NFL free agency is a year-round process, as teams scout opposing players in an effort to defeat them during the year and perhaps sign them in the offseason.
Now we're at the end of the 2023-24 NFL season, the free agency picture is coming into focus, and teams are beginning to identify potential targets to improve their roster weaknesses.
Here are the top edge defenders slated to hit free agency in 2024. Click here for PFF's full list of the top 200 free agents.
1. EDGE JOSH ALLEN, JACKSONVILLE JAGUARS
2024 Free agency rank: 3
Allen backed up a strong 2022 with an extraordinary 2023 season, racking up career highs in quarterback pressures (90) and sacks (19), coupled with a 20.5% pass-rush win rate that was among the league’s best.
Top free agent comparison: Melvin Ingram, 2017
| Player | Pass-rush grade | True pass set pass-rush grade | Pass-rush win rate | Run-defense grade | APY as % of Cap at signing |
| Josh Allen | 89.4 | 91.4 | 17.5% | 82.4 | ? |
| Melvin Ingram | 89.2 | 90.5 | 13.6% | 68.4 | 9.6% |
*All data in tables reflects two years prior to UFA contract signing
Contract projection: Available in PFF's free agency rankings
2. EDGE BRIAN BURNS, CAROLINA PANTHERS
2024 Free agency rank: 5
Burns cannot seem to escape Carolina as the team turns down trade offers and consistently loses football games, but he put together a strong second half of the 2023 season. He posted his fourth straight pass-rush grade above 70.0, keeping his stock high amid the chaos.
Top free agent comparison: Frank Clark, 2019
| Player | Pass-rush grade | True pass set pass-rush grade | Pass-rush win rate | Run-defense grade | APY as % of Cap at signing |
| Brian Burns | 75.6 | 80.8 | 11.6% | 56.3 | ? |
| Frank Clark | 80.4 | 83.6 | 14.3% | 63.2 | 11.1% |
*All data in tables reflects two years prior to UFA contract signing
Contract projection: Available in PFF's free agency rankings
3. EDGE DANIELLE HUNTER, MINNESOTA VIKINGS
2024 Free agency rank: 12
Hunter was a revelation in new Vikings defensive coordinator Brian Flores’ blitz-heavy scheme, though he was just as productive in 2022. Teams that run a 3-4 or 4-3 could probably find a way to effectively deploy Hunter, and injury concerns of a few years ago seem like distant memories. He finished another season with 900-plus snaps, 70-plus quarterback pressures and double-digit sacks.
Top free agent comparison: Jason Pierre-Paul, 2017
| Player | Pass-rush grade | True pass set pass-rush grade | Pass-rush win rate | Run-defense grade | APY as % of Cap at signing |
| Danielle Hunter | 83.8 | 88.6 | 15.8% | 61.5 | ? |
| Jason Pierre-Paul | 75.9 | 77.8 | 12.8% | 63.3 | 9% |
*All data in tables reflects two years prior to UFA contract signing
Contract projection: Available in PFF's free agency rankings
4. EDGE BRYCE HUFF, NEW YORK JETS
2024 Free agency rank: 18
Huff set out to prove that his absurd pass-rushing efficiency in 2022 wasn’t an aberration, and he did just that in 2023 with a crazy high pass-rush win rate once again. Still, there’s a reason the team that developed the former undrafted free agent and saw him every day didn't like to deploy him against the run and hasn’t made much of an effort on an extension. This will be a nuanced negotiation for a designated pass rusher type — fortunately, that’s the richest facet to excel in for an edge defender.
Former Baltimore Raven and Chicago Bears pass-rush specialist Pernell McPhee comes to mind as a comparable player, as does Huff’s current teammate Carl Lawson.
Top free agent comparison: Carl Lawson, 2021
| Player | Pass-rush grade | True pass set pass-rush grade | Pass-rush win rate | Run-defense grade | APY as % of Cap at signing |
| Bryce Huff | 90.1 | 90.1 | 23.1% | 45.2 | ? |
| Carl Lawson | 79.6 | 89.3 | 15.3% | 61.3 | 8.2%** |
*All data in tables reflects two years prior to UFA contract signing
**2021 salary cap of $182.5 million, dropped due to the pandemic
Contract projection: Available in PFF's free agency rankings
5. EDGE CHASE YOUNG, SAN FRANCISCO 49ERS
2024 Free agency rank: 28
Finally healthy in 2023 after spending the better part of two seasons recovering from a torn ACL, Young exploded early in the year and finished among the top edge defenders in pass-rush win rate on the season. A strong run defender as a rookie, Young does lose contain at times and occasionally gets guided upfield beyond the play, but a half-season of working with defensive line coach Kris Kocurek in San Francisco is the best free agency preparation around.
