NFL defense rankings 2025: Worst and best NFL defenses entering offseason, team needs and FAs

• Carolina Panthers free agents (defense): SS Jordan Fuller, LB Shaq Thompson, SS Nick Scott, S Xavier Woods, CB Michael Jackson, S Sam Franklin
• Carolina Panthers team needs (defense): EDGE, S, LB, CB

The Carolina Panthers had the worst defense in the NFL in 2024. Everyone expected it considering the lack of quality high-end talent on the roster and injuries only made it worse. Pro Bowl defensive tackle Derrick Brown played in just a single game, linebacker Shaq Thompson made just 4 starts and cornerback Jaycee Horn had an up-and-down season.

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While it might be surprising that Panthers defensive coordinator Ejiro Evero was retained for the 2025 season, he is still well-regarded as a play-caller around the league. Carolina needs to find the talent to make his defense effective. That starts with finding a No. 1 pass rusher and then potentially a No. 1 cornerback, with Horn (92.7 QB rating allowed and 6 touchdowns allowed in coverage) at the very least needing more help opposite of him. Given the number of holes on this side of the ball, the best-case scenario for Carolina might be a top-25 defense in 2025.

• New Orleans Saints free agents (defense): EDGE Chase Young, FS Tyrann Mathieu, ILB Willie Gay Jr, CB Paulson Adebo, S Will Harris
• New Orleans Saints team needs (defense): EDGE, DT, CB, S

Father Time and an awful recent New Orleans Saints draft history have decimated this defense. Edge rusher Cameron Jordan and linebacker Demario Davis are both entering their age-36 seasons, with both having demonstrated glaring signs of decline in 2024. New Orleans has attempted to find their replacements – Pete Werner, Payton Turner, Bryan Bresee and Isaiah Foskey – but the results have been an alarming disappointment.

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Given the Saints’ cap situation, it’s very possible that No. 1 corner Paulso Adebo will depart in NFL free agency and the same could be said for edge rusher Chase Young. That leaves an even greater talent void on this roster, all with a new defensive coordinator coming in. There are very few avenues to fill the talent void on this side of the ball, fueling our belief this will be one of the worst NFL defenses in 2025.

• Jacksonville Jaguars free agents (defense): FS Andre Cisco, DE Esezi Otomewo, DT Jeremiah Ledbetter,
• Jacksonville Jaguars team needs (defense): CB, DT, S

The Jacksonville Jaguars defense had one of the biggest fall-offs from 2023 to 2024. Two years ago, Jacksonville finished 13th in Defensive EPA per Play (-0.038) with the 10th-lowest scoring rate (32.3%) allowed to opponents. In 2024, Jacksonville finished 31st in Defensive EPA per Play (0.131) and opponents’ scoring rate (45.6%). We do see some reason for optimism, however.

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Travon Walker recorded his second consecutive season with double-digit sacks (10.5) and he recorded the ninth-highest ESPN run-stop win rate (30%) among edge defenders. While Josh Hines-Allen’s sack production plummeted (17.5 to 8.0) and his total pressures (46 to 29) dropped, he still had the 13th-best PFF pass-rush win rate (15.9%) at his position. New Jaguars defensive coordinator Anthony Campanile has an outstanding track record with off-ball linebackers, which bodes well for Foyesade Ouokun and Devin Lloyd. Cornerback and defensive tackle are obvious needs, but Jacksonville is in a good position to land either Michigan defensive tackle Mason Graham or cornerback Will Johnson. Either would be a massive addition, which could help fuel a top-20 defense in 2025.

• New England Patriots free agents (defense): CB Jonathan Jones, S Brenden Schooler, S Jaylin Hawkins, DE Christian Elliss, OLB Oshane Ximines, DT Daniel Ekuale
• New England Patriots team needs (defense): EDGE, CB

Coaching and injuries were two of the biggest issues for the New England Patriots defense in 2024. Christian Barmore played in just 4 games, while Ja’Whaun Bentley (2 games) and Jabrill Peppers (6 games) combined for just 8 starts. With this unit also poorly coached, it’s no surprise that New England ranked bottom 10 in third-down defense (43.3% conversion rate) and red-zone defense (63.2% touchdown rate). We anticipate significant improvements next season.

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Not only does New England have more than $100 million in cap space to invest on this side of the ball, it could also land a No. 1 edge rusher (Abdul Carter) atop the 2025 NFL Draft. With Mike Vrabel coming in, it’s reasonable to expect this to be a more disciplined and better-prepared team. The additions still need to be made talent-wise, but the Patriots can be a riser in our NFL defense rankings as the offseason unfolds.

