s time for him to find a real home in 2021.
The former 1st-round pick had a good season on his one-year deal with the Rams, piling up 10 1/2 sacks. He probably earned himself some money.
The former 3rd-round pick had 13 1/2 sacks in 15 games and was somehow not named to the Pro Bowl. The contract he’s about to get in free agency ought to make up for that.
Lawson’s sack numbers aren’t mind-blowing — he has 10 1/2 over the last two years — but he also has 54 QB hits over the last two seasons. Just three players (T.J. Watt, Za’Darius Smith and Joey Bosa) have more.
Clowney’s one year with the Titans didn’t go to plan. He played in eight games and didn’t get a single sack. He’s 28 now and the former No. 1 overall pick will be looking for his fourth team in four years. But he’s still super talented and he still has the potential to be a major disruptor in a league that is always desperate for pass rush.
The 28-year-old has been a Pro Bowler in back-to-back seasons for the Ravens and is another guy who gets pretty constant pressure on opposing QBs. He has been quite a find for the Ravens, who took him in the 5th round back in 2016.
