Top Defensive Free Agents Set to Ignite the 2025 NFL Offseason
The confetti has settled on Super Bowl 59, celebrating the Philadelphia Eagles’ victory over the Kansas City Chiefs. With the final coaching vacancy filled, the NFL world has already shifted its focus to the 2025 season. The new league year officially kicks off on Wednesday, March 12th, at 4 p.m. ET, but the preceding 48 hours will be a frenzy of negotiations as teams scramble to secure the services of coveted free agents.
Every year, free agency brings a whirlwind of activity, with teams reshaping their rosters in pursuit of a Super Bowl berth. Last offseason saw the Eagles bolster their championship-winning squad with key additions like Saquon Barkley and Zack Baun, both of whom earned First-Team All-Pro honors. This year’s free agent class promises to be just as impactful, teeming with talent ready to make an immediate difference.
Here’s a breakdown of the top 15 defensive free agents poised to command attention and potentially reshape the landscape of the league:
1. Haason Reddick, Edge Rusher (Philadelphia Eagles)
Coming off a Super Bowl-winning season, Reddick solidified his status as one of the league’s premier pass rushers. He led the Eagles in sacks during the regular season with 8.0 and elevated his performance in the playoffs, culminating in a dominant 2.5-sack performance against the Chiefs in the Super Bowl. Reddick possesses the ideal combination of size (6-foot-5, 265 lbs.) and athleticism, making him a disruptive force against both the run and the pass. At 28 years old, he is entering his prime and is positioned to become one of the highest-paid free agents in the class. Teams seeking a consistent, game-changing edge rusher will undoubtedly be vying for his signature.
2. Milton Williams, Defensive Tackle (Philadelphia Eagles)
While teammates like Jalen Carter, Haason Reddick, and Jordan Davis often steal the spotlight, Williams has emerged as an underrated yet impactful force on the Eagles’ defensive line. After a career year in the regular season, he delivered a standout performance in the Super Bowl. Williams recorded career highs in sacks (5.0) and pressures (35). His impressive pressure rate of 12.5% ranked second among all defensive tackles league-wide, according to Next Gen Stats. At 26 years old, Williams is an athletic interior defensive lineman with the potential to command top dollar at his position. His ability to consistently generate pressure from the interior will make him a highly sought-after commodity.
3. Xavien Howard, Cornerback (Miami Dolphins)
While he experienced injuries in 2023, Howard demonstrated his resilience and continued to perform at a high level in 2024. He remained a reliable run defender and posted a career-best in stops (tackles resulting in a successful play for the defense), as per Next Gen Stats. At 25 years old and with a proven track record of success in 2021 and 2022, Howard will be a highly coveted target in the free agent market, especially considering the position’s relative undervaluation. Teams looking for a consistent and dependable cornerback will be eager to secure his services.
4. D.J. Reed, Cornerback (New York Jets)
Reed was targeted in coverage more frequently than his teammate Sauce Gardner in 2024, yet he allowed a lower quarterback rating (80.4 to 83.3) and fewer yards after catch per reception (2.5 to 4.9), according to Next Gen Stats. Although Reed will turn 29 next season, potentially leading to a short-term deal, he remains a proven starter at outside cornerback and deserves commensurate compensation. His experience and ability to effectively limit opposing receivers make him a valuable asset for any defense.
5. Zack Baun, Linebacker (Philadelphia Eagles)
Baun spent four seasons with the New Orleans Saints, starting just 14 games, before joining the Eagles in 2024 and experiencing a remarkable turnaround. Under the tutelage of Vic Fangio, he blossomed into a First-Team All-Pro linebacker, playing a crucial role in the Eagles’ championship-winning defense. Turning 29 later next season, Baun is poised to be the top linebacker in free agency. His breakout year will likely be rewarded handsomely, even if the market for linebackers experiences a downturn.