The No. 3 overall pick in 2015, Dante Fowler Jr., signed a one-year, $12 million deal following his rookie contract that began with a torn ACL in his rookie season. Perhaps this type of framework could serve as a blueprint, and Young can bet on himself once again to repeat in 2024 and then truly cash in.
Top free agent comparison: Brian Orakpo, 2014
| Player | Pass-rush grade | True pass set pass-rush grade | Pass-rush win rate | Run-defense grade | APY as % of Cap at signing |
| Chase Young | 77.3 | 75.5 | 15.5% | 64.6 | ? |
| Brian Orakpo | 75.9 | 73.7 | 10.3% | 71.8 | Franchise tag |
*All data in tables reflects two years prior to UFA contract signing
Contract projection: Available in PFF's free agency rankings
6. EDGE JONATHAN GREENARD, HOUSTON TEXANS
2024 Free agency rank: 38
Greenard made the absolute most of his contract year under the tutelage of DeMeco Ryans and company, and he’s been productive as a pass rusher and run defender, with his 9.3% run-stop rate ranking eighth among qualifying edge defenders.
Greenard wins against the run because of a good first step, strong diagnosing skills and a solid ability to set the edge and avoid getting washed out at the point of attack. As a pass rusher, while he doesn’t have the deepest arsenal of moves, he is a good enough athlete to rack up clean-up and pursuit pressures if teammates chase quarterbacks his way, as he rarely gives up on a rep until the whistle blows.
Top free agent comparison: Nick Perry, 2017
| Player | Pass-rush grade | True pass set pass-rush grade | Pass-rush win rate | Run-defense grade | APY as % of Cap at signing |
| Jonathan Greenard | 68.0 | 68.0 | 10.8% | 73.8 | ? |
| Nick Perry | 66.7 | 71.2 | 10.3% | 80.9 | 7.2% |
*All data in tables reflects two years prior to UFA contract signing
Contract projection: Available in PFF's free agency rankings
7. EDGE JADEVEON CLOWNEY, BALTIMORE RAVENS
2024 Free agency rank: 40
Clowney enjoyed a career year with Ravens defensive coordinator Mike Macdonald dialing things up for him, deploying simulated pressures and exotic blitzes out of various fronts.
It seems Clowney will probably ride out the rest of his career on successive one-year deals that fluctuate based on his production the year prior, and he certainly earned himself a raise this season. With the Ravens in 2023, he recorded his highest pressure rate, highest pass-rush win rate and most total pressures in a season.
Top free agent comparison: Brian Orakpo, 2015
| Player | Pass-rush grade | True pass set pass-rush grade | Pass-rush win rate | Run-defense grade | APY as % of Cap at signing |
| Jadeveon Clowney | 76.3 | 80.5 | 14.2% | 74.4 | ? |
| Brian Orakpo | 69.8 | 75.5 | 10.3% | 72.5 | 5.4% |
*All data in tables reflects two years prior to UFA contract signing
Contract projection: Available in PFF's free agency rankings
8. EDGE ZA'DARIUS SMITH, CLEVELAND BROWNS
2024 Free agency rank: 42
Smith was traded from the Minnesota Vikings to the Cleveland Browns this past offseason and revised his contract, converting it into a one-year pact for $11.677 million, a price tag he vastly outplayed once again. Smith has the size and explosiveness to rush from the A-gaps out to a two-point stance as a stand-up outside linebacker, and he has earned pass-rush grades above 80.0 in his past four full seasons.
Justin Houston’s two-year, $23 million contract with $18.5 million in total guarantees signed in 2019 with the Indianapolis Colts is another strong comparable deal here.
Top free agent comparison: Robert Ayers, 2016
| Player | Pass-rush grade | True pass set pass-rush grade | Pass-rush win rate | Run-defense grade | APY as % of Cap at signing |
| Za’Darius Smith | 87.9 | 90.4 | 18.6% | 67.9 | ? |
| Robert Ayers | 89.8 | 91.2 | 16.0% | 60.1 | 4.2% |
*All data in tables reflects two years prior to UFA contract signing
Contract projection: Available in PFF's free agency rankings
9. EDGE JOSH UCHE, NEW ENGLAND PATRIOTS
2024 Free agency rank: 48
Similar to the New York Jets‘ Bryce Huff, Uche is a difficult evaluation. However, Huff increased his role despite the Jets drafting an edge defender in the first round, whereas Uche’s role diminished despite injuries to key contributors such as Matthew Judon in New England.
