In the days leading up to the start of NFL free agency, I will be breaking down the top free agents at each position, and whether or not they potentially fit in the Giants' and Jets' offseason plans.
We started with the quarterbacks, then we tackled the running backs before moving on to the pass-catchers and offensive linemen. Now we're moving to the defensive side of the ball, starting with the defensive linemen.
Unfortunately for teams in need of pass rush help, many of the top defensive linemen have already been slapped with the franchise tag. Houston's Jadeveon Clowney, Kansas City's Dee Ford, Dallas' Demarcus Lawrence and Seattle's Frank Clark have all gotten the tag from their respective teams, taking four of the best pass rushers off the market. Atlanta placed the tag on tackle Grady Jarrett as well, thus eliminating the top DT from reaching the open market.
The Giants find themselves in an interesting position when it comes to the defensive line. Anyone that watched a single Giants game last year knows the team needs to improve its pass rush. However, it's looking more and more likely that Big Blue will part ways with Olivier Vernon this offseason. If Vernon does indeed get cut or traded, New York will have to look towards free agency to find his replacement on the edge.
The defensive line is an obvious need for the Jets heading into the offseason. New York will have Leonard Williams back in the mix in 2019, but the 24-year-old will be heading into the final year of his contract. After Williams, the Jets don't have much else on the d-line. However, Gang Green holds the third overall pick in this year's NFL Draft. Barring a trade down, the Jets will have their choice between DE Nick Bosa, DT Quinnen Williams and EDGE Josh Allen, any of which would provide a huge boost up front.
DL Trey Flowers
Due to the several big names that received the franchise tag, Flowers will be the top defensive lineman to hit free agency. Let's not get confused, though- Flowers is one heck of a player. Appearing in 15 games this past season, the 6-foot-2 lineman totaled 57 tackles, 7.5 sacks and three forced fumbles, adding an additional two sacks in New England's three postseason games.
One of the reasons Flowers is reportedly expected to receive a deal that pays him between $14-17 million per year is his amazing versatility. Despite being a natural edge rusher, over the last two seasons, Flowers has played the fourth-most defensive snaps away from the edge among players of his position. The 25-year-old has proven to be a modern day Swiss Army Knife on defense, excelling in run-defense and showing solid skills as a pass rusher.
Flowers may not be the best pure pass rusher in the NFL, but his abilities in pressuring opposing QBs from multiple positions make him the most valuable defensive lineman in free agency.
Possible Giants' Interest- If Vernon does indeed get cut, Flowers would be an amazing replacement on the Giants' defensive front. But with a price tag between $14-$17 million, I can't see Gettleman being able to afford the versatile lineman.
Possible Jets' Interest- There is a point to be made that Flowers is a product of Bill Belichick's defense, and I'm sure some fans will use it to argue against the Jets pursuing him. I for one do not believe that is the case. Flowers has proven to be downright disruptive, both in the pass rush and run defense. His sack total may not jump off the page, but his 65 total pressures do. Signing Flowers would also serve a blow to the Patriots, something the Jets would love to do.
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DT Ndamukong Suh
While he may not have had an unbelievable season, Suh enjoyed a very good campaign playing alongside Aaron Donald and Michael Brockers in Los Angeles. Appearing in all 16 games for the seventh consecutive season, the veteran defensive tackle finished with 59 total tackles, 4.5 sacks and two fumble recoveries.
He isn't the force up front that he once was, but Suh is still a very talented, three-down player. Now 32-years-old, Suh still has the ability to single-handedly wreck a game, as we saw during the postseason against Dallas and New Orleans. The nine-year NFL veteran looked great against the run in 2018, while showing that he still has the ability to be a productive pass rusher. He is no longer up there with Donald as one of the league's best players, but Suh is certainly still one of the top defensive tackles.
Due to his age and production last season, Suh should command a mid-to-high-tier dollar deal, possibly somewhere in the $9-$10 million per year range.
Possible Giants' Interest- Defensive end / outside linebacker is a much, much bigger need for the Giants than defensive tackle, meaning Suh won't be joining Big Blue this offseason.
Possible Jets' Interest- The Jets were very close to signing Suh last season before pulling their long-term offer at the last minute. With the veteran once again hitting the open market, and with the surplus of cap space New York has along with the need for defensive tackles, it makes sense for the Jets to once again give Suh a serious look.
EDGE Preston Smith
While he may not have the pass rushing abilities as some of the other names on this list, Smith is one of the most consistent and underrated players at his position in the NFL. The 26-year-old is yet to miss a game during his four-year career with the Redskins while collecting 24.5 sacks and 59 quarterback hits, including two campaigns with eight sacks.
Smith has recorded at least 34 total pressures in each season he has been in the NFL, so it's not like he is unable to pressure the quarterback. The 6-foot-5 outside linebacker has also shown throughout his career that he can be a valuable piece in the run defense as well. However, his skills in pass defense are what truly separate him from the rest of the pack- Smith ranked 4thamong edge rushers in coverage in 2018, according to Pro Football Focus.
