As the NFL free agency period approaches, teams are getting ready for a flurry of activity. With March 11th marking the official start of free agency, teams are looking to make big moves by restructuring contracts, trading and releasing players. As always, this year’s free agency class has both strong and weak positions. In this article, we will take a look at each position group and rank them from the deepest to the shallowest, providing insight on which teams will have the most options and which positions may be harder to fill.
1. EDGE Rusher
One of the strongest positions in this year’s free agency class is the EDGE rusher group. With players like Shaquil Barrett, Yannick Ngakoue, and Jadeveon Clowney on the market, teams in need of a pass rusher will have plenty of options. These players have proven themselves to be disruptive forces on the defensive line and can make an immediate impact on any team. This group is also deep with talented younger players like Bud Dupree, Carl Lawson, and Haason Reddick, making it a great year for teams to address their edge rushing needs.
2. Interior Offensive Line
The interior offensive line is another strong position group in this year’s free agency. Players like Joe Thuney, Corey Linsley, and Brandon Scherff are all pro-bowl caliber players who will command big contracts. These players are crucial to any team’s success as they provide protection for the quarterback and open up holes for the running game. This group is also deep with solid starters like David Andrews and Alex Mack available, making it a good year for teams to strengthen their offensive line.
3. Wide Receiver
The wide receiver group is also deep in this year’s free agency class. While there may not be a true number one receiver available, there are several solid players who can make an impact. Allen Robinson, Kenny Golladay, and Chris Godwin are all big targets who can stretch the field and make tough catches. This group also has depth with players like Will Fuller, Juju Smith-Schuster, and Curtis Samuel available, making it a good year for teams to add receiving depth.
4. Safety
The safety position group is also strong in this year’s free agency. Players like Marcus Williams, Justin Simmons, and Anthony Harris have all proven themselves to be playmakers on the defensive side of the ball. With the increasing importance of versatile safeties in today’s NFL, teams will have plenty of options to choose from. This group also has depth with players like John Johnson III, Malik Hooker, and Marcus Maye available, making it a good year for teams to strengthen their secondary.
5. Cornerback
The cornerback position group is solid in this year’s free agency class. While there may not be a true shutdown corner available, there are several players who can provide reliable coverage. Richard Sherman, William Jackson III, and Shaquill Griffin are all proven starters who can make an impact on any defense. This group also has depth with players like Patrick Peterson, Chidobe Awuzie, and Kevin King available, making it a good year for teams to bolster their secondary.
6. Defensive Line
The defensive line group is another solid position in this year’s free agency. While there may not be any elite pass rushers available, there are several players who can provide solid run defense and disrupt the opposing team’s offense. Leonard Williams, Dalvin Tomlinson, and Shelby Harris are all solid starters who can make an impact on any defensive line. This group also has depth with players like J.J. Watt, Ndamukong Suh, and Melvin Ingram available, making it a good year for teams to add depth to their defensive line.
7. Linebacker
The linebacker position group is also solid in this year’s free agency. While there may not be any true elite linebackers available, there are several players who can provide solid coverage and run defense. Matt Milano, Lavonte David, and Jayon Brown are all proven starters who can make an impact on any defense. This group also has depth with players like K.J. Wright, Avery Williamson, and Denzel Perryman available, making it a good year for teams to add depth at the linebacker position.
8. Running Back
The running back position group is solid but not as strong as the other positions in this year’s free agency. While there are some talented