6. Charvarius Ward, Cornerback (San Francisco 49ers)
Ward led the league in 2023 with an impressive 23 passes defended and five interceptions, earning him Second-Team All-Pro and Pro Bowl recognition. However, 2024 proved to be a challenging year. He missed a game due to an ankle injury and also took time away from the field following the tragic loss of his daughter. Entering free agency for a second time at the age of 29, Ward will likely secure a shorter deal due to his age, but he is still expected to command near-top money.
7. Osa Odighizuwa, Defensive Tackle (Dallas Cowboys)
Odighizuwa had a breakout season in 2024 as a pass rusher. The 2021 third-round pick achieved career highs in sacks (4.5) and pressures (33). Notably, he has not missed a game since his rookie season, demonstrating his durability and reliability. At 27 years old, Odighizuwa is slightly undersized for the position at 6-foot-2 and 280 lbs., but his pass-rushing production will likely position him as the next-best interior defensive lineman after Williams.
8. Trevon Moehrig, Safety (Las Vegas Raiders)
While the Raiders struggled in 2024, Moehrig delivered a standout season. He set career highs in passes defended (10), fumble recoveries (two), and tackles (104). He also tied for ninth among qualified defensive backs in stops with 43, according to Next Gen Stats. At 26 years old, Moehrig has consistently performed well against both the run and the pass, making him a prime target for teams seeking to bolster their secondary.
9. Byron Murphy Jr., Cornerback (Minnesota Vikings)
Murphy emerged as the Vikings’ top cornerback in 2024, recording a career-high six interceptions. He also posted a career-best quarterback rating of 75.6 when targeted, according to Next Gen Stats. Turning 27 this upcoming season, Murphy is likely to secure a longer-term deal compared to Reed or Ward. His ball-hawking skills and consistent performance make him a highly desirable free agent.
10. Emmanuel Moseley, Cornerback (Detroit Lions)
Moseley was traded to Detroit before the season and performed exceptionally well before suffering a fractured jaw that prematurely ended his season. Despite the injury, he is a proven outside corner with experience in both man and zone schemes. Entering next season at the age of 28, he is expected to command a similar salary to Murphy Jr.
11. Dre Greenlaw, Linebacker (San Francisco 49ers)
This represents a calculated risk with potentially significant rewards. Greenlaw missed a significant portion of 2024 after tearing his Achilles in Super Bowl 58 against the Chiefs. However, in the preceding two years, he established himself as one of the league’s top linebackers, boasting the athleticism to excel in coverage and the physicality to dominate in run defense. Turning 28 by the start of next season, Greenlaw presents a high-risk, high-reward opportunity for teams seeking a dynamic linebacker.
12. Juan Thornhill, Safety (Cleveland Browns)
Thornhill is entering free agency once again after winning two Super Bowls with the Chiefs, and he is expected to be in high demand for teams seeking experience on the back end of their defense. At 28 years old next season, he combines reliable tackling with solid coverage skills.
13. Nick Bolton, Linebacker (Kansas City Chiefs)
Bolton excels against the run, recording 11 tackles for loss and a career-high three sacks in 2024. While his coverage abilities may not be his forte, he is adequate enough to avoid being a liability in zone coverage. Adding to his appeal, he will be just 25 years old by the start of next season.
14. Camryn Bynum, Safety (Minnesota Vikings)
Bynum offers an ideal blend of tackling prowess against the run and solid coverage production, evidenced by his three interceptions and 10 passes defended in 2024. At 27 years old next season, he presents an excellent opportunity for most teams league-wide seeking a reliable starting safety.
15. Paulson Adebo, Cornerback (New Orleans Saints)
Adebo is currently recovering from a broken femur sustained in Week 7. Assuming he receives medical clearance, he is poised to be one of the top free agents at his position, thanks to his proficiency in press coverage, ball production (10 interceptions in four seasons), and youthful age (26 at the start of next season).
The 2025 NFL free agency period promises to be a whirlwind of activity, with these 15 defensive standouts poised to significantly impact the landscape of the league. Teams will be aggressively pursuing these players in an effort to bolster their defenses and ultimately compete for a Super Bowl championship.
