There are still a few weeks left until moves are made in the 2026 NFL offseason, but the amount of pass rushers available this spring is already generating a lot of buzz. From NFL trade rumors involving Trey Hendrickson and Max Crosby to some underappreciated free agents, there are attractive options for pass-rush-needy teams.
Let's take a look at our NFL offseason predictions to see where the top edge players will land this spring in both the trade market and NFL free agency.
Trey Hendrickson: Indianapolis Colts
A tag-and-trade for Trey Hendrickson seems inevitable. With the way the Cincinnati Bengals have handled contract negotiations with their All-Pro edge rusher over the past few years, we see no reason to believe they'll let him hit the open market and walk away for nothing. The issue for Cincinnati is that a tag-and-trade creates more drama, and any team interested in acquiring Hendrickson would have to pay for the trade and then sign him to a long-term deal. With general manager Chris Ballard on the hot seat and having already sacrificed future draft capital to build this defense, we think the Indianapolis Colts will make a big change and re-unite Hendrickson with defensive coordinator Lou Anarumo.
RELATED: NFL trade candidates this offseason, including Trey Hendrickson
Khalil Mack: Baltimore Ravens
In 2025, the Baltimore Ravens finished the regular season with the fifth-lowest pressure rate (19%) and second-lowest sack rate (4.6%) in the NFL. We're confident that first-year head coach Jesse Minter will help fix some of this, but Baltimore's pass rush still leaves a lot to be desired. Fortunately, the club has over $20 million in cap space this offseason, and could make a lot of it with the Lamar Jackson contract restructuring. Doing so would give Baltimore the financial flexibility to bring in Khalil Mack on a one-year deal, while also adding a high-end defender who can still generate pressure and stop the run.
Read More: 2026 NFL Mock Draft
Hidden Object: Washington Commanders
We think instead of spending on a top pass rusher in NFL free agency, the Washington Commanders take a different approach. This will see a significant portion of their cap room spent on improving the supporting cast around Jaden Daniels and utilizing a top-10 pick on an edge rusher. It won't be everything that Commanders general manager Adam Peters does. He will take advantage of the defense that has led his team to the Lombardy Trophy with the addition of Boye Mafe. While his sack numbers – 8 over the past two seasons – don't jump off the page, the 27-year-old is above average against the run and generating pressure.
RELATED: Bold NFL offseason predictions for QB landing spots
Odafe Oweh: Los Angeles Chargers
The Los Angeles Chargers need to retain one of their top pass rushers who is bound for NFL free agency. Given that Odafe Oweh is young, we think the 27-year-old will be brought back if Khalil Mack heads elsewhere. After landing in Los Angeles a few weeks before the NFL trade deadline, Oweh generated 19 pressures, 13 quarterback hits, 8 tackles for loss and 7.5 sacks in 12 games with the Chargers. Also, with the departure of Jesse Minter, the club needs to retain one of the primary reasons for its defensive success last season.
READ MORE: NFL offseason predictions for top running backs
Bradley Chubb: Dallas Cowboys
Because he is being released, signing edge rusher Bradley Chubb will not be included in the NFL's compensatory-selection formula. This makes him very attractive to clubs in need of pass-rushing help who would not be able to spend money in NFL free agency because they do not want to give up the selection they receive for departing talent. A team like the Green Bay Packers could be an option, but we're going in a different direction. New Dallas Cowboys defensive coordinator Christian Parker worked in Denver when Chubb earned his second Pro Bowl selection in 2022. Dallas also needs veteran pass-rushing help, preferably at a reasonable price.
Read more: NFL free agency predictions for top wide receivers
Max Crosby: Tampa Bay Buccaneers
We think Max Crosby will request a trade this offseason, making the Las Vegas Raiders willing to move him to a contender. While the Detroit Lions are a popular choice as his landing spot, we're projecting the All-Pro edge rusher to land with another NFC contender. If Mike Evans and Lavonte David are re-signed, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers are looking at a narrow window for contention with their core getting older. Crosby would be a major upgrade for the Buccaneers Rush, giving them a difference-maker whose presence will also help Vita Vea, Calijah Kensi and Yaya Diaby. Las Vegas takes the premium draft capital and moves Crosby to the NFC, while the Buccaneers pick up a player who can help them compete for an NFC crown next season.
RELATED: NFL Trades We'd Like to See This Offseason
