NFL defense rankings 2025: Evaluating best, worst defenses after NFL free agency

The Carolina Panthers made Milton Williams their No. 1 target in NFL free agency and then lost the bidding war for him. Carolina also had Jevon Holland on its radar, but settled for safety Tre’Von Moehrig. Even with a healthy Derrick Brown, the Panthers have arguably the worst defensive line in the NFL and certainly the worst front seven in the league. Carolina is also banking on Jaycee Horn to stay healthy, which needs to happen now that he’s making $25 million per season. While we don’t anticipate the Panthers defense being as historically bad in 2025 as it was last season, it could still easily be the worst unit in the NFL on either side of the ball.

Related: NFL power rankings, evaluating all 32 teams after NFL free agency

New Orleans Saints general manager Mickey Loomis refuses to surrender to a much-needed rebuild. So, instead of making the right moves for the club’s long-term future, he keeps aging defenders and splurges on the likes of Justin Reid and Chase Young. Losing Paulson Adebo is a blow to the Saints’ secondary and Father Time is coming for the front seven – Demario Davis and Cameron Jordan will be 36 years old in Week 1 – which should lead to further regression from a once stout defense. We expect a slower Saints defense in 2025, which is going to be a rough watch in Brandon Staley’s scheme.

The Cincinnati Bengals‘ decision to make Joe Burrow happy by paying Tee Higgins and Ja’Marr Chase will come at the expense of this defense. In 2024, Cincinnati allowed the seventh-most points per game (25.5) and the third-highest red-zone touchdown rate (67.9%). That was with Trey Hendrickson playing at a Defensive Player of the Year-caliber level. Now, Hendrickson is on the trade block and a Bengals’ front office with a poor track record of drafting and developing talent on that side of the ball has to fill in a lot of gaps. Burrow and Co. might score 30 points per game, but the Bengals defense will give up even more.

Related: Cincinnati Bengals blasted by GM for Trey Hendrickson trade asking price

The Tennessee Titans spent most of their money in NFL free agency on the offensive line, which is great for the incoming rookie quarterback, but it creates a rough setup for this defense. Thanks to Jeffery Simmons, T’Vondre Sweat and Arden Key, Tennessee is plenty capable of getting after the quarterback – 42% ESPN pass-rush win rate (12th) – but its secondary limits that impact. Tennessee allowed the 10th-highest completion rate (66.4%) and the third-highest passing touchdown rate (5.7%) last season because of poor cornerback play. For those hoping a healthy L’Jarius Sneed can help in that area, he rated as one of the worst cover corners in the NFL last season.

Related: Latest NFL rumors on Tennessee Titans’ plans with the No. 1 pick

The Atlanta Falcons haven’t done anything substantial to improve defensively. It was evident last season – 5.1% sack rate (31st) and 24% ESPN pass-rush win rate (27th) – that Atlanta couldn’t get after the quarterback. The Falcons front office responded to that by only signing Leonard Floyd (21 pressures in 606 snaps), who is more of a No. 3 edge rusher entering his age-33 season. It’s a shame the Falcons front seven is such a problem, because a secondary with AJ Terrell, Mike Hughes and Jessie Bates would otherwise be good enough for at least a league-average defense.

The Jacksonville Jaguars hiring of defensive coordinator Ryan Nielsen last season proved disastrous and he’s been replaced by Anthony Campanile, who should maximize linebackers Foyesade Oluokun and Devin Lloyd. What raises concerns with the Jaguars’ defense is the lack of a defensive interior and while that could be addressed early in the 2025 NFL Draft (Mason Graham) it still would leave a shaky secondary. The signing of nickel Jourdan Lewis pushed Darnell Savage back to free safety, where he’s been awful, and now Jarrian Jones becomes a question mark on the outside after excelling in the slot. Simply put, enough wasn’t done to fix a secondary that allowed a 103.4 QB rating last season.

