Ranking Best Fits for Top Defensive Players in 2024 NFL Free Agency Class

As NFL free agency approaches, teams and fans should be bracing for a cascade of activity. The salary cap has been set at a record $255.4 million, and the 2024 class is one of the most loaded we've seen in recent years.

While offensive standouts like Kirk Cousins, Mike Evans and Saquon Barkley are scheduled to be available, this year's class is particularly deep on the defensive side.

From pass-rushers and disruptive defensive tackles to playmaking linebackers and top-tier cover corners, the market will have something for virtually any defense-needy team. The unknown, of course, is where the biggest stars will land.

Here, we'll delve into the top defensive free agents of 2024 and rank the top potential landing spots for each of them based on factors like scheme fit, team need, supporting cast and franchise trajectory.

While contract dollars will certainly weigh into free-agent decisions, we'll be looking specifically for on-field fits during this exercise.

1. Jacksonville Jaguars

2. Houston Texans

3. New England Patriots

Jacksonville Jaguars edge-rusher Josh Allen has remained a consistent sack artist despite playing most of his career without a top complementary option. Travon Walker came on in 2023, and Allen finished the year with 17.5 sacks and 46 quarterback pressures.

With a varied set of pass-rush moves and enough physicality to counter the perimeter running game, the 26-year-old Allen is one of the best young defenders in football. Unsurprisingly, the Jags are very interested in keeping him.

"That's an ongoing discussion we're having with his agent," general manager Trent Baalke said, per John Shipley of FanNation.

Staying in Jacksonville and continuing to develop alongside Walker would make plenty of sense for Allen. If he departs, though, the rival Houston Texans would be a sensible destination.

While Allen is best suited for a 3-4 front, he has the size (6'5", 255 lbs) and play strength to rush from the end spot as well. In Houston, he could play opposite reigning Defensive Rookie of the Year Will Anderson Jr., perhaps as a replacement for impending free agent Jonathan Greenard.

The Texans defense showed a lot of growth under first-year head coach DeMeco Ryans in 2023. Houston could allow Allen to be part of a team that appears poised to be a perennial contender.

The New England Patriots are in the beginning stages of their rebuild under new head coach Jerod Mayo, but they could intrigue Allen as well. Though New England struggled last season, it still fielded the league's seventh-ranked defense. If Mayo maintains the multi-front defense the Patriots employed under Bill Belichick, Allen would be the perfect fit.

Allen could play linebacker or end in 3-4, 4-3 or 3-3-5 alignments, and he'd have an elite pass-rushing counterpart in Matthew Judon.

1. Detroit Lions

2. Baltimore Ravens

3. Tampa Bay Buccaneers

Carolina Panthers pass-rusher Brian Burns is a very similar player to Allen. He's young (25), has flashed elite potential and can get after the quarterback. Burns has produced no fewer than 7.5 sacks in any of his first five campaigns.

However, Burns has been a little less consistent against the run—twice in his career, he's finished with a missed-tackle rate above 10 percent—and he may be less valuable in a 4-3 base defense.

According to Joseph Person of The Athletic, "things seem to be headed" toward Carolina using the franchise tag on Burns before Tuesday's deadline. Should Burns actually reach the market, though, he may be interested in landing with a contender.

During Burns' tenure in Carolina, he's never experienced more than seven wins in a season.

The Detroit Lions should be near the top of Burns' wish list. Detroit made it to the NFC title game this past season, has one elite edge-rusher in Aidan Hutchinson and could employ Burns as a dedicated edge in the Lions' 3-4 base defense.

The Baltimore Ravens, similarly, employ a 3-4 base and just appeared in the AFC Championship Game. The Ravens have arguably an even bigger need for an edge-rusher with both Jadeveon Clowney and Kyle Van Noy scheduled to hit the market.

Baltimore may be slightly less attractive than Detroit, though, since reaching the Super Bowl would require getting past the Kansas City Chiefs.

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers are another playoff-caliber team that could use an edge-rushing linebacker. Burns would find a quality complement in Joe Tyron-Shoyinka, and he could help replace Shaquil Barrett, who was recently released by the Bucs.

Tampa wasn't among the NFL's final four teams as Detroit and Baltimore were, but it would allow Burns to stay in a division with which he is already familiar.

1. Detroit Lions

2. Cleveland Browns

3. Chicago Bears

There's a very real chance the Minnesota Vikings spend next season rebuilding without quarterback Kirk Cousins. Therefore, 29-year-old pass-rusher Danielle Hunter may want to seek greener pastures as he enters the back half of his career.

