The 2025 NFL free agency period is rapidly approaching, and teams are preparing to make bold moves that could reshape their rosters for 2025 and beyond.
DAZN News has identified the top three defensive players scheduled to become free agents and considered which teams should pursue them.
Zack Baun, Philadelphia Eagles linebacker
Baun headlines a talented list of linebackers set to become available in free agency.
The 28-year-old has played only one year as a full-time off-ball linebacker, but his performance was as good as any in the NFL.
Baun finished sixth among all players with 151 tackles and produced several big plays to help the Eagles win close games.
Eagles fans have been clamouring for general manager Howie Roseman to sign Baun to an extension, but nothing has been forthcoming.
After being named a first-team All-Pro by the Associated Press, Baun would be highly sought-after by several linebacker-needy NFL teams.
Which teams need Baun?
- Philadelphia Eagles (extension)
- Los Angeles Rams
- Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Philadelphia’s limited salary cap space may make signing Baun to an extension challenging unless he takes a hometown discount.
Still, Roseman may be more inclined to keep Baun after Nakobe Dean suffered a season-ending injury, which means he may miss the start of the 2025 campaign.
After trading Ernest Jones and following the injury to Troy Reeder, the Rams turned to Christian Rozeboom and Omar Speights.
However, Rozeboom is scheduled to become a free agent, and Speights is not ready to take on a full-time role.
If Lavonte David retires, the Buccaneers will have question marks at linebacker. The veteran considered retirement last season before signing a one-year extension, but that deal expires soon.
WATCH: Kansas City Chiefs vs Philadelphia Eagles in Super Bowl LIX for 0.99p (check price in your country here).
Jamien Sherwood, New York Jets linebacker
Nominating Sherwood as one of the top three most talented defensive players scheduled to become a free agent over more established players such as Dre Greenlaw, Ernest Jones, and Robert Spillane was no mistake.
It is a nod to how impressive Sherwood was after replacing injured veteran C.J. Mosley in the heart of the Jets’ defense.
Sherwood ended the year ranked third among all players in tackles and added two sacks and three passes defended.
Still only 24 years old and with only one year of experience as a starter, the sky is the limit for the player nominated as the team’s Curtis Martin Team MVP.
Sherwood wants to remain with the Jets, telling Jake Asman on ESPN’s DiPietro & Rothenberg that he would prefer to re-sign.
However, the decision on Sherwood’s future will ultimately be that of the Jets’ new management team.
Which teams need Sherwood?
- New York Jets (extension)
- Los Angeles Rams
- Tampa Bay Buccaneers
- Arizona Cardinals
The Jets have limited salary cap space and must explore creative options to retain Sherwood if they intend to retain his services.
Other teams that may need reinforcements at linebacker if they allow their starters to leave include the Washington Commanders (Bobby Wagner), San Francisco 49ers (Dre Greenlaw), and Arizona Cardinals (Kyzir White).
Josh Sweat, Philadelphia Eagles edge defender
Philadelphia’s limited salary cap space and the emergence of Nolan Smith may make Sweat a cap casualty.
However, parting ways with Sweat may be inadvisable if the Eagles are not confident that 2024 acquisition Bryce Huff can play better in 2025 than he did last year.
Matthew Judon performed poorly in 2024 and will soon become a free agent. The Falcons must find a better replacement to complement Arnold Ebiketie and Co.
Jadeveon Clowney and D.J. Wonnum, the Panthers’ leading edge players, managed only 9.5 sacks between them in 2024.
The Chargers struggled to generate pressure late in the season, and the possibility of losing Khalil Mack in free agency makes upgrading their edge defenders a priority.
The Patriots may have more pressing needs to address at wide receiver and offensive line, but they must recognise the importance of addressing their woefully inadequate group of edge defenders after finishing the year ranked 32nd with only 28 sacks.
Acquiring Sweat would upgrade an edge group partially responsible for the meagre 32 sacks produced by the Titans’ defense in 2024.
Which teams need Sweat?
- Philadelphia Eagles (extension)
- Atlanta Falcons
- Buffalo Bills
- Carolina Panthers
- Los Angeles Chargers
- New England Patriots
- Tennessee Titans
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