A healthy Las Vegas Raiders defensive line of Maxx Crosby, Christian Wilkins and Malcolm Koonce can wreak havoc together. In fact, there’s the potential for this to be one of the best defensive lines in the AFC next season. Our issue with the Raiders defense is everything behind this front. Las Vegas is relying on a 31-year-old Elandon Roberts to not regress while testing a secondary that doesn’t have a single quality starter in it. The Raiders’ defensive line will win some battles, but opponents will have plenty of mismatches to exploit this season with wide receivers and tight ends against a defense without a single reliable player in coverage.

With NFL free agency not offering enough high-end solutions to help Drake Maye, the New England Patriots spent all that money on Mike Vrabel’s defense. Carlton Davis is a bit of a risky gamble given his age and durability issues, but he excelled (77.0 QB rating and 55.3% completion rate allowed) in coverage last season. He will complement Christian Gonzalez perfectly, providing New England with an outstanding corner tandem to line up in man coverage versus top receivers. New England also added to its front seven, with Milton Williams joining Christian Barmore to create a stout interior that can make it easy for Robert Spillane to fly through gaps to stop the run. After fielding one of the worst NFL defenses in 2024, the Patriots are poised for a nice turnaround.

Washington Commanders head coach Dan Quinn absolutely deserves credit for the production he squeezed out of this defense in 2024. We were hopeful that Washington would use its wealth of cap space to inject more impact talent into the Commanders defense. Instead, Washington grossly overpaid a below-average defensive lineman (Javon Kinlaw) and it did nothing to improve at safety. The team also might be banking too heavily on Marshon Lattimore – 105.4 QB rating allowed post-trade – to stay healthy and remain a premium starter. Quinn has already proven he can exceed expectations with what he’s given, but we’re expecting regression from Washington defensively.

The Cleveland Browns convinced Myles Garrett to put his Super Bowl aspirations aside with the biggest contract ever for a non-quarterback. It ensures the perennial Defensive Player of the Year candidate will be providing life to this pass rush. Cleveland is also poised to get back linebacker Jeremiah Owusu-Koramoah, who was nearly playing at an All-Pro level before his injury. What brings Cleveland down in our NFL defense rankings are the absences of a reliable No. 2 cornerback and edge rusher, but drafting Abdul Carter with the second overall pick would do wonders for this front.

Related: ‘Mutual interest’ between Cleveland Browns, veteran QB

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers desperately needed pass-rushing help and they found it in NFL free agency with edge rusher Haason Reddick. While he had an awful 2024 season, the issues that plagued him shouldn’t be a problem now that he’s signed to a new deal. He’ll also be in a position to succeed playing with a defensive front that features Vita Vea and Calijah Kancey. Tampa Bay will once again have one of the best run defenses in the NFL, but there are more than enough concerns at cornerback to think last year’s issues – 96.6 QB rating allowed (eighth-highest) and 1.1% INT rate (fourth-lowest) – will prove to be an issue against good quarterbacks.

While it’s a significant boost to have Robert Saleh return as the  San Francisco 49ers defensive coordinator, the on-field departures are concerning. While we saw plenty of snaps from this 49ers defense in 2024 without Charvarius Ward, Talanoa Hufanga, Dre Greenlaw and Javon Hargrave, San Francisco wasn’t very good without them. San Francisco ranked 24th in Defensive EPA per Play (0.068) from Weeks 6-13 when it was hit hardest by injuries. Losing all that talent and the experience leaves massive voids to fill and it’s why we’re expecting a rough first year for Saleh’s defense.

Related: Insider reveals likely cost of Brock Purdy contract extension for San Francisco 49ers

The New York Jets defense fell off in 2024 in part due to coaching upheaval but also because of injuries. Fortunately, the building blocks of this unit – Sauce Gardner, Quinnen Williams and Jamien Sherwood – will all be out there for defensive-minded head coach Aaron Glenn to utilize. The one thing we’re confident in is that Glenn will get the most out of his players. With that said, a complete turnaround is unlikely. New York lost one of the best No. 2 corners in the NFL (DJ Reed) and replaced him with one of the worst cover cornerbacks (Brandon Stephens, 106.1 QB rating and 906 receiving yards allowed). If New York’s pass rush slips, there’s a glaring hole at CB2 for quarterbacks to exploit.

