Top 10 NFL Defensive Free Agents

1. Charles Johnson-DE- looking for at least $11 million a year for 6 years

Johnson has emerged as one of the best pass rushers in the game these past few years, and was able to maintain that level of success despite losing Julius Peppers this past season. Johnson could be a steal of this free agent class, as he can be a huge difference maker, but will still come at a somewhat reduced rate.

2. Eric Weddle-S- Looking for at least $6-7 million a year for 6 years

Weddle doesn’t get the credit of a number of safeties, but he is among the league’s elite. He can play either safety position and is proficient as both a hitter and a cover guy. If you have money to spend and need a safety Weddle is your guy.

3. Nnamdi Asomugha-CB- Looking for at least $16 million a year for 5 years

Asomugha is arguably the best corner back in the league, but his price tag and age knock him down a few pegs in my FA list. Asomugha is going to get a mega deal, that could even approach $20 million a year. He will be an excellent shut down corner, but it will be interesting to see if the cost is worth it.

4. Johnathan Joseph- CB- Looking for at least $12 million a year for 6 years

Joseph is one of the better young corners in the league and I fully expect him to get paid this offseason. I don’t think he is in the elite category, but he is close and will be a cheaper and younger option than Asomugha.

5. Stephen Tulloch- ILB- Looking for at least $7 million a year for 6 years

Tulloch is one of the best 4-3 middle linebackers in the league, and he could probably even make a smooth transition to 3-4 ILB as well. This should make him one of the more marketable linebackers on the market, and land him a quick contract. He’s an extremely sure tackler who is solid in coverage and diagnosing plays.

6. Ray Edwards- DE- Looking for at least $8 million a year for 6 years

Edwards is considered somewhat of an afterthought in the Vikings defense, but I’m guessing other teams will recognize his talent and lineup to give him a big deal. Edwards is really a 4-3 end only which limits some of his value, but he will still get paid. He gives a good pass rush and should be good for 8-12 sacks a year. He also holds up pretty well against the run, which is a nice added bonus.

7. Aubrayo Franklin-NT- Looking for at least $7-8 million a year for 5 years

Franklin is probably the best run stopping defensive tackle in the league. The fact that he has excelled at the 3-4 NT position makes his value sky rocket. Franklin won’t bring much to the table when it comes to getting after the QB, but his run defense is so good that it really won’t matter. With no major injury issues to be concerned with, Franklin is a solid bet to be effective well into his 30’s.

8. Barry Coefield-DT-Looking for at least $7 million a year for 6 years

Coefield has become a very good defensive tackle in the 4-3. He doesn’t light up the stats sheet with his sack numbers, but he gets good pressure, and is a big time run stuffer. He might be able to transition to a hybrid 3-4 role of a NT/DE combo, which would highly increase his value.

9. Brandon Mebane- DT- Looking for at least $7 million a year for 6 years

Mebane is very similar to Coefield, though he might not have as much versatility when it comes to being used in a 3-4 system. He is a quality tackle though who can get after the QB and still stop the run.

10. Cullen Jenkins- DE/DT- Looking for at least $7.5 million a year for 5 years

Jenkins is among the best 3-4 defensive ends in the league, who is an absolute terror when it comes to getting after the QB. The issue with him, is his age (31) and injury history (missing 17 games over the past 3 years). If Jenkins checks out medically though, he could be an excellent value.