NFL Free Agency: Top 5 Defensive Players Remaining

We are well into NFL free agency with dozens of moves already completed, however, there still remains plenty of defensive talent on the market.

Since the start of NFL free agency, the 2022 offseason has been one of the most active ever.

As has been the case during this new fiscal year, offense has dominated the headlines in March and April with plenty of trades involving quarterbacks (Russell Wilson, Matt Ryan and Deshaun Watson) and wide receivers (Davante Adams, Tyreek Hill and DeVante Parker).

What about the other side of the ball? Elsewhere, the Chicago Bears did deal edge-rusher Khalil Mack to the Los Angeles Chargers. But this offseason has been more about teams aiding their quarterbacks than finding ways to stop the opposing signal-callers.

After taking a look at the best offensive players still available, here are five exceptional defensive performers as free agency continues.

Around FPC

NFL RUMORS: Deshaun Watson Traded To The Cleveland Browns

NFL NEWS: Raiders Opinion: Tae Day And Everybody’s Celebratin’

NFL DRAFT: 2022 NFL Draft Profile: OG Kenyon Green

NFL MOCK DRAFT: FPC 2022 NFL Mock Draft 1.0: Lions Snag Malik Willis

NHL: NHL Insights: Tyler Toffoli Trade, Jack Eichel’s Return and Wild West

PODCAST: Full Press NFL Podcast Ep 36: Deshaun Watson Traded To The Cleveland Browns

Top 5 Defensive Players Available

5. LB Jamie Collins (New England Patriots)

He was Pro Football Focus’ seventh-rated linebacker in 2021.Jamie Collins wound up back in Foxborough in 2021 after beginning the season in the Motor City. All told, the nine-year pro has spent time with three different franchises. That includes three different stints with the New England Patriots. Meanwhile, the resume includes 12 interceptions, 19 forced fumbles, 26.5 sacks and a pair of Super Bowl titles.

4. DT Ndamukong Suh (Tampa Bay Buccaneers)

The second overall pick in the 2010 NFL Draft by the Detroit Lions has played a dozen NFL seasons. And the battle-tested pro has proven to be extremely durable. Ndamukong Suh has played in and started 191 regular-season games out of 193 contests. Conversely, he has spent the past three seasons in Tampa and won a Super Bowl ring in 2020. Suh has totaled 70.5 sacks in those 191 regular-season contests and seven in 12 postseason games.

3. CB Stephon Gilmore (Carolina Panthers)

It wasn’t long ago that the standout corner was the NFL’s Defensive Player of the Year for Bill Belichick’s club. As a member of the New England Patriots in 2019, the quality defender totaled six interceptions (2 returned for scores) and knocked down 20 passes. In 10 seasons with the Buffalo Bills, Pats and Carolina Panthers, the heady Gilmore has racked up 30 takeaways (27 interceptions, 3 fumble recoveries) – as well as an amazing 116 passes defended.

2. DL Calais Campbell (Baltimore Ravens)

The 14-year NFL pro began his career with the Arizona Cardinals. And during his rookie campaign played in Super Bowl XLIII. Six-time Pro Bowl defensive lineman Calais Campbell signed with the Jacksonville Jaguars in 2017 after nine seasons in the desert. He was traded to the Ravens in 2020. There have been an impressive 93.5 sacks, 14 forced fumbles and 12 fumble recoveries – three of those returned for TDs.

1. S Tyrann Mathieu (Kansas City Chiefs)

He has earned Pro Bowl honors and All-Pro accolades three times each during his nine-year career. A 2013 third-round pick of the Arizona Cardinals, versatile defensive back Tyrann Mathieu has returned three of his 26 regular-season interceptions for scores. The Super Bowl LIV champion with the Kansas City Chiefs has also racked up 10 sacks, six fumble recoveries and knocked down 76 passes in nine seasons with the Cards, Texans and Chiefs.