We now have a better idea of how the opening days of free agency will look after the franchise tag deadline passed on Tuesday.
Just nine tags were dished out across the NFL, meaning that a lot of big-name players are set to hit the market when the new league year begins on Wednesday, March 13.
Here is a look at the best defensive players that teams will be scrambling to get on their rosters.
Chris Jones - Kansas City Chiefs
Not just the best defensive player available in free agency this year, but probably the best defensive player in the whole NFL. Jones was a key reason why the Chiefs were able to make it back-to-back Super Bowl wins last season and could well become the highest-paid defensive player in league history in the coming days.
Christian Wilkins - Miami Dolphins
The Dolphins’ need to reduce their salary cap number was probably the main reason why they did not franchise tag defensive end Wilkins, who is now set to test the market and potentially land a huge deal after a career-best season last time out.
Danielle Hunter - Minnesota Vikings
A 16.5-sack season will put the edge rusher on plenty of teams’ radar this offseason, as his decision last year to sign a one-year deal with a guarantee he could not be tagged looks set to pay off.
Jonathan Greenard - Houston Texans
Another pass rusher coming off a productive season, Greenard contributed 12.5 sacks to what was an excellent Houston defense. Edge rushers tend to get paid very well in free agency, and this should be the case for both Hunter and Greenard.
Xavier McKinney - New York Giants
With Antoine Winfield having been franchise-tagged by Tampa Bay, McKinney is clearly the best safety in free agency and his solid all-round play should mean he has plenty of options.
Leonard Williams - Seattle Seahawks
The Seahawks' decision to trade a 2024 second-round draft pick and 2025 fifth-round selection to the New York Giants for just half a season of Leonard Williams looks a poor one in hindsight, but even in his tenth year, the defensive end should be able to find a suitor.
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