NFL Free Agency: Ranking the Top 5 Free Agent Defensive Ends in 2022

NFL Free Agency: Ranking the Top 5 Free Agent Defensive Ends in 2022

In a league driven by top quarterbacks and great passing games, it's imperative to have effective pass-rushers on the defensive side of the ball. This offseason, which players should teams be targeting to help add to their threat of getting to opposing quarterbacks?

5. Arden Key, San Francisco 49ers

Of the handful of guys on the fringe of this top five, Key gets the nod over the likes of Justin Houston and others for two simple reasons: age and efficiency. The former LSU standout will enter just his fifth season at the age of 26 after playing one season with the Niners after three with the Raiders. And we'll just say that he was a better scheme fit in San Francisco, having racked up 6.5 sacks and 17 quarterback hits across only 374 snaps. He had just 3 sacks and 26 quarterback hits (in more than 1,200 snaps) in his three previous seasons combined. In his contract year, the edge specialist earned himself a 69.5 grade from Pro Football Focus.

Key isn't an every-down player, as evident from his 35% snap rate this year. However, with the right team he could increase that rate and the production that comes with it. There's the potential for him to secure a two- or three-year deal at his age, but with who? For a guy that might cost no more than $4 million to add, a number of teams make sense. Detroit, Seattle, and Jacksonville are among the best fits seeing as they ranked in the bottom six in Football Outsiders' adjusted sack rate in 2021.

4. Jason Pierre-Paul, Tampa Bay Buccaneers

As a 3-time Pro Bowler and 2-time Super Bowl champion, Pierre-Paul is as proven as they come on this market. The issue is that this past year was nothing like his production in his three seasons prior with Tampa Bay. After seasons of 12.5, 8.5 and 9.5 sacks, he managed just 2.5 sacks and 5 quarterback hits in 12 games. His 48.7 PFF grade was nothing to brag about, yet he has the track record to command roughly $10 million a year on a short deal, according to Spotrac.

The higher cap number will take some new teams off the board, but Miami could be suitors given their large cap space. It's less likely that he fits in with Baltimore's typical 3-4 look, but that's an option in addition to the three teams mentioned for Key. The only other thing to note would be the chance JPP takes a little less to be on a contender and maybe get back to a Super Bowl. After all, he's now made a hair over $100 million in his 12-year career.

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3. Calais Campbell, Baltimore Ravens

Campbell is another one of those veterans who doesn't wow or excite but has been very good for very long. At the age of 35, 6 of Campbell's 14 seasons have resulted in a Pro Bowl bid, including three in which he was voted to the All-Pro First or Second team. And though he isn't posting the type of sack numbers he put up in Jacksonville, he has at least 10 quarterback hits in each of the last two, as well as 5.5 sacks and 7 forced fumbles. Despite a lack of counting stats in 2021, Campbell forced his way to an 80.8 PFF grade.

Assuming the 6'8" giant is back in action for another year, it would be surprising if Campbell didn't chase after a ring with a top 10 club. Baltimore possesses the space to bring him back if they so wish, but outside of the incumbent the Chargers, Bengals and Colts seem sensible. Expect the veteran to sign a one-year deal in the $5 to 7 million range.

2. Jadeveon Clowney, Cleveland Browns

For most, Clowney is probably the splashiest name here. After all, the former number one overall pick is a three-time Pro Bowler at the tail end of his pass-rushing prime. In the rearview are two seasons of nine-plus sacks in Houston and another this past season with the Browns opposite Myles Garrett. He was limited to 14 of 17 possible games yet posted a 66.5 grade that has him near the very top of the list at his position.

Spotrac puts the 29-year-old Clowney's market value at $12.7 million a year for a deal that should be between three and four years. That number rules out 13 teams as things currently stand. Among all the prospective landing spots, the Lions, Seahawks, and Broncos could come calling. Just maybe the Steelers get in the running to add firepower alongside T.J. Watt.

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1. Emmanuel Ogbah, Miami Dolphins

You can go ahead and count me among those who thought Ogbah's 2020 season was just a flash in the pan for an upstart Miami team. After all, before that outstanding campaign, he failed to surpass 5.5 sacks in any one season. Now, on the heels of another monster year, the 28-year-old has nine sacks in back-to-back years, as well as 20-plus quarterback hits. His 24 quarterback hits lead the field of free agents at the position, and his PFF grade of 77 is unmatched by all but Campbell.

Ogbah is a breakout name to watch when the new NFL year starts on March 16th. Obviously, Miami has the available monies to accommodate his $10.1 million market value, but others will kick the tires on his price tag. There's a chance that Ogbah is simply ready for a change, too. If that's the case, the majority of the teams mentioned before are in play, as are the Eagles and Buccaneers. He should have his pick of where he wants to build off his two successful seasons in Miami.