2021 NFL free agents: Defensive line
With the NFL's franchise-tag deadline in the past, attention moves to the opening of the league's free-agent negotiating window on March 15.
These are the best defensive linemen slated to hit the market.
By position
QB | RB | WR | TE | OL
DL | ED | LB | CB | S
Top 100
Defensive line
1. Dalvin Tomlinson
Tomlinson has always excelled against the run, but he finally developed as a pass-rusher in his fourth year. The Giants would love for him to return, but they probably won't be able to keep him and fellow interior lineman Leonard Williams.
2. Ndamukong Suh
His pass-rushing skills have deteriorated in recent years, but Suh remains one of the league's best run-stuffing defenders. After playing on three consecutive one-year deals, the 34-year-old could pursue a multi-year pact.
3. Jurrell Casey
A torn triceps killed his only season with the Broncos in 2020, but Casey made five straight Pro Bowls from 2015-19. Even if he's no longer a game-changer, the former Titans star can still be a factor in the trenches.
4. Tyson Alualu
Alualu was shockingly dominant last season. He'll be a major addition for whoever lands him if he can repeat that performance, but there's a chance he comes back down to earth and settles in as a decent role player.
5. Denico Autry
Autry has topped seven sacks in two of the last three campaigns. The 30-year-old should be a solid complementary piece for whichever defensive line he joins.
6. Shelby Harris
Harris generated surprisingly little interest a year ago, prompting him to re-sign with the Broncos for one season. He's flashed decent pass-rushing skills from the interior despite a low sack total, and he's always been a solid run defender.
7. Larry Ogunjobi
Ogunjobi shows occasional flashes, but he profiles as a rotational tackle rather than an every-down contributor.
8. Lawrence Guy
A valuable member of the Patriots' last two Super Bowl teams, Guy offers quality run defense but not much else.
9. Sheldon Rankins
Rankins hasn't been the same since rupturing his Achilles in January 2019, but he could be a steal if he can return to peak form. He had eight sacks in 2018 before going down in the playoffs.