Uche is a pure designated pass rusher who can be deployed on late downs to pin his ears back and get home for timely pressures and sacks, which is still valuable. A one-year flier to boost his stock back up may be the best route at this juncture.
Top free agent comparison: Haason Reddick, 2021
| Player | Pass-rush grade | True pass set pass-rush grade | Pass-rush win rate | Run-defense grade | APY as % of Cap at signing |
| Josh Uche | 83.8 | 80.4 | 16.4% | 66.8 | ? |
| Haason Reddick | 80.4 | 88.0 | 10.9% | 56.7 | 3.3% |
*All data in tables reflects two years prior to UFA contract signing
Contract projection: Available in PFF's free agency rankings
10. EDGE LEONARD FLOYD, BUFFALO BILLS
2024 Free agency rank: 49
Floyd was let go by the Los Angeles Rams as they dropped from the most expensive NFL team in 2022 to the cheapest in 2023. Still, he made a handful of splash plays this regular season, with several coming in key moments.
Floyd earned 65.0-plus pass-rush grades in three straight seasons prior to 2023, and his 38.5 sacks since then have flown under the radar as a top-10 mark among edge defenders.
Floyd is long and rangy, with good burst but only adequate bend around the edge. He tends to impact more plays than the box score indicates, thanks to his good instincts to get his hands up to deflect passes or disrupt throwing windows.
Top free agent comparison: Bruce Irvin, 2018
| Player | Pass-rush grade | True pass set pass-rush grade | Pass-rush win rate | Run-defense grade | APY as % of Cap at signing |
| Leonard Floyd | 66.1 | 69.7 | 11.1% | 55.4 | ? |
| Bruce Irvin | 65.7 | 70.7 | 9.7% | 77.5 | 1.8% |
*All data in tables reflects two years prior to UFA contract signing
Contract projection: Available in PFF's free agency rankings
11. Edge Andrew Van Ginkel, Miami Dolphins
2024 Free agency rank: 59
Van Ginkel has been a productive player in a rotational capacity and closed out the 2023 season with strong efforts in a bigger role following the Jaelan Phillips loss. Van Ginkel makes up for a slender frame and shorter arms with good burst off the line and plus movement ability in space, but he can get swallowed up by blockers. When he does get a free release upfield, he’ll make the play more often than not in the backfield.
Dolphins defensive coordinator Vic Fangio asks his outside linebackers to drop in coverage rather frequently, and Van Ginkel was up to the task in 2023, including recording three batted passes and a pick-six against the Washington Commanders after reading a screen perfectly and taking it to the house unassisted.
Top free agent comparison: Shaq Barrett, 2019
| Player | Pass-rush grade | True pass set pass-rush grade | Pass-rush win rate | Run-defense grade | APY as % of Cap at signing |
| Andrew Van Ginkel | 86.0 | 85.8 | 15.5% | 80.7 | ? |
| Shaq Barrett | 80.1 | 83.5 | 12.0% | 80.1 | 2.1% |
*All data in tables reflects two years prior to UFA contract signing
Contract projection: Available in PFF's free agency rankings
12. Edge Denico Autry, Tennessee Titans
2024 Free agency rank: 64
Autry is still one of the strongest five-technique defensive ends in the game, splitting double teams by lowering his shoulder and barreling through blocks with sheer power or sometimes utilizing a jump chop across the tackle’s face to the inside. The wily veteran also does a good job of using a blocker's momentum in a backpedal to slingshot himself forward, always finding a way to end up around the quarterback, even if only to deliver a shot just after the ball gets thrown. Autry will be 34 years old in 2023 but still has good football in his future.
Top free agent comparison: Everson Griffen, 2020
| Player | Pass-rush grade | True pass set pass-rush grade | Pass-rush win rate | Run-defense grade | APY as % of Cap at signing |
| Denico Autry | 73.7 | 80.3 | 12.8% | 60.6 | ? |
| Everson Griffen | 72.6 | 80.7 | 13.5% | 70.8 | 3.0% |
*All data in tables reflects two years prior to UFA contract signing
Contract projection: Available in PFF's free agency rankings
13. Edge Dorance Armstrong, Dallas Cowboys
2024 Free agency rank: 85
Armstrong has been the unsung contributor on this loaded Cowboys defensive front, recording pressure rates above 11% in each of the last three seasons and an ability to line up all over the formation. Armstrong has played snaps inside the tackles, as a wide nine-technique primarily on the right side and as a standup player in the box spying on opposing quarterbacks or mugging the A-gap.
