The Super Bowl has wrapped up, which signals that NFL free agency for the 2026 season is right around the corner. Teams are busy strategizing about their roster while also keeping a lookout for free agents available this offseason.
Today, we’re focusing on the projected free agent edge rushers for 2026 and making some educated guesses on how teams might rank them.
1. Trey Hendrickson, Cincinnati Bengals
2025 stats: (7 games played, 7 starts) 16 tackles, 3 tackles for loss, 4 sacks, pass deflection, forced fumble.
Although Hendrickson faced injuries during the 2025 season, this probably won’t diminish his appeal as the top pass rusher available. He’s fresh off a first-team All-Pro selection and had 17.5 sacks in consecutive seasons prior, in 2023-2024. Some teams might be prepared to shell out a significant amount for his talent.
2. Odafe Oweh, Los Angeles Chargers
2025 stats: (17 games played, 4 starts) 38 tackles, 9 tackles for loss, 7.5 sacks
After being released by the Ravens early last season, Oweh bounced back with the Chargers, recording 7.5 sacks in 12 games. He ended the season strong, adding three sacks against the Patriots in the wild card round.
At just 27, he’s looking to enter the prime years of his career. He had a solid connection with coach Jesse Minter this past season. So, will he return to the Ravens or stay in Los Angeles if the opportunity arises?
3. Jaylan Phillips, Philadelphia Eagles
2025 stats: (17 games played, 17 starts) 53 tackles, 7 tackles for loss, 5 sacks, 4 pass deflections, forced fumble, 2 fumble recoveries.
At 26, Phillips brings a compelling mix of age and upside to the table. His sack count might not wow anyone, but Pro Football Focus rated him among the top 20 in pass rush grade, with 71 total pressures, which is impressive enough to place him ninth among edge rushers.
4. Dremont Jones, Baltimore Ravens
2025 stats: (18 games played, 17 starts) 43 tackles, 7 tackles for loss, 7 sacks, pass deflection, 2 fumble recoveries.
PFF noted that Jones had his best year since 2020, with a solid overall season grade. He had career highs in both sacks and pressures, reinforcing why the Ravens traded for him after he was with the struggling Titans.
Approaching his 30th birthday, he still has some time left to show his worth before teams might worry about his age. Given his strong performance last season, don’t be shocked if he becomes one of the higher-paid players this offseason.
5. Khalil Mack, Los Angeles Chargers
2025 stats: (12 games played, 11 starts) 32 tackles, 6 tackles for loss, 5.5 sacks, 4 pass deflections, safety.
While Mack’s stats haven’t been particularly eye-popping in the last two seasons, he remains a formidable force on the field. His impact goes beyond sack numbers; he’s a game-changer, disrupting plays, even if he’s not finishing them as frequently.
As a seasoned player, he’s at a crossroads—stay with the Chargers for a shot at a postseason victory or consider moving on for a fresh start before he hangs up his cleats for good?
6. Boi Maffet, Seattle Seahawks
2025 stats: (17 games played, 4 starts) 31 tackles, 4 tackles for loss, 2 sacks, 5 pass deflections, forced fumbles.
Maffet still has some potential, despite the decline in his productivity over the past couple of seasons. He enjoyed a robust ninth-sack season two years ago but has been less active since. Yet, he garnered an average rating from PFF again.
After the Seahawks added DeMarcus Lawrence, Maffet found himself in more of a rotational role. While he has the skills to start, teams may see him more as a complementary player rather than a dominant presence. Still, he could land a nice contract due to his age and untapped potential.
7. Kwity Paye, Indianapolis Colts
2025 stats: (17 games played, 16 starts) 39 tackles, 6 tackles for loss, 4 sacks, pass deflection.
Paye played a career-high number of snaps this past season, but unfortunately, his performance dipped. With his lowest grades across the board, the outlook for this offseason could be tough. However, past seasons where he recorded eight sacks could still keep him on teams’ radars if the situation is right.
8. Joey Bosa, Buffalo Bills
2025 stats: (15 games played, 15 starts) 29 tackles, 9 tackles for loss, 5 sacks, 2 pass deflections, 5 forced fumbles
Bosa demonstrated his ability to contribute with impactful plays this year, although his sack numbers were lower than in previous seasons. His five forced fumbles might compensate somewhat for that drop-off. While he might not attract the biggest payday, interest should still be there from teams looking to bolster their pass-rush rotation.
9. Malcolm Koonce, Las Vegas Raiders
2025 stats: (17 games played, 3 starts) 30 tackles, 6 tackles for loss, 4.5 sacks, pass deflection.
Koonce saw a repeat in playing time, though his stats were less impressive than the previous year. With fewer sacks and a decrease in his PFF grade, he might not have capitalized on previous seasons as he hoped. However, if the Raiders decide they need more depth next to Maxx Crosby, Koonce could find a new opportunity.
10. AJ Epenesa, Buffalo Bills
2025 stats: (16 games played, 2 starts) 32 tackles, 2 tackles for loss, 2 sacks, 4 pass deflections, 2 interceptions, fumble recovery
Epenesa’s contribution was more limited this year, but he did manage to snag two interceptions. Though he recorded the lowest sack total of his career, his three consecutive seasons with six or more sacks show he can be a contributor. Whether back with the Bills or elsewhere, he will likely find a role that suits him.