• Tennessee Titans free agents (defense): SS Quandre Diggs, DT Marlon Davidson, DT Keondre Coburn, CB Darrell Baker Jr, DT Sebastian Joseph, OLB Jerome Baker
• Tennessee Titans team needs (defense): CB, EDGE, ILB

Tennessee Titans defensive coordinator Dennard Wilson exceeded expectations in his first season, accomplishing far more than anyone should’ve expected from this unit. However, there was a steep fall-off late in the regular season (30th in Defensive EPA per Play from Weeks 12-18) which highlighted the need for significant additions this offseason.

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Fortunately, Tennessee does have a defensive front, which it can feel relatively good about. Jeffery Simmons (12% Pass-Rush Win Rate, 10th among DTs) and T’Vondre Sweat have the making of an excellent tandem on the defensive line, fueling the team to record the 12th-highest pass-rush win rate (42 percent). It’s the secondary and edge rusher that need to be addressed, with L’Jarius Sneed and Chidobe Awuzie both massive liabilities in coverage this past season. Addressing one of those positions in Round 1 and the other in free agency would help a turnaround in 2025.

• Cincinnati Bengals free agents (defense): CB Mike Hilton, SS Vonn Bell, EDGE Joseph Ossai, DT B.J. Hill, CB Marco Wilson
• Cincinnati Bengals team needs (defense): DT, EDGE, CB

It would be wise for the Cincinnati Bengals to work out a Trey Hendrickson contract extension this offseason because this defense can’t afford to lose him. In 2024, Cincinnati ranked 20th in pass-rush win rate (37%) and 26th in sac rate (5.8%), that is with Hendrickson’s 54 pressures and 17.5 sacks.

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The change in defensive coordinator to Al Golden should generate some marginal improvements, but there’s a lot more work to be done. Sam Hubbard’sfall off (8 pressures in 14 games) creates a glaring hole at edge rusher opposite of Hendrickson. Cincinnati also doesn’t have a No. 1 cornerback, with Cam Taylor-Britt (98.0 QB rating and 6 touchdowns allowed) giving up far too many big plays while Daxton Hill has allowed a career 105.0 QB rating in 37 games. Barring major additions, this projects to be one of the worst NFL defenses next season.

• Indianapolis Colts free agents (defense): LB E.J. Speed, S Julian Blackmon, DE Dayo Odeyingbon, DT Taven Bryan, OLB Grant Stuard
• Indianapolis Colts team needs (defense): S, CB, LB

The Indianapolis Colts defense became all too predictable in recent years, forcing the franchise to finally cut ties with Gus Bradley. Colts defensive coordinator Lou Anarumo will have a nice defensive line to work with, with Kwity Paye, DeForest Buckner and Grover Stewart all above-average starters. It’s everything behind the defensive front that is concerning.

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Indianapolis led the NFL in missed tackles (157) last season, 23 more than the second-worst team. Putting that stat in greater perspective, the Colts missed more tackles than the Minnesota Vikings (79) and Baltimore Ravens (76) combined. Indianapolis also must fix a secondary that allowed the seventh-most passing yards per game in 2024, but Colts general manager Chris Ballard hasn’t exactly demonstrated a willingness to address this long-standing need in recent offseasons. Until he does, we view this as a bottom-10 defense that wastes a strong front four.

• New York Giants free agents (defense): LB Isaiah Simmons, CB Adoree Jackson, EDGE Azeez Ojulari, ILB Matthew Adams, CB Elijah Riley, OLB Patrick Johnson, FS Jason Pinnock
• New York Giants team needs (defense): CB, DT, LB

Before the season-ending injury to Dexter Lawrence in Week 12, the New York Giants defense ranked 23rd in Defensive EPA per Play (0.042) with a 34.15% third-down conversion rate allowed. In the final six games, New York allowed a 47.6% third-down conversion rate and ranked 29th in EPA per Play. Getting the All-Pro defensive tackle back is the first step toward a 2025 turnaround.

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Obviously, it won’t be enough for New York to even field an above-average defense. That’s because while this front finished top-13 in pass-rush win rate (41% and run-stop win rate (32%), the secondary was an Achilles’ heel for this team. Finding a quality starter on the outside would do wonders for this pass defense and a run-stuffing interior lineman next to Lawrence would shore up a unit that allowed the sixth-most rushing yards per game (136.2) this past season.

