The NFL offseason is in full swing, and while many big-name free agents have already found new homes, a handful of notable edge rushers remain on the market.
Here are the 12 biggest names remaining:
1. Jadeveon Clowney
One of the most dominant pass rushers in the league when healthy, Clowney is dealing with injury concerns and has yet to sign a new contract after spending last season with the Tennessee Titans.
2. Melvin Ingram
Ingram has been a consistent presence on the Chargers’ defensive line for the past nine seasons, but remains unsigned as of mid-August.
3. Justin Houston
Houston recorded 19 sacks in two seasons with the Indianapolis Colts and is still looking for a new team.
4. Olivier Vernon
Vernon was solid for the Cleveland Browns in 2020, recording nine sacks, but injuries have stunted his free agency prospects.
5. Ryan Kerrigan
The longtime Washington Football Team star is still searching for a new team after spending the first 10 seasons of his career in the nation’s capital.
6. Everson Griffen
A four-time Pro Bowler, Griffen spent last season with the Cowboys and Lions but is currently a free agent.
7. K.J. Wright
Primarily a linebacker, Wright has experience as an edge rusher and could provide a versatile option for teams in need of pass-rushing help.
8. Aldon Smith
After returning to the league in 2020 with the Dallas Cowboys, Smith remains unsigned for the upcoming season.
9. Trent Murphy
Murphy spent the last two seasons with the Bills, but with the addition of several new edge rushers, the team decided to let him go in free agency.
10. Kerry Hyder
Hyder had a breakout season for the San Francisco 49ers in 2020, recording 8.5 sacks, but has yet to find a new team for 2021.
11. Carlos Dunlap
Dunlap was traded from the Bengals to the Seahawks in the middle of last season, but is currently a free agent after Seattle released him earlier this year.
12. Ezekiel Ansah
Ansah had a disappointing stint with the Dallas Cowboys in 2020, recording just two sacks, and is still searching for a new team for the upcoming season.
Edge rushers are an essential component of any successful defense, and it’s surprising that so many talented players remain unsigned this late in the offseason. As training camp approaches and teams start evaluating their rosters, it’s likely that we’ll see some of these players find new homes in the coming weeks. Until then, fans can only speculate about which teams will sign these big-name pass rushers and how they’ll perform in the upcoming season.
