NFL Free Agency Confirming How Abnormal Georgia's 2021 Defense Was

Several former Georgia players have signed lucrative deals, further establishing the Bulldogs' historic 2021 defense as one of the greatest ever.

Mar. 10, 2026 at 4:05pm

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This year's NFL free agency is continuing to prove just how abnormal Georgia's 2021 defense was. Several former Georgia players, including Quay Walker, Nakobe Dean, and Jordan Davis, have signed big-money deals with NFL teams, further cementing the Bulldogs' historic 2021 defense as one of the greatest college defenses ever assembled.

Why it matters

Georgia's 2021 defense was statistically one of the best in college football history, allowing just 10.2 points per game and having five players selected in the first round of the 2022 NFL Draft. The continued success of these players in the NFL is further validating just how special that Georgia defense was.

The details

In this year's NFL free agency, former Georgia players Quay Walker ($40.5 million deal with Raiders), Nakobe Dean ($36 million with Raiders), and Jordan Davis ($78 million extension with Eagles) have all signed lucrative contracts. These deals, along with the upcoming paydays for other former Georgia defenders like Travon Walker, Devonte Wyatt, Nolan Smith, and Jalen Carter, are proving that the Bulldogs' 2021 defense was truly one of the greatest college defenses ever assembled.

  • NFL free agency officially began on Monday, March 13, 2026.

The players

Quay Walker

A linebacker who signed a $40.5 million deal with the Las Vegas Raiders.

Nakobe Dean

A linebacker who signed a $36 million deal with the Las Vegas Raiders.

Jordan Davis

A defensive tackle who signed a $78 million extension with the Philadelphia Eagles, the largest contract for a nose tackle in NFL history.

Travon Walker

A defensive lineman who is still playing on his rookie contract with the Jacksonville Jaguars.

Devonte Wyatt

A defensive lineman who is still playing on his rookie contract.

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What’s next

Jacksonville will have to make a decision on what they want to do with Travon Walker by the end of next season, and the Philadelphia Eagles are currently fielding trade offers for Jalen Carter.

The takeaway

Georgia's 2021 defense has proven to be one of the greatest college defenses ever assembled, with several former players signing lucrative NFL contracts and validating the unit's historic performance. This continued success in the NFL further cements the Bulldogs' 2021 defense as an all-time great.