Fortunately, Hunter should have no shortage of suitors on the open market. He remains one of the NFL's top sack artists and finished the 2023 season with 16.5 sacks, 41 quarterback pressures and a league-high 23 tackles for loss (tied with Maxx Crosby).

Hunter has also been a Pro Bowler at both linebacker and defensive end, and his schematic versatility can't be overlooked.

A fit for virtually any defense, Hunter should covet a supporting cast that can maximize his production.

The Lions, as previously mentioned, have one established star in Hutchinson. Edge-rusher is also a need for Detroit, which should put a lot of effort into retooling a defense that ranked 19th overall in 2023.

The Cleveland Browns had the league's No. 1 defense in terms of yards allowed last season. They also employ reigning Defensive Player of the Year Myles Garrett. In Cleveland, Hunter could step in as Garrett's top complement, potentially replacing former Viking Za'Darius Smith, who is also an impending free agent.

The Chicago Bears weren't a playoff team last season, but they showed a lot of growth defensively down the stretch. Chicago could also provide a top edge-rushing complement in Montez Sweat, who was acquired at last year's trade deadline.

If, as many suspect, the Bears use the No. 1 overall pick on USC quarterback Caleb Williams, they could experience the sort of fast turnaround Houston had in 2023.

According to the Star Tribune's Andrew Krammer and Ben Goessling (h/t Adam Patrick of FanSided), both the Lions and Bears are rumored to be interested in Hunter.

1. Chicago Bears

2. Philadelphia Eagles

3. San Francisco 49ers

Chicago's Jaylon Johnson is the top cornerback scheduled to reach free agency, especially with Kansas City's L'Jarius Sneed expected to receive the franchise tag.

Johnson emerged as a budding star in 2023, just as the Bears defense began taking positive strides. The 24-year-old battled hamstring and shoulder injuries but still allowed an opposing passer rating of only 50.9 in coverage in his 14 appearances.

Following his breakthrough campaign, Johnson was named to his first career Pro Bowl. Continuing to grow in Chicago might be the best option for Johnson, and it could also be the most likely.

According to NFL insider Jordan Schultz, Johnson and the Bears are "inching closer" to a potential contract extension.

If Johnson gets away, he'll likely be at the top of the list of playoff-caliber teams in need of cornerback help.

The Philadelphia Eagles are just such a team, having seen a regression from James Bradberry—and the secondary in general—this past season. Philly was just in the Super Bowl a year ago, though, and could offer Johnson a chance to play opposite standout Darius Slay.

The San Francisco 49ers just took the Chiefs to overtime in Super Bowl LVIII, and while the 49ers do have some reliable corner depth—they ranked fifth in net yards per pass attempt allowed last season—they have been in the market for a top-tier corner.

In San Francisco, Johnson would get to play for a Super Bowl contender and opposite a solid starter in Charvarius Ward.

According to Mike Florio of Pro Football Talk, both the Eagles and the 49ers inquired about Denver Broncos cornerback Patrick Surtain II at the 2023 trade deadline. Obviously, neither team landed Surtain, and both could now turn their attention to Johnson.

1. Kansas City Chiefs

2. Cleveland Browns

3. Houston Texans

Chiefs defensive lineman Chris Jones is the top impending free agent at any position. He's a legitimate game-changer who can rush the passer, smother the run and do it from either the end position or at defensive tackle.

Jones finished the 2023 season with 10.5 sacks and 3 pressures while earning first-team All-Pro honors for the second straight year. Understandably, Kansas City is still working on a way to retain him.

According to The Athletic's Dianna Russini and Nate Taylor, there is "growing optimism" that Kansas City and Jones will reach an agreement before free agency.

Realistically, Jones isn't going to find a better fit than the one he currently has. The Chiefs are perennial contenders, and the 29-year-old is the centerpiece of their defense. Jones is a star in Kansas City, and he's one of the catalysts of the franchise's ongoing dynasty.

If, however, the Chiefs cannot offer Jones a fair-market deal, he should have no trouble landing with another playoff-caliber team.

The Browns would make plenty of sense, schematically, as Jones would be a terror lined up next to Myles Garrett and Dalvin Tomlinson in Jim Schwartz's aggressive scheme. Cleveland had a stout defensive front in 2023, but Shelby Harris, Maurice Hurst II and Jordan Elliott are all slated to be free agents.

