Best Landing Spots for Top Defensive Free Agents Before NFL Training Camp

It's kind of funny that when most people think or talk about NFL free agency, the focus is primarily centered around one week--or just a few days at that--in March when the market is open all year long.

Of course, the big names typically land with new teams during the aforementioned time period, but there are always plenty of quality players still available in the summer.

So, as we creep closer to the start of training camps across the league, let's play matchmaker and pair a few of the top veteran defenders who are currently unemployed with teams who could use their services. The free agents selected are based on B/R's June 1 column and matched with a team that has a need at the respective position.

It's kind of surprising that Justin Simmons is still available. The Denver Broncos were up against the cap to begin the offseason so he was let go primarily because of his large contract which won't be an issue at this stage in the game. Also, the eight-year veteran doesn't have a long injury history and was productive last season.

"Simmons earned his second Pro Bowl selection last season and was a second-team All-Pro selection in both 2022 and 2021," B/R's Kristopher Knox wrote. "He finished his 2023 campaign with 70 tackles, a sack, three interceptions and an 89.1 opposing passer rating."

Meanwhile, the San Francisco 49ers are projected to start Talanoa Hufanga and Ji'Ayir Brown at safety. Hufanga is coming off a torn ACL and while Brown played well as a rookie, it couldn't hurt to add another veteran in the mix during training camp to serve as another starting option.

Also, as Sports Illustrated's Albert Breer recently pointed out, Simmons would be a good scheme fit in San Francisco.

"I love the idea of Justin Simmons in either the Vic Fangio–style of defense he's played in for the Broncos since 2019, or in a Seattle Seahawks–type of defense," Breer explained.

"That's why I'd really love to see him as the center fielder in the Niners' defense—which has historically played the Seattle three scheme, and also just brought aboard Brandon Staley (whom Simmons knows well) from the Fangio tree."

According to Over The Cap, San Franciso has about $31.5 million of cap space available, meaning the front office can easily make this pairing happen.

Despite getting up there in age playing for his fourth team in as many seasons last year, Stephon Gilmore was still a productive player in 2023.

He still has the impressive ball skills he's become known for after racking up a couple of interceptions and 13 passes defended to post an 83.3 passer rating when targeted and earn a 72.3 coverage grade from Pro Football Focus. Also, the veteran received a good mark from PFF against the run at 76.1 during the regular season.

Granted, the 33-year-old who will turn 34 in September had shoulder surgery to repair a torn labrum this offseason, and entering your mid-30s while coming off an injury is a tough combination to overcome. However, the Las Vegas Raiders could use some experience at cornerback heading into training camp.

Of the 11 cornerbacks currently on the Raiders' roster, nine have played less than four years in the NFL, and the defense is currently expected to start Jack Jones and Jakorian Bennett at outside cornerback. Jones has five career starts and Bennett only has four after getting benched last season, so a veteran presence would be a welcomed sight.

According to KPRC 2's Aaron Wilson, Las Vegas was interested in signing corner Steven Nelson before Nelson decided to retire, meaning the team's front office is clearly exploring the market at the position. Also, the Silver and Black have about $34.1 million of cap space available, per Over The Cap, to make signing Gilmore feasible.

For starters, Xavien Howard will need to clear his legal issues as was accused of sending explicit content last month, per ESPN. That's likely part of the reason why a team hasn't picked up the cornerback as he can still be a contributor on the field.

While Howard isn't the interception machine he was several years ago, leading the league in picks with seven in 2018 and 10 in 2020, he's made plenty of plays on the ball over the last three years with 40 passes defended during that timeframe. The 31-year-old has also cracked double-digits in the metric every season he's played in at least eight games.

As for the Houston Texans, they could use another starting cornerback option to play on the other side of Derek Stingley Jr.

Houston signed Jeff Okudah in free agency, but Okudah has struggled to stay healthy throughout his career and is playing for his third team in as many years. The Texans' other option is second-round pick Kamri Lassiter who has potential, but relying on a rookie is a risky proposition for a team that has Super Bowl aspirations.

Additionally, Howard is a Houston native and has been vocal about liking the recent moves his hometown team has made recently. "I wouldn't say I've always been a Houston Texans fan, but this offseason, I'm a Houston Texans fan," Howard said, per Matt Young of the Houston Chronicle.

According to Over The Cap, the Texans have $20.2 million of cap space to make this pairing happen.

With Caleb Williams under center and a re-tooled offense, the Chicago Bears are widely expected to make a push for the playoffs this fall. While the Bears' have one good pass-rusher in Montez Sweat, the defense could use someone on the other side of Sweat to give him some help, and the best solution might be to re-sign a player from last year's squad.

Granted, Yannick Ngakoue is coming off a career-low four sacks in Chicago last season, that's partially because he suffered an ankle injury that limited him to just 13 games. Also, Ngakoue was productive during his limited time playing with Sweat, bringing down the quarterback twice in five contests while the latter commanded the offense's attention.

So, it might be worth seeing what the pairing can do with a full season together, especially since the Bears don't need the nine-year-veteran to be an every-down defender with DeMarcus Walker serving as the starting defensive end.

As B/R's Kristopher Knox pointed out, that could be an ideal situation for the 29-year-old, and he appears to be healthy ahead of training camp.

"While the ankle injury does carry some level of risk," Knox wrote, "a workout video Ngakoue posted on May 2 suggests that he could soon be back to pre-injury form. Teams probably shouldn't target Ngakoue as a full-time starter on the edge, but he should draw heavy interest as a situational pass-rusher."

Chicago currently has over $21.5 million of cap space, per Over The Cap, to bring the sack artist back to the Windy City before the season gets underway.

Unfortunately, injuries have derailed Jamal Adams' career over the last few years. The three-time All-Pro has played in just 10 games over the last two seasons and his speed has significantly dropped off as well, leading to some struggles in coverage. Moving forward, his best position and future in the NFL might be as a hybrid linebacker.

"Even in 2020, Adams shined as more of a hybrid linebacker/edge-rusher than a true safety," B/R's Kristopher Knox wrote. "He allowed an opposing passer rating of 104.7 that season but also recorded 9.5 sacks and 26 quarterback pressures. There's value to be found in adding a versatile defender like Adams, even if he never returns to an elite level of play."

Meanwhile, the Baltimore Ravens could use a Swiss-army knife type of player on the second level of their defense. The Ravens lost athletic linebacker Patrick Queen in free agency and are expected to start second-year pro Trenton Simpson in Queen's spot.

While Simpson could end up being a suitable replacement, Baltimore doesn't have a ton of depth at linebacker anyway. So, it couldn't hurt to at least kick the tires on Adams and see if he can fill in as a rotational player.

The Ravens brought in Adams for a visit back in May, so the club is clearly interested in him. Granted, the veteran defender remains unsigned but head coach Jim Harbaugh didn't shoot down the idea when asked about signing Adams by stating, "We'll see," (h/t Pro Football Talk).

Additionally, Over The Cap lists Baltimore as having just under $6 million of cap space available which is enough room to bring in the 28-year-old on a cheap, prove-it type of deal.