• Cleveland Browns free agents (defense): DT Maurice Hurst, ILB Devin Bush, FS Rodney McLeod, ILB Khaleke Hudson, CB Michael Ford, OLB James Houston
• Cleveland Browns team needs (defense): EDGE, LB, CB

The Myles Garrett trade request adds a significant deal of uncertainty for the Cleveland Browns defense entering the offseason. For now, the Browns front office is adamant it won’t trade the Defensive Player of the Year. However, the number of holes on the Browns roster could eventually convince Cleveland to flip Garrett for a haul of premium draft picks. For now, we’ll operate under the assumption Garrett is in a Browns uniform next season.

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With Garrett, Cleveland recorded the third-highest pressure rate (26.5%) in the NFL last season but it ranked 28th in yards per pass attempt allowed (7.6). Prior to the season-ending injury to Jeremiah Owusu-Koramoah, the Browns did allow just a 59.1% completion rate and 7.3 ypa to opponents. With very little wiggle room to reload, a defensive turnaround in 2025 is dependent on Garrett sticking around and rebound seasons from corners Greg Newsome II and Denzel Ward.

• Las Vegas Raiders free agents (defense): S Marcus Epps, LB Robert Spillane, DT John Jenkins, S Trevon Moehrig, DT Adam Butler, EDGE Malcolm Koonce, LB Divine Deable, CB Nate Hobbs, CB Darnay Holmes
• Las Vegas Raiders team needs (defense): CB, ILB, EDGE

The Las Vegas Raiders already made their first step towards defensive improvement in 2025 by retaining Patrick Graham. Injuries – Christian Wilkins, Maxx Crosby and Malcolm Koonce – resulted in the steep decline of the Raiders’ pass rush. However, an even bigger problem was the absence of improvement in the secondary which resulted in Las Vegas allowing the fifth-most passing touchdowns (29) in the NFL this past season.

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Even with a healthy Wilkins and Crosby, Las Vegas needs to find another edge rusher. Former first-round pick Tyree Wilson (28 pressures and 8 sacks in 33 games) just hasn’t put it together. While a third-year breakout is possible, Las Vegas can’t rely on him. There’s a far more pressing need in the secondary, but elite talent isn’t necessary. If the Raiders can just get quality play out of their cornerbacks, with a strong pass rush, this can be a top-18 defense next season.

• Chicago Bears free agents (defense): EDGE Darrell Taylor, OLB Jake Martin, DT Chris Williams, LB Amen Ogbongbemiga
• Chicago Bears team needs (defense): EDGE, DT, FS, CB

Chicago Bears defensive coordinator Dennis Allen is the perfect hire for this team. As a twice-failed head coach, the organization doesn’t have to worry about him being poached for another job. Plus, this allows Allen to focus on what he does best. When he ran the Saints defense before its dramatic fall-off due to roster mismanagement, New Orleans ranked third in Defensive EPA per Play (-0.054) and second in Defensive Success Rate (41.6%) from 2019-2022. With that said, there’s work to be done.

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It starts up front. Montez Sweat was a major disappointment in his first full season with Chicago, netting just 22 pressures and 5.5 sacks in 16 games. With their No. 1 edge rusher ineffective, the Bears ranked 24th in pass-rush win rate (37%). Beyond a rebound season from Sweat, along with CB Tyrique Stevenson, Chicago needs to find a pass-rushing specialist on both the interior and edge. If those positions are addressed, Allen can make this a top-15 defense in a best-case outcome.

• Atlanta Falcons free agents (defense): EDGE Matthew Judon, FS Justin Simmons, OLB Lorenzo Carter, EDGE Kentavius Street, S Richie Grant, CB Antonio Hamilton, DT Eddie Goldman, CB Mike Hughes
• Atlanta Falcons team needs (defense): EDGE, LB, DT

The most important component of a successful defense is the ability to generate pressure consistently. Look at the best NFL defenses in 2024, they all ranked near the top of the league in pressure rate and pass-rush win rate. Meanwhile, the Atlanta Falcons placed 27th in pass-rush win rate (34%) and 25th in pressure rate (20%).

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So, that’s the obvious need the Falcons need to attack both in NFL free agency and the 2025 NFL Draft. Atlanta has a No. 1 corner in A.J. Terrell paired with a playmaker at safety in Jessie Bates. If a few additions are made and this can even be a league-average pass rush in 2025, it will make a world of difference for the Falcons pass defense.

