NFL 2023: Five Best Pass-Rushers Still Available In Free Agency -

The passing game has never been more prevalent in the NFL. The changes in college football has seen an emphasis on quarterbacks and wide receivers. For what it’s worth, the last Super Bowl winners behind center – the Buccaneers’ Tom Brady (LV), the Rams’ Matthew Stafford (LVI) and the Chiefs’ Patrick Mahomes (LVII) – all threw at least 40 touchdown passes during the regular season.

The late Al Davis was once quoted as saying “the other team’s quarterback must go down, and he must go down hard.” That’s never been truer than it is now, because defenses must find a way to slow down opposing offenses. It’s tough to throw a TD pass when you’re on the ground.

There’s some veteran talent still available when it comes to pass rushers. Teams could be waiting until after the upcoming draft.

5. DE/OLB Carlos Dunlap (Kansas City Chiefs)

He’s made several stops since his days in Cincinnati. It’s hard to ignore the fact that regardless of where he has suited up, defensive end Carlos Dunlap knows how to get to opposing quarterbacks. He comes off a 2022 season with the Kansas City Chiefs in which he played in 17 games and finished with a modest four sacks.

Of course, this was a team in which 17 players had a hand in the club’s 55 QB traps – led by Chris Jones (15.5). In 13 seasons with the Bengals, Seahawks and Chiefs, the two-time Pro Bowler has totaled 100.0 sacks and 22 forced fumbles.

4. DE Frank Clark (Released by Kansas City Chiefs)

There’s been talk recently that there could be a return to Seattle in the works. That’s where the NFL career of the defensive linemen Frank Clark began in 2015. A second-round draft choice from the University of Michigan, there have been four seasons apiece with the Seahawks (35.0) and Chiefs (23.5).

It adds up to 58.5 sacks, 14 forced fumbles and seven fumble recoveries and two interceptions. More impressive is that the three-time Pro Bowler has played in a combined 17 postseason contests with the two franchises and amassed 13.5 quarterback traps.

3. DE Yannick Ngakoue (Indianapolis Colts)

For a player that has been productive during his short career, it’s somewhat surprising that this seven-year veteran has moved around so much. He’s been a solid performer since entering the league as a third-round draft choice with the Jacksonville Jaguars in 2016.

Former University of Maryland defensive end Yannick Ngakoue has already played for five teams, three of those (Vikings, Ravens and Colts) after being traded. With Indianapolis in 2022, he led the club with 9.5 sacks. The intriguing Ngakoue is a free agent for only the second time in his NFL career.

Ep 119: Patrick Mahomes' Top 5 List
by Full Press Coverage on May 27, 2023 at 7:49 pm

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2. OLB Leonard Floyd (Released by Los Angeles Rams)

The 2023 offseason for the Rams has turned into a housecleaning for a team that went from Super Bowl LVI champions in 2021 to a 5-12 club this past season. Former University of Georgia standout Leonard Floyd was the ninth overall pick in the 2016 NFL draft by the Bears.

His four-year stay in the Windy City was a bit disappointing but he excelled in his three seasons with Sean McVay’s club. There were 29.0 sacks in three seasons with the Rams in 50 regular-season outings, as well as four more QB traps in a total six postseason contests with McVay’s squad.

1. OLB/DE Justin Houston (Baltimore Ravens)

The veteran defender has excelled regardless of the scheme. Justin Houston was a third-round pick of the Kansas City Chiefs in 2011. The former University of Georgia standout had a stellar career with the franchise, totaling 78.5 sacks, 14 forced fumbles and 12 takeaways.

He earned four Pro Bowl invitations and was named All-Pro in 2014. Houston made the move from 3-4 outside linebacker to 4-3 defensive end with the Colts in 2019. He started every game for two seasons and totaled a combined 19.0 sacks. This past season, he led the Ravens with 9.5 sacks.