The Texans are a team on the rise with a defensive-minded coach and some potential needs along the defensive line. Greenard and fellow defensive ends Derek Barnett and Jerry Hughes are set to be free agents, along with defensive tackle Sheldon Rankins.

Houston isn't currently the perennial Super Bowl contender Kansas City is. However, the Texans showed enough promise under Ryans and with rookie QB C.J. Stroud that Jones might have an opportunity to help jump-start a new dynasty in Houston.

1. Baltimore Ravens

2. Seattle Seahawks

3. Philadelphia Eagles

Patrick Queen is the top off-ball linebacker scheduled to hit the market later this month. Though he struggled with some inconsistent play early in his career—prompting the Ravens to decline his fifth-year option—Queen had a breakout 2023 campaign.

Paired with 2022 trade acquisition Roquan Smith in the middle of Baltimore's defense, Queen became a star. He finished the year with 133 tackles, 3.5 sacks, 10 QB pressures, six passes defended, nine tackles for loss and his first carer Pro Bowl nod.

At just 24 years old, Queen will be coveted by many teams in need of help at the second level.

A return to Baltimore would be perfectly logical, as Queen would stay next to Smith and continue competing for a Super Bowl contender. However, the Seattle Seahawks would also make a ton of sense.

Seattle recently hired former Ravens defensive coordinator Mike Macdonald as its new head coach. While the Seahawks didn't make the postseason in 2023, they weren't far off (nine wins). Bolstering a defense that ranked 31st against the run and 30th overall could help put Seattle back in the postseason.

Queen, a true do-it-all linebacker could help do just that. Seattle needs an influx of defensive talent, and Macdonald knows how to put Queen in a position to succeed.

The Eagles would also be a fine landing spot for the 24-year-old. Philadelphia needs a lot of help in the back seven, but Queen would get to operate behind a stellar defensive front that features the likes of Josh Sweat, Jordan Davis and Jalen Carter.

With seasoned defensive coordinator Vic Fangio now in the Philadelphia fold, the Eagles could help Queen continue his upward trajectory while giving him a chance to return to the postseason.

1. Kansas City Chiefs

2. Baltimore Ravens

3. Las Vegas Raiders

Tampa Bay Buccaneers linebacker Devin White isn't carrying as much momentum into free agency as Queen is. In fact, White was limited by a foot injury in 2023 and is coming off the most statistically disappointing campaign of his career.

Of course, White still finished with 83 total tackles, five tackles for loss, 2.5 sacks, two interceptions and an opposing passer rating of only 65.5 in coverage. The reality is that even when White isn't at his best, he's still better than most non-rush linebackers in the NFL.

White's coverage can be a bit erratic, but his instincts, physicality, field vision and closing speed remain elite. The 26-year-old is in his playing prime and can elevate just about any linebacking corps he joins.

However, the Bucs, who pushed K.J. Britt into the starting lineup late in the season, may be ready to move on. For White, moving from Tampa to Kansas City—a move that offensive tackle Donovan Smith made last year—could be very enticing.

It's always nice to join a legitimate title contender, and White would be a fine fit in Steve Spagnuolo's aggressive defense. The Chiefs may also need help at the second level with Willie Gay and Drue Tranquil scheduled for free agency.

Baltimore would also be a terrific landing spot for White, particularly if it allows Queen to depart in free agency. The supporting cast is strong, and like the Chiefs, the Ravens are one of the top teams in the AFC.

The Las Vegas Raiders, meanwhile, are in the early stages of a rebuild. However, their defense played like a borderline elite unit down the stretch under then-interim head coach Antonio Pierce.

The Raiders could use help at linebacker, and they could reunite White with linebackers coach Mike Caldwell, who was Tampa's inside linebackers coach for the first three years of White's career.

1. Miami Dolphins

2. Cincinnati Bengals

3. Indianapolis Colts

We've seen two different versions of Miami Dolphins defensive tackle Christian Wilkins since he entered the NFL in 2019. Over his first four seasons, he established himself as one of the best run-stopping interior defenders in the league.

Between 2021 and 2022 alone, he tallied 108 solo tackles, which is a lot for a down lineman.

This past season, Wilkins was a little less productive against the run, but he exploded as an interior pass-rusher. The 28-year-old had "only" 38 solo tackles but recorded nine sacks, 30 quarterback pressures and 23 quarterback hits.

Wilkins has yet to prove he can be both an elite run defender and an elite pressure man simultaneously, but he will be valued by a lot of teams for his ability to fill either role.