The New York Giants defense had its moments in 2024 and then fell off a cliff following the season-ending injury for Dexter Lawrence. Along with the return of the All-Pro defensive tackle, New York also finally addressed its secondary. Paulson Adebo – 71.9 QB rating allowed when targeted in 2024 – steps in as the No. 1 cornerback with playmaking free safety Jevon Holland added as a centerfielder to roam deep. Adding Holland and Adebo should also help maximize safety Tyler Nubin and cornerback Andru Phillips, making this secondary a strength for the first time in years. However, the Giants’ run defense remains a concern and No. 2 corner Deonte Banks is a liability on the perimeter.

Related: New York Giants’ QB plans if Aaron Rodgers signs with another team

The Arizona Cardinals defense outperformed its talent level last season. Jonathan Gannon maximized what he had, but it was also painfully obvious – 28th in ESPN pass-rush win rate (33%) – that Arizona couldn’t get after the quarterback. While Josh Sweat doesn’t single-handedly fix that, he is worlds better than anything Arizona had previously. Adding Dalvin Tomlinson, even as he loses the battle to Father Time, should help the Cardinals create pressure more consistently. This might be a bit lofty of a projection for the Cardinals defense in 2025 but it’s a bet on what Gannon can do with more help.

Indianapolis Colts general manager Chris Ballard finally spent money on the secondary. He also did it emphatically, adding safety Camryn Bynum and cornerback Charvarius Ward. In Ward, Indianapolis has a No. 1 cornerback who demonstrated from 2022-’23 that he can play at an All-Pro level. Meanwhile, Bynum provides an aggressive playmaker for defensive coordinator Lou Anarumo. Indianapolis already had a good defensive line, but its inexperienced secondary always held this unit back. With Ward and Bynum added into the mix, the Colts defense should improve significantly.

A majority of the focus from this offseason will rightfully be on the moves made to improve the Chicago Bears offense. The defense deserves more attention. Chicago made a brilliant hire with defensive coordinator Dennis Allen, who has a phenomenal track record of overseeing top-10 defenses. Plus, as a twice-failed head coach, they don’t have to worry about losing him. The Bears’ defensive line was also made a priority and while Dayo Odeyingbo and Grady Jarrett are premier starters, they will make this front a lot better. If Montez Sweat can be more effective and this young secondary avoids mistakes, Chicago could have a top-10 defense next season.

The Los Angeles Rams defensive line warrants a top-10 spot in our NFL defense rankings. Jared Verse looks like a DPOY candidate in the making and he’s joined by big-time disruptors in Braden Fiske and Kobie Turner. Remarkably, Los Angeles might be even better next season thanks to the addition of defensive tackle Poona Ford. However, there are major red flags at cornerback. Los Angeles allowed the 10th-highest average QB rating (95.9) and the sixth-highest passing touchdown rate (5.4%) because it relied on the likes of Darious Williams and Cobie Durant. Corner must be addressed early in the 2025 NFL Draft for us to believe this can be a top-shelf defense this fall.

Related: Los Angeles Rams ‘Not Done’ adding this offseason

The Pittsburgh Steelers are known for having one of the best NFL defenses, led by T.J. Watt and Cameron Heyward. However, real issues started popping up in the second half of last season. From Weeks 13-18, the Steelers defense allowed a 14-5 TD-INT ratio with a 72.5% completion rate and a 105.2 QB rating. While there’s hope that veteran Darius Slay provides a fix as CB2, he’s been volatile throughout his career and is a regression candidate entering his age-34 season. While Pittsburgh’s defensive front of Watt, Heyward, Keeanu Benton and Alex Highsmith can be one of the best in the NFL, there are enough warts in the secondary to believe this won’t be a top-12 defense.

