It’s that time of year again. The time when Franchise Tag deadlines have passed and NFL rookie fever is in full effect. Before we get to the 2024 NFL Draft and see which high-profile rookies are going to which team, let’s take a look at which veteran free agents are the best at their position. Here are the Top 10 Defensive Linemen Free Agents for 2024. For our complete list of 2024 rankings, check out our Rankings Page. Our list will include the average annual value of the player’s contract for 2023 (AAV) as well as their projected free agent market value as per www.spotrac.com.
10. Javon Kinlaw, SF (Signed with NYJ)
Embed from Getty Images2023 Contract AAV: $3,872,173
2024 Market Value: 2 years/$10,805,128
Javon Kinlaw, a defensive tackle, entered the NFL with the San Francisco 49ers, showcasing promise for fantasy football managers. Despite limited statistics, his disruptive presence suggests the potential for increased fantasy production.
A potentially ideal landing spot to boost Kinlaw’s fantasy value in NFL free agency could be with the Indianapolis Colts. Playing alongside a strong defensive unit and benefiting from their aggressive scheme could elevate his fantasy relevance. The Colts’ emphasis on defensive line play and coaching staff’s talent development could further solidify Kinlaw’s status as a valuable asset for fantasy football managers.
9. Sheldon Rankins, HOU
Embed from Getty Images2023 Contract AAV: $9,750,000
2024 Market Value: 3 years/$29,912,874
Sheldon Rankins, a formidable defensive tackle, has left his mark on both the New Orleans Saints and the Houston Texans. With the Saints, he displayed his disruptive abilities, consistently making impactful plays and contributing to the team’s defensive success. Despite facing challenges, Rankins proved his worth with the Texans, showcasing his talent and making valuable contributions to the defense.
In NFL free agency, Rankins could find success with a team like the Buffalo Bills. Joining a squad known for its defensive prowess and aggressive playstyle could complement Rankins’ skill set. Moreover, playing under a coaching staff known for maximizing defensive talent could reignite his fantasy football value, making him a valuable asset for fantasy managers.
8. Andrew Van Ginkel, MIA (Signed with MIN)
Embed from Getty Images2023 Contract AAV: $1,510,000
2024 Market Value: 2 years/$26,810,660
Andrew Van Ginkel has forged a noteworthy NFL career as a defensive lineman for the Miami Dolphins. With his versatility and playmaking ability, he has become a key component of the Dolphins’ defensive unit, contributing to their success on the field. Van Ginkel’s fantasy football production has also been notable, showcasing his knack for generating turnovers, sacks, and tackles, making him a valuable asset for fantasy managers seeking defensive contributions.
In NFL free agency, a potential landing spot for Van Ginkel could be the Pittsburgh Steelers. Joining a team renowned for its defensive prowess and aggressive playstyle, he could slot in as a versatile linebacker, providing depth and impact in various defensive schemes. Van Ginkel’s ability to rush the passer and drop into coverage would be valuable assets for the Steelers, potentially elevating their defensive performance and bolstering his fantasy football value as a reliable IDP (Individual Defensive Player) option.
7. Za’Darius Smith, MIN (Signed with CLE)
Embed from Getty Images2023 Contract AAV: $1,165,000
2024 Market Value: 2 years/$24,898,998
Za’Darius Smith has crafted a formidable NFL career as a defensive lineman, showcasing his prowess with multiple teams. From his tenure with the Baltimore Ravens to stints with the Green Bay Packers, Minnesota Vikings, and Cleveland Browns, Smith has consistently made an impact on the field, disrupting offenses and tallying impressive stats.
For his fantasy football value in free agency, the Los Angeles Rams could provide an ideal destination. Joining a team known for its dominant defense and aggressive playstyle, Smith could thrive as a disruptive force along the defensive line. With the Rams’ strong supporting cast and coaching staff that maximizes player potential, Smith could see an uptick in fantasy production, making him a valuable asset for fantasy managers seeking consistent defensive contributions.
6. Jonathan Greenard, HOU (Signed with MIN)
Embed from Getty Images2023 Contract AAV: $1,145,200
2024 Market Value: 4 years/$58,813,100
Jonathan Greenard has embarked on a promising NFL career as a defensive lineman for the Houston Texans. Since entering the league, he has showcased his talent and potential to be a disruptive force on the field, consistently making impactful plays and contributing to the Texans’ defensive efforts. Greenard’s fantasy football production has been notable, as he has demonstrated his ability to generate sacks, tackles, and turnovers, making him a valuable asset for fantasy managers seeking defensive contributions.
For Greenard’s fantasy football value in free agency, the New York Jets could offer an enticing landing spot. Joining a team with a young and evolving defense, Greenard could step into a significant role as a pass rusher, providing consistent pressure on opposing quarterbacks. With the Jets’ emphasis on building a formidable defense under their new coaching staff, Greenard could see an increase in fantasy production, making him a valuable addition for fantasy managers looking for consistent defensive contributions.