Armstrong’s long arm is a problem for blockers, and he quite literally has extremely long arms at 34.75 inches. He pairs that with good bend around the edge. He can get displaced in the run game but is a great asset getting after the quarterback.
Top free agent comparison: Samson Ebukam, 2023
| Player | Pass-rush grade | True pass set pass-rush grade | Pass-rush win rate | Run-defense grade | APY as % of Cap at signing |
| Dorance Armstrong | 64.0 | 68.5 | 9.2% | 57.4 | ? |
| Samson Ebukam | 64.9 | 70.8 | 11.3% | 61.3 | 3.6% |
*All data in tables reflects two years prior to UFA contract signing
Contract projection: Available in PFF's free agency rankings
14. Edge Brandon Graham, Philadelphia Eagles
2024 Free agency rank: 89
Much like Fletcher Cox above, Graham is an ageless wonder for the Philadelphia Eagles, but he’s seen his usage come way down in 2023. Nonetheless, Graham is still an efficient pass-rusher who always seems to come up with a huge play late in games on high-leverage downs, with a pressure rate above 15% on the year. Odds are Graham will play his age-36 season as an Eagle or nowhere, much like center Jason Kelce.
Graham still has great bend around the edge, seemingly shrinking into his stocky 6-foot-2 frame to avoid contact and dip under the outstretched hands of tackles. He’s a perfect member of the platoon in Philadelphia.
Top free agent comparison: James Harrison, 2015
| Player | Pass-rush grade | True pass set pass-rush grade | Pass-rush win rate | Run-defense grade | APY as % of Cap at signing |
| Brandon Graham | 89.3 | 91.3 | 19.2% | 69.9 | ? |
| James Harrison | 84.5 | 89.5 | 16.1% | 78.0 | 1% |
*All data in tables reflects two years prior to UFA contract signing
Contract projection: Available in PFF's free agency rankings
15. Edge Carl Lawson, New York Jets
2024 Free agency rank: 99
Lawson signed a reworked contract heading into the 2023 season that lowered his salary to $6 million, but he has still found himself as a healthy scratch for much of the season as part of a crowded edge defender room.
The seventh-year pro has good burst off the line and wins with a combination of speed-to-power and quick hands, but he isn’t necessarily the bendiest edge rusher.
Lawson earned a 72.8 pass-rush grade with 49 pressures and eight sacks in 2022, his first season back from the torn Achilles he suffered in 2021. Injuries have unfortunately impacted his career, but he’s still a productive player off the edge.
This season has effectively been a throwaway year, but perhaps his fresh legs and yearlong recovery could make him a great buy-low candidate.
Top free agent comparison: Dante Fowler Jr., 2023
| Player | Pass-rush grade | True pass set pass-rush grade | Pass-rush win rate | Run-defense grade | APY as % of Cap at signing |
| Carl Lawson | 71.1 | 72.3 | 13.6% | 50.9 | ? |
| Dante Fowler Jr. | 68.5 | 68.6 | 10.5% | 53.0 | 1.3% |
*All data in tables reflects two years prior to UFA contract signing
Contract projection: Available in PFF's free agency rankings
16. EDGE Mike Danna, Kansas City Chiefs
2024 Free agency rank: 102
Top free agent comparison: Derek Barnett, 2022
| Player | Pass-rush grade | True pass set pass-rush grade | Pass rush win rate | Run-defense grade | APY as % of Cap at signing |
| Mike Danna | 63.9 | 69.1 | 8.4% | 59.0 | ? |
| Derek Barnett | 62.0 | 70.0 | 11.0% | 69.6 | 3.4% |
*All data in tables reflects two years prior to UFA contract signing
Contract projection: Available in PFF's free agency rankings
17. EDGE A.J. Epenesa, Buffalo Bills
2024 Free agency rank: 106
Top free agent comparison: Deatrich Wise Jr., 2021
| Player | Pass-rush grade | True pass set pass-rush grade | Pass rush win rate | Run-defense grade | APY as % of Cap at signing |
| A.J. Epenesa | 75.0 | 79.0 | 10.6% | 49.3 | ? |
| Deatrich Wise Jr. | 79.6 | 85.8 | 15.6% | 51.0 | 3% |
*All data in tables reflects two years prior to UFA contract signing