• Arizona Cardinals free agents (defense): EDGE Kyzir White, OLB Dennis Gardeck, DE LJ Collier, LB Baron Browning, OLB Julian Okwara, DT Roy Lopez
• Arizona Cardinals team needs (defense): EDGE, DT, CB

The fact that the Arizona Cardinals place 20th in our NFL defense rankings 2025 is a testament to head coach Jonathan Gannon and defensive coordinator Nick Rallis. Arizona has Pro Bowl safety Budda Baker, but he’s about the only standout on this side of the ball. However, safety Jalen Thompson (76.2 PFF grade) and edge defender Zaven Collins (85.4 PFF grade) did perform well against the run this past season.

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There are some obvious areas for improvement in Arizona, coming off a season that saw this unit allow the fifth-highest third-down conversion rate (43.8%) with the 10th-most red-zone attempts (57) and the fifth-most yards per drive (34.8). It all starts up front, with a glaring need for a difference-maker on the defensive line. Adding more juice to this pass rush and finding another starting-caliber corner would really help Gannon and Rallis elevate this defense. At a minimum, Arizona needs to improve its defensive line this offseason.

• New York Jets free agents (defense): EDGE Haason Reddick, CB D.J. Reed, DT Javon Kinlaw, S Chuck Clark, S, Tony Adams, S Ashtyn Davis, DE Solomon Thomas, DT Leki Fotu
• New York Jets team needs (defense): CB, DT, S

We have all the confidence in the world that head coach Aaron Glenn can help get this New York Jets defense back on track. After all, he’s taking over a unit that still boasts Sauce Gardner, Quinnen Williams, C.J. Mosley and Quincy Williams. Mosley isn’t a safe bet to stay healthy, but New York would still have two All-Pro talents and an above-average starter and Glenn had success with far less as the Detroit Lions defensive coordinator.

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The blue-chip talent ensures this shouldn’t be one of the worst NFL defenses in 2025, but New York is likely losing cornerback D.J. Reed Jr to the open market. It creates a void opposite of Gardner, one that will become an even bigger issue if the Jets can’t find a playmaker at free safety. A top pick in the 2025 NFL Draft can solve one of those problems, but one addition won’t be enough for a massive turnaround. Realistically, the ceiling here is a top-14 defense next season.

• Tampa Bay Buccaneers free agents 2025 (defense): LB Lavonte Davis, DT Greg Gaines, OLB Joe Tryon, OLB Anthony Nelson, EDGE William Gholston, CB Bryce Hall, S Mike Edwards
• Tampa Bay Buccaneers team needs (defense): EDGE, CB, LB

When reviewing how this Tampa Bay Buccaneers defense in 2024, it’s worth keeping injuries in mind. While defensive tackle Calijah Kancey had a breakout year (17 QB hits and 7.5 sacks), he missed 5 games. All-Pro safety Antoine Winfield Jr appeared in just 9 games and No. 1 cornerback Jamel Dean was out for 5 weeks.

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Even with the injuries, Tampa Bay had a few strengths defensively. The Buccaneers had one of the best NFL run defenses in 2024, allowing the fourth-fewest rushing yards per game (97.8). This group also ranked 14th in passing touchdown rate (4.3%), red-zone touchdown rate (54.4%) and third-down defense (38.1%). This offseason, Tampa Bay needs to find a top pass rusher. It will round out the defensive line and create a more consistent pass rush, which in turn will make a healthier secondary look better next season.

• Washington Commanders free agents 2025 (defense): LB Bobby Wagner, S Jeremy Chinn, EDGE Dante Fowler Jr, CB Michael Davis, CB Noah Igbinoghene, CB Benjamin St-Juste
• Washington Commanders team needs 2025 (defense): EDGE, CB

Dan Quinn maximized a Washington Commanders defense that didn’t have a ton of talent this past season. Even with the Marshon Lattimore trade not yielding the results Washington hoped for, free-agent acquisitions Bobby Wagner, Jeremy Chinn, Dorance Armstrong, Dante Fowler Jr and Frankie Luvu all worked out well.

The ability to hit on the second and third-tier free agents bodes extremely well moving forward. That’s because the Commanders are among the leaders in cap space this offseason, meaning top-end talent at edge rusher and cornerback can join Quinn’s defense and take this unit to another level.

