Matt Johnson
Many of the top NFL free agents this offseason have come off the board, with the remaining starters either on the wrong side of 30 or still available due to lingering team concerns. However, there are still plenty of options in NFL free agency for clubs seeking rotational pieces or solid starters for the upcoming season.
With that in mind, let’s dive into our latest round of NFL free agency predictions with a focus on landing spots for the top defensive players remaining.
A.J. Epenesa, Edge Rusher: Detroit Lions
A former second-round pick in the 2020 NFL Draft, AJ Epenesa is now heading into his age-28 season and has proven to be a quality rotational edge defender. He played 434 defensive snaps for the Buffalo Bills this past season, recording 2.5 sacks with 9 quarterback hits. The power he brings to the table at 6-foot-6 could prove useful to the Detroit Lions, who are still in the market for pass-rushing help. Epenesa could see a higher percentage of snaps early in the season opposite Aidan Hutchinson while an edge rusher selected on Day 2 of the 2026 NFL Draft is slowly brought along and eventually plays a higher percentage of the snaps for Detroit when the time is right.
Cameron Jordan, Edge Rusher: Chicago Bears
It will certainly feel strange to see Cameron Jordan not playing for the New Orleans Saints in 2026, but that feels destined to happen. Heading into his age-37 season, Jordan certainly isn’t close to the caliber of defensive disruptor that he used to be, and his snaps need to be limited to maintain his effectiveness. It is still worth keeping in mind, though, that he recorded 10.5 sacks and 22 pressures this past season. What makes the most sense is a reunion with his long-time defensive coordinator Dennis Allen, who will know how to get the most out of him in a rotational role. Plus, this adds a bit more pass-rushing depth to the Chicago Bears defensive line and Jordan gets to finish his career with a Super Bowl contender.
Related: NFL Free Agency Predictions for Top Offensive Players
Bobby Wagner, Linebacker: Buffalo Bills
A 10-time Pro Bowl selection, linebacker Bobby Wagner is still just two seasons removed from earning second-team All-Pro honors. He also netted 8 tackles for loss and 79 solo tackles this past season, though he has proven to be a liability in coverage. There could be an opportunity here for Buffalo Bills head coach Sean McDermott. Buffalo could take advantage of Wagner’s instincts as a run defender, as he has proven to remain one of the best off-ball linebackers in football against the run. Plus, he could be an excellent mentor to any young linebackers the team drafts this year.
Related: Early Winners, Losers from First Week of NFL Free Agency
Rasul Douglas, Cornerback: Kansas City Chiefs
The Kansas City Chiefs cornerback room is undergoing an overhaul this offseason. As much as we trust the front office and defensive coordinator Steve Spagnuolo at this position, depth and proven players don’t hurt. Rasul Douglas really stood out this past season with the Miami Dolphins, allowing just a 54.5 percent completion rate and 73.0 passer rating when targeted in coverage. With how thin Kansas City now is at cornerback, it might be beneficial to at least have a viable starter as there’s going to be a lot of inexperience in that room this fall.
Related: NFL Teams Seemingly Poised to Tank in 2026
Joey Bosa, Edge Rusher: San Francisco 49ers
It’s always felt like a matter of when, not if, Nick Bosa will eventually be teammates with his brother, Joey Bosa. The timing seems perfect now. The San Francisco 49ers need more pass-rushing depth heading into next season with Nick Bosa and Mykel Williams recovering from season-ending injuries. Joey Bosa carries his own durability concerns, but he played 15 games in Buffalo this past season and put up 16 QB hits with 5 sacks. Bringing him in will make Nick happy and it’ll improve San Francisco’s pass-rushing depth; that’s a win-win.
Related: Worst Moves of 2026 NFL Offseason So Far