The remarkable thing about the Buffalo Bills defense is that Sean McDermott consistently has it playing at a high level in the regular season even through a myriad of injuries. Heading into 2025, the hope is that Buffalo finally gets a full season out of All-Pro linebacker Matt Milano. There are plenty of other high-end starters – Christian Benford, Ed Oliver, Gregory Rousseau and Taron Johnson – to like about this unit. However, Buffalo needs a true No. 2 cornerback and edge rusher Joey Bosa – 14 sacks in last 28 games – is a bigger name than on-field contributor at this point. Adding another quality starter in the secondary or along the defensive line would go a long way in restoring our confidence in Buffalo having a top-10 defense.

Related: Two Buffalo Bills’ free-agent signings suspended

Losing Jevon Holland is certainly a blow for this Miami Dolphins defense, but it actually played very well last season when he was struggling. There’s also help that free-agent signing Ifeatu Melifonwu could play like a Holland-lite, which he’s done before with the Detroit Lions when healthy. More importantly for Miami, there’s hope for edge rusher Bradley Chubb to play in Week 1 with a second-year leap possible for Chop Robinson. There’s enough reason for optimism and even with all the injuries in 2024, Miami still allowed the 10th-fewest PPG (21.4) and the seventh-lowest conversion rate (35.9%) on third downs.

Related: Miami Dolphins sign former first-round pick

The Kansas City Chiefs defense really fell off midseason after the injury to cornerback Jaylen Watson. So, to improve their depth and allow for All-Pro corner Trent McDuffie to spend a little more time in the slot, Kansas City added Kristian Fulton. It significantly improves the depth of the Chiefs’ cornerback room and with the re-signing of Nick Bolton, that’s two spots to feel confident about. However, the Chiefs lost veteran safety Justin Reid and the defensive line lost plenty of depth this offseason. Reid’s departure and concerns about how consistently Kansas City can get after the pressure without Chris Jones taking over games are the biggest concerns with this unit.

Related: Insider details plans for Kansas City Chiefs offensive line in 2025

The Los Angeles Chargers defense greatly exceeded expectations last season, allowing the fourth-lowest scoring rate (32.6%) and the lowest red-zone touchdown rate (45%) in the NFL. Importantly, they brought back Khalil Mack for the 2025 season. We love the work Chargers defensive coordinator Jesse Minter has done, but there are real questions at cornerback – Donte Jackson and Benjamin St-Juste – along with holes at defensive tackle and edge rusher. We were skeptical of the talent on this defense last year and Minter made it work, so we’ll give him some early benefit of the doubt now.

Green Bay Packers defensive coordinator Jeff Hafley did some excellent work in his first season, but credit for this unit’s turnaround starts with its 2024 rookie class. Linebacker Edgerrin Cooper played at an All-Pro level and safety Evan Williams was outstanding one healthy. Positions that used to be the biggest weaknesses on this Packers defense – safety and off-ball linebacker – became strengths thanks to Cooper, Williams, Quay Walker and Xavier McKinney. However, there’s still work to be done that will likely come from the 2025 NFL Draft. If Green Bay wants to field one of the best NFL defenses next season, it needs to keep Jaire Alexander and find a defensive lineman who can help improve a front that ranked 26th in pass-rush win rate (35%) last season.

The Dallas Cowboys had one of the most disappointing defenses in 2025 but injuries to Micah Parsons, DeMarvion Overshown, Trevon Diggs and DaRon Bland explain plenty of it. Dallas did experience some painful offseason losses – Jourdan Lewis and DeMarcus Lawrence – but the hiring of defensive coordinator Matt Eberflus was one of the best moves this offseason. Furthermore, Dallas strengthened its pass rush by signing Dante Fowler Jr. While we remain weary of the Cowboys’ run defense, they will have one of the best pass defenses in the NFL next season.

After benching safety Marcus Williams, the Baltimore Ravens allowed just 171.6 passing yards per game with a 72.2 QB rating and a 5-6 TD-INT ratio in seven contests. Paired with a top-three run defense, Baltimore finished the season first in EPA per Play (-0.153) from Weeks 11-18. That same unit returns in 2025 with defensive coordinator Zach Orr now having a year under his belt and Chuck Pagano added to coach the secondary, we fully expect a top-10 defense next season.