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• Miami Dolphins free agents (defense): FS Jevon Holland, ILB Tyrell Dodson, EDGE Emmanuel Ogbah, OLB Duke Riley, EDGE Calais Campbell, FS Jordan Poyer, S Siran Neal, ILB Anthony Walker Jr
• Miami Dolphins team needs (defense): CB, S, DT

The Miami Dolphins benefitted from the change at defensive coordinator last offseason, with Anthony Weaver maximizing a roster that just didn’t connect with Vic Fangio. What’s remarkable about Miami’s success defensively this past year – -0.023 Defensive EPA per Play (8th) and 29.4 yards per drive allowed (7th) – is that it largely came without edge rushers Jaelan Phillips and Bradley Chubb.

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Weaver helped edge rusher Chop Robinson, meant to be a developmental player, record 20 pressures and 6 sacks in his rookie campaign. That’s a promising sign heading into Robinson’s second season, especially if either Chubb or Phillips can be healthy. There are some areas of concern, however. Calais Campbell is a free agent and this secondary allowed an 11-3 TD-INT ratio with a 95.4 QB rating in its final six games. We do tend to believe safety Jevon Holland will be re-signed or tagged, but further improvement defensively requires Miami to find more help at defensive tackle and corner.

• San Francisco 49ers free agents (defense): CB Charvarius Ward, LB Dre Greenlaw, S Talanoa Hufanga, LB De’Vondre Campbell, DT Kevin Givens, CB Isaac Yiadom, DT Khalil Davis, CB Rock Ya-Sin
• San Francisco 49ers team needs (defense): ILB, DT, CB, S

Reuniting with Robert Saleh might be one of the best NFL offseason moves in 2025. During his tenure as the San Francisco 49ers defensive coordinator (2017-2020), Saleh orchestrated a unit that ranked seventh in Defensive EPA per Play (-0.027) from 2018-’20, with one of the best pass defenses in the NFL. With that said, San Francisco has significantly less talent defensively than it did during his first tenure as play-caller.

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Of the 49ers free agents on defense, safety Talanoa Hufanga and linebacker Dre Greenlaw are the only obvious candidates to re-sign. Charvarius Ward won’t be back, for reasons everyone can understand, but that creates a hole at CB2 opposite of Renardo Green. Still, the 49ers secondary and linebacker corps should be in good shape if Greenlawa and Hufanga return. If the 49ers can find a quality starter at either cornerback or defensive tackle in free agency, the other spot could be addressed early in the NFL Draft. With Saleh back, there’s a path to this being one of the 10 best NFL defenses in 2025.

• Pittsburgh Steelers free agents 2025 (defense): CB Donte Jackson, LB Elandon Roberts, S Damontae Kazee, CB Cam Sutton, ILB Tyler Matakevich
• Pittsburgh Steelers team needs (defense): CB, DE, NT, S

T.J. Watt wasn’t the same – 0 sacks and 0 QB hits – after suffering an ankle injury on Dec. 15 against the Philadelphia Eagles. However, the Pittsburgh Steelers’ defense began crumbling long before that. From Weeks 13-18, opponents averaged 253 passing yards and 114.2 rushing yards per game with a 14-5 TD-INT line, 72.5% completion rate and a 105.2 QB rating.

That same defense showed up against the Baltimore Ravens, who erupted for 300 rushing yards with a 6.0 yards-per-carry average. Even without No. 1 receiver Zay Flowers, Lamar Jackson still finished with a 132.0 QB rating, 2-0 TD-INT line and a 76.2% completion rate. With some key players hitting free agency and this unit getting progressively worse, there’s a real likelihood this unit will take a step backward in 2025. Pittsburgh does have to start thinking about age regression from 36-year-old Cam Heyward, but it does help to have Alex Highsmith, Keeanu Benton and Joey Porter Jr. as long-term cornerstones of this Steelers defense.

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• Kansas City Chiefs free agents 2025 (defense): S Justin Reid, EDGE Charles Omenihu, LB Nick Bolton, DT Derrick Nnadi, EDGE Joshua Uche, DT Mike Pennel
• Kansas City Chiefs team needs 2025 (defense): EDGE, DT, CB, LB

The second-half decline from the Kansas City Chiefs defense in 2024 can in part be traced back to the injury suffered by No. 2 cornerback Jaylen Watson. He proved to be a very effective No. 2 corner (75.4 QB rating allowed) when healthy, especially with All-Pro corner Trent McDuffie more than capable of taking on No. 1 receivers. Of course, this Chiefs defense can also feel good heading into the offseason because Steve Spagnuolo and Chris Jones are back for the 2025 campaign.

