Edge Defenders6 of 10

Buffalo Bills: Bradley Chubb

Terms: 3 years, $43.5 million with $27 million guaranteed

Take: This one remains somewhat under the radar. Coming off a torn ACL that cost him all of 2024, Chubb had 8.5 sacks while getting reacclimated in 2025. The 30-year-old former top-five pick could easily return to a Pro Bowl level in a new, winning environment. He’s looked stellar thus far this offseason.

Washington Commanders: Odafe Oweh

Terms: 4 years, $96 million with $68 million guaranteed

Take: He put up 10 sacks in his last full season with the Ravens in 2024 and returns after registering 7.5 in his last six games with the Chargers in 2025. Gotta love that momentum for a guy who has always delivered in advanced metrics. I’d take him over Jaelan Phillips or Trey Hendrickson, both of whom got a lot more money. 

NEW: Dallas Cowboys: Von Miller

Terms: 1 year, $5.5 million 

Take: The Cowboys’ defense can use all of the help it can get, and this is a low-risk gamble on a legend who managed nine sacks on just 420 snaps last season. The veteran leadership is worth the money on its own. This is another beautiful midsummer signing. 

Las Vegas Raiders: Kwity Paye

Terms: 3 years, $48 million with $31.2 million guaranteed

Take: The 27-year-old Paye is quite durable, has first-round pedigree, and the resume isn’t shabby with 20.5 sacks the last three years. The Raiders are paying a bit of a premium for the possibility that he fully realizes his potential and breaks out in a new setting. Thing is, this is only borderline top rusher money these days.

New England Patriots: Dre’Mont Jones

Terms: 3 years, $36.5 million with $23.1 million guaranteed

Take: The Pats get a solid starter with the ability to get hot in streaks, and a guy who brings experience and versatility to the defense at a not-ridiculous rate. It’s a good move for a team in the mix that needs to keep refining the roster.

Cincinnati Bengals: Boye Mafe

Terms: 3 years, $60 million with $19 million guaranteed

Take: The front-loaded, low-overall-guarantee nature of this deal makes it easier for the Bengals to move on if it all hits the fan for Mafe and/or the team (again) in 2026. I don’t mind that, because broadly this is an overpay for a guy who has just five sacks in his last 32 games. 

New York Jets: Joseph Ossai

Terms: 3 years, $34.5 million with $22.5 million guaranteed

Take: When this guy is on, he looks like an elite potential No. 1 rusher. The problem is, he’s off a lot. A total of 14.5 sacks in four seasons means this is purely a gamble from a desperate Jets team in need of breaks beyond the draft to take that next step quickly. Then again, what do Aaron Glenn and the Jets have to lose? 

Carolina Panthers: Jaelan Phillips

Terms: 4 years, $120 million with $80 million guaranteed

Take: The 27-year-old was limited to just two sacks in eight games with the Eagles as a rental in 2025, and injuries cost him the vast majority of 2023 and 2024 before the Dolphins bailed on him. Considering he’s never been a Pro Bowler in five NFL seasons, it’s pretty wild that he’s one of just 13 defensive players in the $30 million AAV club.

Baltimore Ravens: Trey Hendrickson

Terms: 4 years, $112 million with $60 million guaranteed

Take: The 31-year-old is coming off a season derailed by lingering core muscle injuries. There’s a good chance that contributes to his decline in his 10th season, paving the way for this panic signing to backfire on the Ravens.