Losing defensive coordinator Aaron Glenn is an absolute blow for this Detroit Lions defense and it will take first-year DC Kelvin Sheppard time to adjust. With that acknowledged, getting back Aidan Hutchinson, Derrick Barnes, Alex Anzalone and Alim McNeil makes a massive difference. Detroit also replaced Carlton Davis with DJ Reed, in what could prove to be an upgrade for the Lions secondary. We’d still love to see Detroit add a true No.2 rusher but that might come from the 2025 NFL Draft.

After acquiring linebacker Ernest Jones in the middle of October, the Seattle Seahawks defense ranked fifth in EPA per Play (-0.054) with an 87.0 QB rating and a 35.1% third-down conversion rate allowed from Weeks 9-18. Jones made a difference, but this young Seahawks defense also really started to gel in Mike Macdonald’s scheme. Now, Seattle adds DeMarcus Lawrence to round out its pass rush. Macdonald’s defenses have historically taken an even bigger step forward in his second season and we expect that to be the case with Seattle.

Related: Seattle Seahawks’ free-agent signing blasts former team

The Philadelphia Eagles had the best NFL defenses in 2024. However, they’ve dropped from that spot in our NFL power rankings because of offseason departures. Josh Sweat (8 sacks), Milton Williams (5 sacks), Daris Slay (81.9 QB rating allowed), Isaiah Rodgers and C.J. Gardner-Johnson (6 interceptions) are gone. Even with starters ready to take their place – Quinyon Mitchell, Sydney Brown, Kelee Ringo and Jordan Davis – Philadelphia lost significant depth. Even with that acknowledged, Vic Fangio is a defensive mastermind and a unit that has Mitchell, Zack Baun, Jalen Carter, Cooper DeJean, Nolan Smith and Jalyx Hunt can still be one of the best NFL defenses in 2025.

The Denver Broncos had two clear defensive needs in 2024 – safety and off-ball linebacker – and they still had one of the best NFL defenses. Fittingly, they addressed both in NFL free agency by poaching a pair of starters from the 49ers. Dre Greenlaw is an excellent starter who can help against the run and excels in pass coverage, shoring up Denver’s pass coverage in the middle of the field. Talanoa Hufanga, a bit of a risk-taker, adds a playmaker at free safety and he perfectly complements Patrick Surtain II and Riley Moss. A year after allowing the third-fewest PPG (18.3) and the second-lowest yards per play average (4.9), Denver has a shot to have the No. 1 defense next season.

Related: Promising Denver Broncos news on potential Courtland Sutton contract extension

The Minnesota Vikings defense allowed the lowest scoring rate (31.6%) and the fourth-lowest third-down conversion rate (35.6%) last season and this unit could be even better in 2025. Minnesota re-signed No. 1 cornerback Byron Murphy Jr (76.7 QB rating allowed in coverage) and landed Isaiah Rodgers in a potential upgrade over Stephon Gilmore. On top of that, the Vikings defensive line received additional help on the interior with Javon Hargrave and Jonathan Allen. Minnesota finished fourth in ESPN’s pass-rush win rate (46%) and run-stop win rate (33%) last season and the additions on the inside can make this a top-three defense next season.

Related: Love Minnesota Sports? Check Out MinnesotaSportsFan.com

The Houston Texans have the best NFL defense in 2025. It starts with one of the best secondaries in the NFL, which should be even better with the acquisition of C.J. Gardner-Johnson and healthy versions of Jalen Pitre and Jimmie Ward. A defensive front that also led the NFL in ESPN pass-rush win rate (49%) with the second-best run-stop win rate (34%) added pass-rushing depth behind Will Anderson Jr. and Danielle Hunter with edge defender Darrell Taylor. The interior of the Texans’ defensive line is a bit of a concern, but the depth, talent and coaching land Houston atop our NFL defense rankings 2025.