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With that acknowledged, general manager Brett Veach still has some work to do. George Karlfatis (37 pressures and 8 sacks) is a good edge rusher, but he hasn’t quite become that No. 1 guy that the Chiefs need to complement Jones’ disruptive presence on the interior. A big splash addition isn’t likely, but Kansas City could certainly use another consistent pass-rushing threat. The Chiefs will also need to replace Nick Bolton, possibly finding someone who can cover tight ends. Those are the top needs, but it might also be time for the Chiefs to find a counterpart to Jones at defensive tackle.

• Los Angeles Chargers free agents (defense): EDGE Khalil Mack, DE Morgan Gox, CB Kristian Fulton, LB Denel Perryman, CB Asant Samuel Jr, LB Troy Dye, DL Poona Ford
• Los Angeles Chargers team needs (defense): EDGE, CB, ILB

Los Angeles Chargers defensive coordinator did marvelous work with this unit in 2024. It certainly helps that rookie Tarheeb Still (82.3 QB rating allowed in coverage) emerged as a quality starter in his first season and safety Derwin James Jr. recaptured his All-Pro form. Minter maximized this young secondary and this pass defense could be even better if Los Angeles finds a quality replacement for Asante Samuel Jr.

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That still leaves a glaring question mark at edge rusher. Khalil Mack is a free agent and the Joey Bosa contract makes him a likely cap causality. Even if Mack re-signs Los Angeles needs to replace Bosa with someone more reliable. Upgrading over Mosa combined with this team entering its second year in Minter’s system should allow the Chargers to have a top-12 defense next fall.

• Los Angeles Rams free agents 2025 (defense): DT Mike Hoecht, SS John Johnson, LB Chrisitan Rozeboom, CB Ahkello Witherspoon, DT Bobby Brown, DE Neville Gallimore, LB Troy Reeder
• Los Angeles Rams team needs (defense): CB, ILB

In his first year as defensive coordinator, Chris Shula got far more out of this Los Angeles Rams defense than we expected. It certainly helped that rookie Jared Verse played like a Pro Bowle dge rusher and fellow rookie Braden Fiske was also a standout in 2024.  Together, with the help of second-year defensive linemen Kobie Turner and Byron Young, Los Angeles has an excellent defensive line it can depend on for the next two-plus years.

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It’s now time to overhaul the rest of this Rams defense. Thanks to poor play at off-ball linebacker, Los Angeles had the seventh-most missed tackles (119) in the NFL this past year. To make matters worse, this secondary allowed the 10th-highest passer rating (96.5) and the seventh-highest ypa (7.6). Realistically, both outside corner spots could be addressed and the Rams are getting replacement-level play at linebacker. Addressing all four spots is implausible, but even two additions would have a noticeable on-field impact.

• Buffalo Bills free agents (defense): CB Rasul Douglas, DT Quinton Johnson, DT Jordan Phillips, S Damar Hamlin
• Buffalo Bills draft needs 2025 (defense): CB, EDGE, DT

One thing Sean McDermott has demonstrated throughout his tenure as the Buffalo Bills head coach is that he can really get this unit to play at a high level amid injuries. The good news for Buffalo is that Christian Benford, Matt Milano and Taron Johnson will all be healthy heading into the summer. Buffalo can also feel good about part of its defensive line with Ed Oliver and Greg Rousseau forming a strong tandem.

In terms of the Bills draft needs, our focus returns to the trenches. A.J. Epensa just isn’t anywhere close to being a championship-caliber edge rusher and DaQuan Jones showed signs of losing the battle to Father Time ahead of his age-33 season. Whether it is trading for a No. 1 edge rusher or prioritizing the position in the 2025 NFL Draft, Buffalo needs to find a game-wrecker this offseason.

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• Green Bay Packers free agents 2025 (defense): DT T.J. Slaton, LB Isaiah McDuffie, CB Eric Stokes, CB Corey Ballentine, S Zayne Anderson, LB Eric Wilson
• Green Bay Packers team needs (defense): EDGE, CB, DT

The hiring of defensive coordinator Jeff Hafley worked out beautifully for the Green Bay Packers. After years of being saddled with one of the worst run defenses in the NFL, Green Bay finished seventh against the run in 2024. Meanwhile, Xavier McKinney delivered an All-Pro season and rookies Edgerrin Cooper and Evan Williams look like stars in their own right. Fellow 2024 draft class member Javon Bullard (58th overall pick) also has a promising future. All of this talent will be on team-friendly contracts for the next three seasons.

