NFL Free Agency: Top Destinations for Leonard Williams, Chris Jones & Other Top D-Lineman

As the NFL heads into free agency on March 31, players and teams alike are gearing up for a whirlwind of changes. With new players set to shuffle in and teams looking to make strategic adjustments, the landscape is ripe for movement and opportunity. Amidst this frenzy, several standout players from the secondary position are poised to seek new homes, eager to continue their careers with fresh challenges and opportunities.

Let’s take a closer look at which teams would want to sign star DLs such as Chris Jones and Leonard Williams, who are primed for new beginnings.

1. San Francisco 49ers

The cornerstone of the 49ers’ defensive strategy revolves around generating pressure on opposing QBs with their defensive line. Presently, the team relies heavily on Nick Bosa as their primary edge rusher but lacks consistent production from other defensive ends.

Jan 29, 2023; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA; Philadelphia Eagles quarterback Jalen Hurts (1) is tackled by San Francisco 49ers defensive end Nick Bosa (97) during the second quarter in the NFC Championship game at Lincoln Financial Field. Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-USA TODAY SportsMoreover, the uncertain future of key DLs like Randy Gregory, Clelin Ferrell, and Chase Young, all of whom are not under contract beyond the current season, accentuates the pressing need for bolstering the team’s pass rush capabilities. While there are promising prospects like Drake Jackson and recent rookie Robert Beal Jr., their lack of experience on the field raises doubts about their ability to provide immediate impact. Maybe a veteran DL, possibly Jones, could be the answer to their woes.

2. Cincinnati Bengals

The Bengals’ pass rush in the previous season heavily relied on Trey Hendrickson, who recorded an impressive 17.5 sacks and 79 pressures. However, beyond him, production significantly dropped. Sam Hubbard’s six sacks ranked second on the team, and BJ Hill’s 42 pressures came in as the runner-up. Complicating matters, the potential loss of DJ Reader, who suffered a quad injury in December, adds to their defensive woes. To bolster their pass rush, Cincinnati urgently requires consistent pressure from the interior to complement their edge rushers.

3. Houston Texans

The Houston Texans are emerging as a formidable force in the league. They can boast a promising young core on both offense and defense. Spearheaded by the dynamic No. 3 overall pick, Will Anderson Jr., the team shows great potential for generating pressure for years to come. However, Anderson’s progress hinges on the presence of a reliable force anchoring the interior defensive line to alleviate the pressure on him.

In the previous season, only four Texans managed to tally five or more sacks, with impending free agents Sheldon Rankins and Jonathan Greenard among them. With their potential departure looming, it’s imperative for the Texans to address the void by securing an impact defensive lineman capable of consistently disrupting opposing backfields.

4. Tampa Bay Buccaneers

The Bucs’ offseason needs are intricately tied to their pending free agents. Beyond the QB, WR, and safety positions, the most pressing need appears to be at the D-line. Although the Buccaneers found success with rookie defensive linemen like YaYa Diaby and Calijah Kancey last season, accumulating a combined 11.5 sacks, there remains a need for additional firepower along the defensive front.

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Could either Chris Jones or Leonard Williams be their answer?

5. Arizona Cardinals

There’s no denying the Cardinals’ urgent need for playmakers. That’s especially true since the team lost Marquise Brown towards the end of the last season, leaving Kyler Murray with limited options. However, the defensive side of the ball also demands attention. For years, the Cardinals have lacked a shutdown corner and a consistent edge rusher, leaving glaring gaps in their defense.

Starting with the interior line, Arizona requires a sturdy anchor that GM Monti Ossenfort can build around. However, addressing the defensive line will be a priority to fortify the team’s overall strength and balance.

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