NFL Free Agency: Best Defensive Fits for Top Available Talent
The NFL’s free agency period is rapidly approaching, with teams poised to engage in negotiations with available players starting March 10th at 12 p.m. ET during the legal tampering window. Official signings can commence when the new league year kicks off on March 12th at 4 p.m. ET. Following the release of optimal landing spots for offensive free agents, the focus now shifts to the defensive side of the ball. Several impactful defensive players are set to hit the market, including Jevon Holland, D.J. Reed, Khalil Mack, and Josh Sweat. Will these athletes be sporting new uniforms come the start of the 2025 season? This analysis explores the most promising fits for the top defensive free agents.
Jevon Holland: Safety
Best Fit: Carolina Panthers
Jevon Holland is an impactful safety. Renowned for his tackling prowess, Holland possesses the speed and range to effectively cover ground in the secondary. Throughout his 60 regular-season appearances, the former Oregon Duck has amassed 301 tackles, 25 pass breakups, five forced fumbles, and five interceptions. The Carolina Panthers, who struggled defensively last season, desperately need to bolster their defense. With both Jordan Fuller and Xavier Woods, their current safeties, poised to become free agents, Holland emerges as an ideal target. The combination of Holland and cornerback Jaycee Horn would provide the Panthers with a strong foundation in their secondary. Holland’s reliability in the run game will also allow the linebackers to be more aggressive at the line of scrimmage.
D.J. Reed: Cornerback
Best Fit: Atlanta Falcons
D.J. Reed, currently 28 years old, is entering his prime. While considered somewhat undersized at 5-foot-9, Reed compensates with exceptional coverage skills. During the 2024 NFL season, he allowed a completion percentage of just 57% and yielded only two touchdowns when targeted. A compelling aspect of Reed’s potential fit with the Atlanta Falcons lies in a possible reunion with former Jets defensive coordinator Jeff Ulbrich, now the Falcons’ DC. Ulbrich has familiarity with Reed’s strengths. The Falcons’ defensive struggles last season also mean they need a talented cornerback. Reed’s skill set fills that need.
Khalil Mack: Edge Rusher
Best Fit: Los Angeles Chargers
Khalil Mack has been the Chargers’ most reliable pass rusher over the past three seasons. Even at age 34, Mack continues to be a disruptive force off the edge. The nine-time Pro Bowler has earned Pro Bowl selections in each of his three seasons with the Chargers. The Chargers’ recent decision to release Joey Bosa, while generating approximately $25 million in salary cap space, intensifies the need to retain Mack. With Tuli Tuipulotu as the team’s sole starting-caliber edge rusher, Mack’s presence remains crucial. Although no longer at his peak, Mack still contributes significantly on the field and serves as a respected leader within the Chargers’ locker room. Bringing him back with the additional cap space is a smart move for the team.
Josh Sweat: Edge Rusher
Best Fit: Los Angeles Rams
Josh Sweat led the Eagles with eight sacks and 54 pressures. Additionally, his dominant performance of 2.5 sacks in Super Bowl 59 increased his value. Sweat’s decision to change representation indicates his pursuit of a substantial pay raise. Given his impressive performance in Super Bowl 59, Sweat possesses significant leverage. Partnering Defensive Rookie of the Year Jared Verse with Sweat would establish a fearsome pass-rushing duo. The Rams have a need to pressure the quarterback, and pairing those two players would be a big boost.
Haason Reddick: Edge Rusher
Best Fit: Las Vegas Raiders
Unfortunately for Reddick, most of the news surrounding him in 2024 was from a holdout. After skipping part of the season, Reddick only tallied one sack in 10 games. He had a previous streak of four straight seasons with at least 11 sacks. Reddick is seeking a Pro Bowl-caliber salary. The Raiders have ample financial flexibility with over $80 million in salary cap space. Las Vegas has the means to spend on a pass rusher and pair Reddick with Maxx Crosby. With the Raiders’ need for pass rushers, signing Reddick will instantly boost their defensive talent.
Nick Bolton: Linebacker
Best Fit: Kansas City Chiefs
Bolton recorded 106 tackles, and 11 tackles for loss during the regular season. He’s reached at least 100 tackles in three of his past four seasons. Bolton has provided consistent and productive play throughout his four seasons in Kansas City. He is the leader of the Chiefs’ defense. His departure in free agency would be a significant loss for Steve Spagnuolo. Keeping the same players with the same system is a big advantage for the team.
Juan Thornhill: Safety
Best Fit: Kansas City Chiefs
Thornhill had nine passes defended, ranking second on the team. He is a reliable safety and one of the Chiefs’ best tacklers. In all three seasons in Kansas City, he has produced over 80 tackles. He is the team’s best safety. The veteran has stated his intention to return to Kansas City after the team’s Super Bowl 59 loss. Continuity is important in the defensive backfield, so if they bring back Thornhill, then it helps them maintain what they have already built.
Zach Allen: Defensive Tackle
Best Fit: Arizona Cardinals
Allen posted career-highs in sacks (5) and quarterback hits (10). He also matched his single-game high with two sacks in Super Bowl 59. Allen turns 26 years old in April and possesses high upside. Arizona allowed 126 rushing yards per game. They also ranked in the bottom half of the NFL in total defense. They lack a disruptor upfront, and Allen could fill that role.
Talanoa Hufanga: Safety
Best Fit: Denver Broncos
Injuries have plagued Hufanga over the past two seasons. In total, the defensive back has only played 17 games due to an ACL tear and other injuries. However, Hufanga is one of the league’s better safeties when healthy. He earned first-team All-Pro honors in 2022. The Broncos ranked in the bottom half of the NFL in pass defense. Combining Defensive Player of the Year cornerback Pat Surtain and Hufanga would form a formidable duo in Denver’s secondary. The safety play will be huge to help that team get back in the playoffs.
Joey Bosa: Edge Rusher
Best Fit: San Francisco 49ers
The Bosa brothers have expressed a desire to play together. They have that opportunity now that Joey is a free agent. Injuries have affected the older brother, limiting him to only 18 starts in the past three seasons. Still, Joey is a productive pass rusher when healthy. Playing alongside his brother, Nick, might reinvigorate him. Joey has 72 sacks, 87 tackles for loss, and 17 forced fumbles across 107 career regular-season games. The addition of Bosa can help the 49ers pressure the quarterback.