However, there are some glaring holes in the Packers defense. Rashan Gary appears nowhere close to replicating his production from before his contract extension and Jaire Alexander is no longer reliable to play even 12 games. Green Bay needs to find a No. 1 edge rusher this offseason and potentially a high-end cornerback. Getting both in the same offseason will prove difficult.

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• Dallas Cowboys free agents (defense): EDGE DeMarcus Lawrence, LB Eric Kendricks, CB Jourdan Lewis, DT Linval Joseph, DT Osa Odighizuwa
• Dallas Cowboys team needs (defense): DT, LB, S

As questionable of a decision as the Dallas Cowboys made with the hiring of Brian Schottenheimer, they landed an excellent defensive coordinator in Matt Eberflus. What makes it an even more exciting fit is the fact he’s never had a pass rusher like Micah Parsons. He also will have two high-end cornerbacks he can trust in coverage with Trevon Diggs and Daron Bland.

However, DeMarcus Lawrence is a free agent and edge rusher DeMarvion Overshown (knee) isn’t a certainty to play in 2025. The lack of pass-rushing depth and concerns at linebacker linger over this team heading into the offseason, but we can absolutely see Eberflus orchestrating a top-10 defense in 2025. The ceiling for this Cowboys defense is even higher if Lawrence returns or Dallas finds an answer in the middle (DT and ILB) of its defense.

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• Denver Broncos free agents 2025 (defense): LB Cody Barton, LB Zach Cunningham, DT D.J. Jones, CB Tremon Smith, LB Justin Strnad
• Denver Broncos team needs (defense): LB, S

The Denver Broncos had one of the best NFL defenses in 2024. Under defensive coordinator Vance Joseph, this unit took a massive leap forward and finished the regular season ranked second in ESPN Pass Rush Win Rate (46 percent) and first in Defensive EPA per Play (-0.100). With Joseph seemingly not getting a head-coaching gig in 2025, Denver gets him back next season.

There’s still plenty of room for this unit to improve. No. 2 corner Riley Moss played very well in his first full season as a starter opposite of Pat Surtain II, demonstrating he can be a long-term starter. Now, Denver needs to replace safety P.J. Locke and shore up a run defense that allowed 110-plus yards in four of its last five games.

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• Baltimore Ravens free agents 2025 (defense): CB Tre’Davious White, LB Malik Harrison, EDGE Brent Urban, CB Brandon Stephens, ILB Kristian Welch
• Baltimore Ravens team needs (defense): EDGE, CB

One of the biggest priorities for the Baltimore Ravens this offseason needs to be replacing cornerback Brandon Stephens. He was one of the worst NFL cornerbacks in 2024, allowing over 900 receiving yards with a 106.1 QB rating in 17 starts. If Baltimore can find a reliable No. 2 cornerback, this can be the best pass defense in the NFL next season.

Another area for improvement is at edge rusher. Baltimore does a good job maximizing what it has and it helped lead Kyle Van Noy to have a phenomenal season at age 34, but he likely can’t replicate that. The issue for Baltimore, with less than $20 million in cap space, will be figuring out how to address both spots adequately. The good news is, a majority of Baltimore’s defensive starters are under contract for 2025.

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• Detroit Lions free agents (defense): CB Carlton Davis, DT Levi Onwuzurike, LB Derrick Barnes, EDGE Marcus Davenport, DB Ifeatu Melifonwu, CB Emmanuel Mosley, DE Al-Quadin Muhammad
• Detroit Lions team needs (defense): EDGE, LB

With the season over, it’s worth revisiting just how good this Detroit Lions defense was before injuries wiped nearly everyone out. From Weeks 1-11, opponents averaged just a 73.6 QB rating with a 7-14 TD-INT ratio, 94.9 rushing yards per game with a 30.36% third-down conversion rate. Over that same span, Detroit ranked second in Defensive EPA per Play (-0.117). Fortunately, Aidan Hutchinson, Alim McNeill, Malcolm Rodriguez, Amik Robertson and Ennis Rakestraw Jr will all return healthy in 2025.

