One of the more famous sayings in sports is “defense wins championships,” and that is no exception in the NFL. No defense is complete without an effective pass rush, and there is a strong pool of edge rushers hitting the open market. But will top free agents such as Josh Allen and Brian Burns hit the open market?
2024 Top Free Agent Edge Rushers
The following ranking is from Pro Football Network’s NFL analyst Dallas Robinson.
1) Josh Allen
2) Brian Burns
3) Chase Young
4) Danielle Hunter
5) Bryce Huff
6) Jonathan Greenard
7) Jadeveon Clowney
8) Za’Darius Smith
9) Josh Uche
10) Andrew Van Ginkel
Josh Allen and Brian Burns Headline Free Agent Class of Edge Rushers
If you take a quick peek at the defensive players in Jacksonville, Josh Allen may arguably be at the very top.
Standing at 6’5″ and weighing 255 pounds, Allen is a nightmare for opposing linemen.
Totaling 45 sacks in his four years as a Jaguar, Allen is coming off of a career-high 17.5-sack campaign this past season. Given his strong production, it appears likely the Jaguars will make a concerted effort to keep Allen either on a contract extension or by giving him the franchise tag.
“Of course I want to be in Jacksonville. You know, I have a chance to leave a legacy behind,” Allen said at this past Pro Bowl.
The Carolina Panthers are a long shot to hoist a Vince Lombardi Trophy next season, but one of their top priorities this offseason is addressing Brian Burns’ status with the organization.
Drafted by the Panthers in the first round of the 2019 NFL Draft, owner David Tepper and newly promoted GM Dan Morgan will not let Burns walk quickly.
Playing under the fifth-year option this past season, the former Florida State product saw his sack production drop from 12.5 to eight, but his speed off the line of scrimmage stands out, and Burns shows ability to bring down the quarterback in key situations as well.
Acquired midseason from the Washington Commanders, Chase Young, the No. 2 overall pick in 2020, did not perform like the second-best player in his class during his short stint with the San Francisco 49ers, but because he is only 24, Young — despite a season-ending injury during the 2021 season — should get paid.
Veteran Danielle Hunter — selected in 2015 — finished 2023 with a career-high 16.5 sacks and four forced fumbles for the Minnesota Vikings, a team addressing QB Kirk Cousins’ future, as well.
Will the Vikings deal Hunter to a contending franchise soon?
Over in the AFC East, what is next for Miami Dolphins EDGE Andrew Van Ginkel?
MORE: 2024 Top Free Agent Defensive Linemen
A hard-nosed player out of the University of Wisconsin, Van Ginkel filled in nicely for Jaelan Phillips and Bradley Chubb — who sustained season-ending injuries.
The Dolphins re-signed Van Ginkel last offseason to a one-year deal, so now he finds himself back on the open market.
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