Top 5 NFL Free Agent Edge Defenders Headline Offseason

Trey Hendrickson, Jaelan Phillips, and Odafe Oweh among the most sought-after pass rushers on the market

Published on Mar. 4, 2026

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The 2026 NFL free agent class is loaded with top-tier edge defenders, led by Trey Hendrickson, who is coming off back-to-back 17.5-sack seasons with the Bengals. Other standouts include Jaelan Phillips, Odafe Oweh, Khalil Mack, and K'Lavon Chaisson, all of whom are expected to command lucrative contracts this offseason as teams look to bolster their pass-rushing units.

Why it matters

Pass rushers are always in high demand in the NFL, and this year's free agent class is particularly deep and talented. Teams in need of an edge-rushing boost will have plenty of options to choose from, which could lead to some big-money deals and significant roster changes across the league.

The details

Trey Hendrickson is the top overall free agent after leading the NFL in sacks in 2023 and 2024, though he's coming off an injury-plagued 2025 season. Jaelan Phillips has battled injuries but is still just 27 and highly productive when healthy. Odafe Oweh is a former first-round pick who has 30.5 career sacks, including a 10-sack season in 2024. Veteran Khalil Mack is 35 but still effective, while K'Lavon Chaisson is a former first-rounder who finally broke out with the Patriots last season.

  • Trey Hendrickson led the NFL in sacks in 2023 and 2024.
  • Jaelan Phillips played all 17 games last season between the Dolphins and Eagles.
  • Odafe Oweh had 7.5 sacks in 12 games with the Chargers after being traded by the Ravens.
  • Khalil Mack, 35, will return for another season in 2026.
  • K'Lavon Chaisson signed with the Patriots before the 2025 season and had a breakout year.

The players

Trey Hendrickson

A 31-year-old edge defender who led the NFL in sacks in 2023 and 2024 with the Bengals, though he's coming off an injury-plagued 2025 season.

Jaelan Phillips

A 27-year-old pass rusher with an injury history, but he played all 17 games last season between the Dolphins and Eagles.

Odafe Oweh

A former first-round pick of the Ravens who is just 27 years old and has 30.5 career sacks, including a 10-sack season in 2024.

Khalil Mack

A 35-year-old veteran with 9 Pro Bowls and an NFL Defensive Player of the Year award, who is coming off another solid season with the Chargers.

K'Lavon Chaisson

A former first-round pick who struggled early in his career but broke out with 7.5 sacks for the Patriots in 2025 at age 26.

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What they’re saying

“Pass rushers are always in demand in free agency, and there's a deep group of them available this season.”

— Frank Schwab (yahoo.com)

The takeaway

This year's NFL free agent class is loaded with top-tier edge defenders, providing teams in need of a pass-rushing boost with plenty of attractive options to choose from. The depth and talent of this group could lead to some big-money deals and significant roster changes across the league as teams look to bolster their defensive fronts.