The lingering question is what happens now that Aaron Glenn is gone. New Lions defensive coordinator Kelvin Sheppard, who Steve Spagnuolo called a future NFL head coach, will likely face a learning curve in his first season as a play-caller. Fortunately, Detroit still boasts one of the most talented depth charts in the NFL and they have the cap space to land a premier No. 2 pass rusher to pair with a healthy Hutchinson. There’s a chance, an outside one, of this becoming the best defense in the NFL next season.

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• Minnesota Vikings free agents 2025 (defense): S Harrison Smith, CB Byron Murphy Jr, CB Stephon Gilmore, GB Shaquille Griffin, DT Jerry Tillery, DE Jonathan Bullard,
• Minnesota Vikings team needs (defense): CB, S

The Minnesota Vikings had one of the best NFL defenses in 2024 and it stands to reason much of that success can be maintained assuming Brian Flores returns as defensive coordinator. Minnesota can feel great about what Jonathan Greenard and Andrew Van Ginkel did this season. Plus, linebacker Ivan Pace Jr. can be even better if he stays healthy.

Minnesota boasts an excellent pass rush and Flores dials up blitzes and coverages better than almost anyone. The next step is making improvements in the secondary, which was often made to look better than it is thanks to the defensive front. With nearly $60 million in cap space, NFL free agency provides a clear avenue to upgrade the Vikings’ secondary. If that happens, Flores’ unit can be even more consistent next season.

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• Seattle Seahawks free agents (defense): LB Ernest Jones, DT Johnathan Hankins, DE Jarran Reed, S K’Von Wallace, DE Trevis Gipson, CB Tre Brown
• Seattle Seahawks team needs (defense): LB, EDGE

The Seattle Seahawks will be much higher in our NFL defense rankings when we reseed teams after the playoffs. It typically takes a year for players to get a firm grasp of Mike Macdonald’s system, with the big leap coming in the second year. We already saw signs of it in the second half of the 2024 campaign. Seattle ranked seventh in Defensive EPA per Play (-0.024) after Week 7.

In an eight-game stretch from Weeks 9-17, opponents averaged just 202.4 passing yards and 97.8 rushing yards per game with an 85.5 QB rating, 14 total touchdowns (1.75 per game) and a 35 percent third-down conversion rate. If the Seahawks can just shore things up at inside linebacker and find a little more depth at edge rusher, this can be one of the best NFL defenses in 2025.

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• Houston Texans free agents 2025 (defense): DT Folorunso Fatukasi, S Eric Murray, DT Mario Edwards Jr, DE Derek Barnett, LB Neville Hewitt
• Houston Texans team needs (defense): DT, LB, S

The Houston Texans will have one of the best NFL defenses in 2025. It starts at edge rusher with the tandem of Danielle Hunter, a perennial Defensive Player of the Year candidate, and emerging perennial All-Pro Will Anderson Jr. Two elite edge rushers are disruptive enough for opponents’ passing games and it’s now even harder to pass on Houston because of the cornerback tandem of Derek Stingley Jr. and Kamari Lassiter, which could be the best duo in the NFL next season.

We also love head coach DeMeco Ryans, who keeps orchestrating aggressive defenses even when injuries strike. Fortunately for Houston, it will be in a much better position at safety next season with Jalen Pitre and Jimmie Ward returning from IR. If the Texans can just bolster their interior defensive line, this could be the best NFL defense in 2025.

Related: Top NFL free agents 2025

• Philadelphia Eagles free agents 2025 (defense): EDGE Josh Sweat, EDGE Brandon Graham ILB Zack Baun, DT Milton Williams, CB Avonte Maddox, ILB Oren Burks
• Philadelphia Eagles team needs 2025: EDGE, CB, DT

The Philadelphia Eagles had the best NFL defense in 2024. Even with multiple starters eligible for NFL free agency, there are a myriad of reasons to believe play-caller Vic Fangio will be the architect of one of the best NFL defenses for years to come.

It starts up front with Jalen Carter, a perennial Defensive Player of the Year candidate moving forward, and edge rusher Nolan Smith. The former Georgia Bulldogs and 2023 first-round picks were two of the best pass rushers across the league during the entire playoffs. Behind them, Philadelphia has the best cornerback trio in football with Quinyon Mitchell, Cooper DeJean and Darius Slay. If all of that isn’t enough, the outstanding safety tandem of Reed Blankenship and C.J. Gardner-Johnson are both under contract next season. If Philadelphia can just re-sign Zack Baun and find a pass rusher to replace Josh Sweat, we’d bet on this being the best defense in the NFL next season.