A return to Miami would make sense, since Wilkins has shown that he can thrive with the Dolphins personnel under a variety of play-callers—he's now played under Fangio, Josh Boyer, and Patrick Graham.

The Cincinnati Bengals, though, could provide an enticing home for Wilkins. The Bengals should be an AFC contender again in 2023, assuming quarterback Joe Burrow returns to pre-injury form. Cincinnati could also support Wilkins with premium defensive players like Trey Hendrickson, Sam Hubbard, B.J. Hill and Logan Wilson.

With defensive tackle D.J. Reader scheduled to be a free agent, Cincinnati may have an opening.

So too, may the Indianapolis Colts. If Grover Steward departs in free agency, Wilkins could slot in next to DeForest Buckner to form one of the most prolific defensive tackle combinations in the conference.

According to Omar Kelly of FanNation, the Colts were interested in acquiring Wilkins in a trade that would have sent Jonathan Taylor to Miami. Taylor signed an extension with Indianapolis instead, but now the Colts may have another shot at adding Wilkins to Gus Bradley's defense.

1. Seattle Seahawks

2. Las Vegas Raiders

3. Atlanta Falcons

The Seattle Seahawks traded a second-round pick to acquire Leonard Williams from the New York Giants, and it will be a surprise if Seattle doesn't do everything it can to retain him.

Having Williams back in Seattle would make sense for both parties. The 29-year-old showed that he could quickly learn to thrive alongside defenders like Jarran Reed and Dre'Mont Jones. In 10 games with Seattle, Williams recorded 41 total tackles, 24 solo stops, nine tackles for loss, four sacks and 15 quarterback pressures.

Now the Seahawks will be coached by Macdonald, who oversaw the league's top-ranked scoring defense in Baltimore last season.

If Williams departs Seattle, the Raiders should interest him. Las Vegas has talent on that side of the ball but could use another edge-rusher to complement Maxx Crosby. Williams, who can play at end or defensive tackle, would bring some added versatility to coordinator Patrick Graham's defense.

It's also worth noting that Williams had two of his most productive seasons when Graham was the Giants' defensive coordinator in 2020 and 2021. In two years under Graham, Williams recorded 18 combined sacks and 64 quarterback pressures.

A pass-rushing rotation of Crosby, Williams, Tyree Wilson and Malcolm Koonce would be formidable.

The Atlanta Falcons weren't a playoff team in 2023, but they appear to be a quarterback away from contention. Defensively, the Falcons ranked 11th overall, and they boasted some impressive playmakers, including Grady Jarrett, Arnold Ebiketie and Jessie Bates III.

Williams would primarily play end with the Falcons, who could lose pass-rushers Bud Dupree and Calais Campbell in free agency. He'd receive a lot of one-on-one rushing opportunities in that role, though, with Jarrett and David Onyemata commanding plenty of attention in the interior.

1. Tampa Bay Buccaneers

2. Philadelphia Eagles

3. New England Patriots

Antoine Winfield Jr. is the top safety entering the 2024 market. Though he's not a true lockdown coverage safety, he's not a complete liability on the back end, either. The 25-year-old is elite in just about everything else he does, too.

Winfield finished the 2023 season with 122 total tackles, five sacks, six forced fumbles, four fumble recoveries and three interceptions. He's an instinctual defender with a penchant for the big play, and he can bring positional versatility to a secondary.

The Bucs would prefer to keep Winfield. According to Rick Stroud of the Tampa Bay Times, Tampa would consider using the franchise tag on the star safety if it uses the tag at all.

Staying with the Buccaneers would make sense for Winfield, too. He's become a star in Tampa Bay, and he's spent his entire NFL career under head coach and former defensive coordinator Todd Bowles.

However, the Eagles could also provide a terrific landing spot for the first-team All-Pro. Philadelphia needs help on the back end, and it needs a defender who can make game-changing plays in the secondary.

The Eagles are a team with Super Bowl aspirations, and they do have the type of defensive front that could free up Winfield to roam the secondary and make plays.

The Patriots also have a strong defensive cast, and they have a history of employing versatile safeties. We'll see how much things change under Mayo and new defensive coordinator DeMarcus Covington, but Winfield would be a logical replacement for Kyle Dugger.

New England could pair Winfield with Jabril Peppers to form one of the NFL's better safety tandems, and with $78 million in projected cap space, the Patriots could forge an elite defense in a hurry, especially if adding Winfield is part of the plan.

Cap and contract information via Spotrac. Advanced statistics from Pro Football Reference.