5. Chase Young, SF
Embed from Getty Images2023 Contract AAV: $8,640,899
2024 Market Value: 1 year/$13,010,600
Chase Young has made waves in his NFL career as a dominant defensive lineman, initially with the Washington Commanders. His impact on the field has been evident, as he consistently disrupts opposing offenses, tallying impressive stats and earning accolades. Young’s fantasy football production has been substantial, as he racks up sacks, tackles, and turnovers, cementing his status as a top-tier option for fantasy managers seeking defensive contributions.
In free agency, the Los Angeles Chargers could emerge as an ideal destination for Young. Joining a team with a talented defensive unit and a scheme that maximizes his pass-rushing abilities, Young could thrive as a disruptive force on the field. With the Chargers’ aggressive defensive approach and their emphasis on generating turnovers, Young could see a significant increase in fantasy production, solidifying his status as a valuable asset for fantasy managers seeking consistent defensive contributions.
4. DJ Reader, CIN
Embed from Getty Images2023 Contract AAV: $13,250,000
2024 Market Value: 3 years/$44,750,650
DJ Reader has had a notable NFL career as a formidable defensive lineman, primarily with the Houston Texans. Known for his disruptive presence on the field, Reader has consistently made impactful plays, showcasing his ability to generate sacks, tackles, and turnovers. His fantasy football production has been significant, as he provides a reliable source of defensive contributions for fantasy managers.
As Reader enters free agency, the Indianapolis Colts could be an excellent destination to enhance his fantasy value. Joining a team with a strong defensive core and a scheme that emphasizes his strengths as a run-stopper and interior pass rusher, Reader could thrive in a prominent role. With the Colts’ defensive approach and their coaching staff’s ability to maximize player potential, Reader could see an uptick in fantasy production, making him a valuable asset for fantasy managers seeking consistent defensive contributions.
3. Leonard Williams, SEA (Signed with SEA)
Embed from Getty Images2023 Contract AAV: $21,000,000
2024 Market Value: 3 years/$50,164,512
Leonard Williams has crafted a formidable NFL career as a dominant defensive lineman, spending time with both the New York Jets and New York Giants. Known for his disruptive presence on the field, Williams consistently generates sacks, tackles, and turnovers, making him a valuable asset for fantasy football managers seeking defensive contributions.
In free agency, the Los Angeles Rams could provide an enticing destination for Williams to enhance his fantasy football value. Joining a team with a strong defensive unit and a scheme that maximizes his pass-rushing abilities, Williams could thrive as a disruptive force on the field. With the Rams’ aggressive defensive approach and their emphasis on generating turnovers, Williams could see a significant increase in fantasy production, solidifying his status as a valuable asset for fantasy managers seeking consistent defensive contributions.
2. Christian Wilkins, MIA (Signed with LV)
Embed from Getty Images2023 Contract AAV: $3,859,775
2024 Market Value: 4 years/$80,988,580
Christian Wilkins has carved out a notable NFL career as a versatile defensive lineman for the Miami Dolphins. Known for his disruptive presence on the field, Wilkins consistently contributes to the Dolphins’ defensive efforts, tallying impressive stats such as sacks, tackles, and turnovers. His ability to penetrate opposing offenses and make impactful plays has made him a valuable asset for fantasy football managers seeking defensive contributions.
For Wilkins’ fantasy football value in free agency, the Buffalo Bills could offer an enticing destination. Joining a team known for its dominant defense and aggressive playstyle, Wilkins could thrive as a disruptive force along the defensive line. With the Bills’ strong supporting cast and coaching staff that maximizes player potential, Wilkins could see an uptick in fantasy production, making him a valuable addition for fantasy managers looking for consistent defensive contributions.
1. Chris Jones, KC
Embed from Getty Images2023 Contract AAV: $119,500,000
2024 Market Value: 3 years/$85,450,884
Chris Young has built a solid NFL career as a dependable defensive lineman for the Kansas City Chiefs. With his versatility and disruptive playstyle, Young consistently contributes to the Chiefs’ defensive efforts, generating sacks, tackles, and turnovers. His ability to penetrate opposing offenses and make impactful plays has made him a valuable asset for fantasy football managers seeking defensive contributions.
In free agency, the Los Angeles Chargers could offer an ideal destination for Young to enhance his fantasy football value. Joining a team with a talented defensive unit and a scheme that maximizes his pass-rushing abilities, Young could thrive as a disruptive force on the field. With the Chargers’ aggressive defensive approach and their emphasis on generating turnovers, Young could see a significant increase in fantasy production, solidifying his status as a valuable asset for fantasy managers seeking consistent defensive contributions.
