10 defensive free agents who deserve to get paid

NFL free agency is a period of significant player movement and financial investment, and the 2026 cycle is already shaping up to be particularly intriguing. As teams prepare for the legal tampering period beginning March 9, several defensive players are poised to command substantial contracts based on their recent performance. Here’s a look at ten standouts who have earned the right to be well-compensated.

EDGE Trey Hendrickson

Trey Hendrickson of the Cincinnati Bengals is widely considered the top defensive free agent available. Despite missing a portion of the 2025 season due to injury, he remains among the NFL’s elite pass rushers, ranking eighth in PFF pass-rush grade (92.4) and third in total sacks (61.0) since joining the Bengals in 2021. He is one of only six edge rushers to achieve a pass-rush win rate exceeding 20% over the past three seasons, and consistently grades in the 96th percentile on true pass sets.

Did You Know? Since 2021, Trey Hendrickson has recorded 61.0 sacks, placing him third among all NFL players at his position.

LB Devin Lloyd

Linebacker Devin Lloyd is set to hit free agency after the Jacksonville Jaguars declined to exercise his fifth-year option. His 2025 season was a career-best, earning him second-team All-Pro honors and the highest PFF overall grade of his career, with marks above 80.0 in all major defensive categories. A projected average annual value of over $20 million would position him as the second-highest-paid linebacker in the league, trailing only Fred Warner of the San Francisco 49ers.

EDGE Odafe Oweh

Odafe Oweh has quietly established himself as a consistent and well-rounded edge defender. Over the last three seasons, he has maintained a PFF overall grade above 71.0 each year, ranking in the 80th percentile or higher in PFF’s edge defender metrics. Notably, he boasts the second-highest run-stop percentage at the position (9.9%). A three-year, $57.9 million deal would represent excellent value, placing his projected annual value just outside the top 15 highest-paid edge defenders.

EDGE Jaelan Phillips

Jaelan Phillips, after a trade to Philadelphia, proved to be the Eagles’ most effective pass rusher. From Week 10 through the wild-card round, he led the team in pressures (43) and pass-rush win rate (17.6%). He excelled in attacking offenses on true pass sets, achieving an 85th percentile grade (80.7). His injury history, including a torn Achilles in 2023 and a torn ACL in 2024, may influence his market value.

S Bryan Cook

Safety Bryan Cook enjoyed a breakout year for the Kansas City Chiefs, earning a career-high 83.5 PFF overall grade – the fifth-highest among qualifying safeties. He was the only safety to achieve a PFF grade above 80.0 in both run defense (80.1) and coverage (83.2), and ranked in the 90th percentile in missed tackle rate. His talent and experience could command an average annual value just inside the top 12 highest-paid safeties.

Expert Insight: The demand for versatile safeties who excel in both run support and pass coverage is consistently high, making Bryan Cook a potentially valuable acquisition for teams seeking to bolster their secondary.

CB Jaylen Watson

Cornerback Jaylen Watson, alongside teammate Bryan Cook, is a standout in the Chiefs’ secondary. He has consistently earned a PFF overall grade of 68.0 or higher over the past three seasons, with a 74.9 PFF coverage grade at outside cornerback, placing him in the 85th percentile. His length and consistency make him an enticing free agent prospect.

S Kamren Curl

Kamren Curl has consistently performed at a high level since entering the league as a seventh-round pick in 2020, never earning a PFF overall grade below 65.0. His 2025 season saw him achieve a 77.8 PFF grade, ranking second among qualifying safeties in PFF run-defense grade (87.9). He is projected to be a valuable signing at just over $10 million annually.

CB Montaric Brown

Montaric Brown’s trajectory has been on the rise since being drafted by the Jaguars in 2022. His career-high 72.0 PFF overall grade in 2025, coupled with an 82.6 PFF coverage grade in zone coverage, positions him as a valuable asset for zone-heavy defenses. He is projected to be a value at $9.2 million annually.

LB Devin Bush

Devin Bush revitalized his career with the Cleveland Browns, posting a career-best 87.6 PFF overall grade in 2025, ranking third among qualifying linebackers. He excelled in both PFF coverage grade in the box (75.7) and PFF run-defense grade (90.6). While his earlier NFL performance was inconsistent, his recent success could warrant a $8.9 million per year contract.

S Jaylinn Hawkins

Jaylinn Hawkins had a breakout year for the Patriots, logging an 85.7 PFF coverage grade at free safety and recording four interceptions. His range and coverage skills were integral to the Patriots’ defense. He may aim to re-sign with New England, but could also represent a valuable addition to another team’s secondary.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the legal tampering period?

The legal tampering period opens on March 9, allowing teams to negotiate with agents of pending free agents before the official start of the new league year.

Which player is projected to receive the highest average annual value?

Trey Hendrickson is projected to receive the highest average annual value at $25.4 million.

How many of these players have earned PFF grades above 80.0 in recent seasons?

Several players have earned PFF grades above 80.0, including Trey Hendrickson, Devin Lloyd, Bryan Cook, and Jaylinn Hawkins.

As teams navigate the complexities of free agency, these ten defensive players represent compelling options to strengthen their rosters. Will these players secure the contracts they deserve, and how will their moves impact the competitive landscape of the NFL?