Henry Roldán
With the NFL season officially over, we can start talking about the transaction market and the players who will participate in it, as free agents, once the window opens on March 16. On this occasion, the defensive figures available will attract a lot of attention and here are the five most striking names.
5.- Defensive Free Agents: Marcus Williams (S)
The Saints’ franchise player last season is set to test free agency in 2022 and what it portends for him appears to be very pleasant.
Despite not being a household name in the NFL, the deep end is one of the most solid at his position. Proof of this is that with his two interceptions in 2021, in each of his five seasons on the circuit, he has gotten at least a couple of these. He also has eight pass defenses and 74 combined tackles.
Williams is a relatively inexpensive and very productive option for the team interested in his services.
4.- Defensive Free Agents: Chandler Jones (DE)
Jones will be one of the most highly-priced free agents after March and his numbers require it.
After failing to reach a contract extension agreement before 2021 with the Arizona Cardinals, it seems very difficult for the organization to pay him, since if it did not do so last year after the defensive wing only played 5 games due to an injury, even less will it be able to do so after the 10.5 catches Jones recorded last season.
The experienced player, who will turn 32 at the end of February, is a natural quarterback stalker and racked up at least 10 catches in six of the last seven seasons, including 17 in 2017 to lead the circuit. So let’s not be surprised to see him in a contending team.
3.- Defensive Free Agents: Von Miller (OLB)
Von Miller proved in 2021 that despite his 32 years of age he is still a natural quarterback hunter and can more than help any team. Just ask the Rams, who acquired him midseason in an effort to further consolidate their defense and ended up with the linebacker as a key player in the Super Bowl.
While Miller will be able to test the market in March, there’s a good chance the Rams will offer him a contract, especially if Aaron Donald ends up retiring. The relationship between the organization and Miller was very good, plus he had 10 QB catches for Los Angeles: four in the regular season, four in the postseason and two more in the Super Bowl.
2.- Defensive Free Agents: Jessie Bates III (S)
Everything seems to be in place for Bates III not to even sniff free agency, as the Bengals can take him as a franchise player and thus keep, at least for one more season, the services of one of the best depth players in the NFL.
For a couple of seasons now, Bates III has established himself as one of the best at his position and in 2021, especially in the postseason, he reaffirmed that. The Cincinnati safety totaled two interceptions, including one in the Super Bowl, inside the end zone, placing him as the leader of the team’s secondary.
The Bengals could also opt to offer him an extension at deep once and for all, as he is not only a critical piece in defending the air game, but has improved over time in his ability to tackle the run. A very nice piece that will be available from March 16.
1. Defensive Free Agents: J.C. Jackson (CB)
Not only does the top corner on the upcoming free-agent market lead our list today, but he is also the No. 1 corner in the NFL in interceptions over the past two seasons, totaling nine (2020) and eight (2021).
In addition, Jackson comes from leading the Patriots in passes defended with a total of 23, figures that should really make the New England team think if the cornerback deserves to be selected as a franchise player, or on the contrary, if they lose him in the market.
Jackson will likely cost quite a bit of money in free agency, something the Pats probably don’t want to pay based on their philosophy. Therefore, it seems that the 26-year-old will revolutionize the market as of March 16.