Smith wouldn't be as sexy of a signing as Flowers or Suh, but at a much lower price point, he might offer a lot more value.
Possible Giants' Interest- While they could use a linebacker that excels in coverage, the Giants should be more concerned with finding someone that can apply pressure to opposing QBs on a regular basis.
Possible Jets' Interest- Reports are already out about the Jets' interest in signing Smith, and for good reason. Smith is versatile and offers solid pass rushing production to go with good run defense abilities and amazing coverage skills. If the market for him doesn't get too crazy, Smith could be one of the Jets' top targets on defense this offseason.
DT Sheldon Richardson
After somewhat struggling in Seattle during the 2017 season, Richardson seemed to return to his old form for the Vikings this past season. The 6-foot-3 tackle appeared in all 16 games for the first time since 2014, recording 49 total tackles along with 4.5 sacks. Richardson showed that he can still be quite the disruptive force upfront, finishing with 47 total pressures on 407 pass-rush snaps, which gave him the 17th-best pass-rush productivity rating among the league's defensive tackles.
Still only 28-years-old, Richardson should be able to land a long-term deal after accepting one-year contracts the past two offseasons. The former first round pick offers a combination of strength, quickness and a high motor that makes him very productive in pressuring opposing quarterbacks.
Minnesota has expressed interest in bringing Richardson back, but after his strong season, the Vikings may not be able to afford him.
Possible Giants' Interest- Again it's difficult to imagine Gettleman spending money on DT with the other glaring needs across the roster.
Possible Jets' Interest- Following their rocky breakup a few years ago, Richardson will not be returning to the Jets anytime soon.
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EDGE Ezekiel Ansah
Ansah is yet another intriguing free agent to hit the open market this offseason. Over the last four years in Detroit, the 6-foot-5 defensive end has alternated great campaigns with awful ones. Ansah picked up 14.5 sacks in 2015 before tallying only two in 2016. He then bounced back with a 12-sack performance in 2017, only to pick up four sacks in just seven games last season. Talk about your Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde…
Despite the inconsistent play, it is impossible to ignore the upside Ansah brings to the table. The six-year NFL veteran will turn 30 in May, but that should not limit the market for the talented pass rusher. When healthy, there are few in the NFL better at applying pressure to the quarterback. His speed and power make him a menace to offensive linemen.
Ansah is a Pro Bowl talent when he's on the field. His biggest issue, though, has been staying healthy, as injuries have plagued him throughout his career. Even with the injury concerns, there should still be a healthy market for Ansah.
Possible Giants' Interest- After watching Olivier Vernon miss nine games over the last two seasons, the last thing the Giants need is another injury-prone edge rusher. Not to mention he will likely be out of Big Blue's price range.
Possible Jets' Interest- Similar to Preston Smith, the Jets have already begun to show interest in Ansah. New York is in need of an edge rusher to play opposite Leonard Williams, and there is a decent chance that Ansah is their guy. With the second-most cap space this offseason, the Jets should be able to get a deal done if they choose to. The question is, are the Jets willing to spend a lot of money to take on his inconsistent play? I believe they are.
EDGE Za'Darius Smith
After a solid three-year start to his NFL career, Smith really came into his own in 2018. The edge rusher finished with a career-high in tackles (45) and sacks (8.5) along with one forced fumble, while appearing in all 16 games for Baltimore. While he doesn't add much to a team's run defense, his pass-rushing abilities are hard to ignore. Smith totaled 60 pressures last season, good for 17th-most among all edge defenders.
Although he is coming off a career-year, there is reason to believe that Smith has yet to reach his full potential. His strong stats in 2018 came from only eight starts with the Ravens, yet he still finished with the second-most tackles for loss on the team behind Terrell Suggs. The 6-foot-4 edge rusher was named Pro Football Focus' most underrated player in free agency this offseason.
Unlike some of the other names on this list, Smith's career appears to be on its way up. But due to his limited usage, he is unlikely to garner as big of a deal as the other edge rushers listed.
Possible Giants' Interest- If the Giants move on from Vernon, Smith should be their number one target in free agency. The 26-year-old would be an ideal stand-up rusher in the team's 3-4 defense, and should sign for less than Flowers, Preston Smith and Ansah. Smith has also contributed on special teams for the Ravens, something Gettleman will certainly take into consideration when evaluating the former fourth-round pick.
Possible Jets' Interest- The Jets will likely be contenders for all of this year's top pass rushers, including Smith. However, considering the amount of cap space they have, it seems more likely that they try to make a splash with one of the bigger names hitting the open market, such as Flowers or Ansah. But depending on how they spend on other areas of the roster, Smith could definitely be in play for Gang Green.
Matt Citak is a web producer for WFAN Sports Radio. Check him out on Twitter @MatthewCitak.