Contract projection: Available in PFF's free agency rankings
18. EDGE Derek Barnett, Houston Texans
2024 Free agency rank: 107
Top free agent comparison: Alex Okafor, 2018
| Player | Pass-rush grade | True pass set pass-rush grade | Pass rush win rate | Run-defense grade | APY as % of Cap at signing |
| Derek Barnett | 75.3 | 77.4 | 15.5% | 79.7 | ? |
| Alex Okafor | 77.3 | 83.8 | 12.5% | 70.9 | 2% |
*All data in tables reflects two years prior to UFA contract signing
Contract projection: Available in PFF's free agency rankings
19. EDGE Tyquan Lewis, Indianapolis Colts
2024 Free agency rank: 121
Top free agent comparison: Adrian Clayborn, 2016
| Player | Pass-rush grade | True pass set pass-rush grade | Pass rush win rate | Run-defense grade | APY as % of Cap at signing |
| Tyquan Lewis | 73.3 | 77.0 | 15.4% | 54.5 | ? |
| Adrian Clayborn | 65.9 | 72.6 | 13.1% | 51.7 | 2.7% |
*All data in tables reflects two years prior to UFA contract signing
Contract projection: Available in PFF's free agency rankings
20. EDGE Kyle Van Noy, Baltimore Ravens
2024 Free agency rank: 125
Top free agent comparison: Markus Golden, 2021
| Player | Pass-rush grade | True pass set pass-rush grade | Pass rush win rate | Run-defense grade | APY as % of Cap at signing |
| Kyle Van Noy | 73.3 | 71.3 | 12.4% | 59.3 | ? |
| Markus Golden | 69.9 | 75.5 | 12.2% | 53.3 | 1.4% |
*All data in tables reflects two years prior to UFA contract signing
Contract projection: Available in PFF's free agency rankings
21. EDGE Marcus Davenport, Minnesota Vikings
2024 Free agency rank: 127
Top free agent comparison: Takk McKinley, 2021
| Player | Pass-rush grade | True pass set pass-rush grade | Pass rush win rate | Run-defense grade | APY as % of Cap at signing |
| Marcus Davenport | 72.5 | 75.7 | 15.5% | 66.2 | ? |
| Takk McKinley | 65.7 | 67.8 | 11.2% | 64.9 | 2.3% |
*All data in tables reflects two years prior to UFA contract signing
Contract projection: Available in PFF's free agency rankings
22. EDGE Darrell Taylor, Seattle Seahawks
2024 Free agency rank: 138
Top free agent comparison: Andre Branch, 2016
| Player | Pass-rush grade | True pass set pass-rush grade | Pass rush win rate | Run-defense grade | APY as % of Cap at signing |
| Darrell Taylor | 67.5 | 72.9 | 7.5% | 39.0 | ? |
| Andre Branch | 62.9 | 70.6 | 7.6% | 50.3 | 1.8% |
*All data in tables reflects two years prior to UFA contract signing
Contract projection: Available in PFF's free agency rankings
23. EDGE Anfernee Jennings, New England Patriots
2024 Free agency rank: 139
Top free agent comparison: Devon Kennard, 2017
| Player | Pass-rush grade | True pass set pass-rush grade | Pass rush win rate | Run-defense grade | APY as % of Cap at signing |
| Anfernee Jennings | 51.3 | 55.1 | 5.8% | 87.5 | ? |
| Devon Kennard | 56.8 | 58.7 | 6.0% | 78.0 | 3.2% |
*All data in tables reflects two years prior to UFA contract signing
Contract projection: Available in PFF's free agency rankings
24. EDGE D.J. Wonnum, Minnesota Vikings
2024 Free agency rank: 141
Top free agent comparison: Al-Quadin Muhammad, 2022
| Player | Pass-rush grade | True pass set pass-rush grade | Pass rush win rate | Run-defense grade | APY as % of Cap at signing |
| D.J. Wonnum | 55.1 | 60.7 | 8.2% | 65.7 | ? |
| Al-Quadin Muhammad | 58.2 | 64.1 | 9.0% | 68.6 | 1.9% |
*All data in tables reflects two years prior to UFA contract signing
Contract projection: Available in PFF's free agency rankings
25. EDGE Bud Dupree, Atlanta Falcons
2024 Free agency rank: 147
Top free agent comparison: Sam Acho, 2018
| Player | Pass-rush grade | True pass set pass-rush grade | Pass rush win rate | Run-defense grade | APY as % of Cap at signing |
| Bud Dupree | 54.0 | 59.3 | 7.3% | 64.8 | ? |
| Sam Acho | 56.1 | 60.4 | 7.8% | 64.1 | 1.6% |
*All data in tables reflects two years prior to UFA contract signing
Contract projection: Available in PFF's free agency rankings
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