Many of the top NFL free agents have been off the board this offseason, with the remaining starters either on the wrong side of 30 or still available due to team concerns. However, there are still plenty of options in NFL free agency for clubs looking for a rotational piece or a solid start to the upcoming season.
With that in mind, let's take a look at our latest round of NFL free agency predictions focusing on the landing spots for the remaining top defensive players.
AJ Epenesa, edge rusher: Detroit Lions
A former second-round pick in the 2020 NFL Draft, AJ Epenesa is now entering his 28-year-old season and has proven to be a quality rotational edge defender. He played 434 defensive snaps for the Buffalo Bills last season, recording 2.5 sacks with 9 quarterback hits. The strength he brings at 6-foot-6 could prove useful to the Detroit Lions, who are still in the market for pass-rushing help. Epenesa may see a higher percentage of snaps early in the season opposite Aiden Hutchinson, while an edge rusher selected on the second day of the 2026 NFL Draft is slowly brought along and eventually plays a higher percentage of snaps for Detroit when the time is right.
Cameron Jordan, edge rusher: Chicago Bears
It would certainly seem strange to see Cameron Jordan not playing for the New Orleans Saints in 2026, but it seems certain to happen. Heading into his age-37 season, Jordan is certainly nowhere near the caliber of defensive disruptor he used to be, and his snaps need to be limited to maintain his effectiveness. However, it's still worth keeping in mind that he recorded 10.5 sacks and 22 pressures last season. What matters most is a reunion with his longtime defensive coordinator Dennis Allen, who will know how to get the most out of him in a rotational role. Plus, it gives the Chicago Bears a little more pass-rushing depth on the defensive line and gives Jordan a chance to finish his career with a Super Bowl contender.
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Bobby Wagner, linebacker: Buffalo Bills
Linebacker Bobby Wagner, a 10-time Pro Bowl selection, is still just two seasons away from earning second-team All-Pro honors. He also had 8 tackles for loss and 79 solo tackles last season, although he has proven to be a liability in coverage. There may be an opportunity here for Buffalo Bills head coach Sean McDermott. Buffalo could take advantage of Wagner's tendencies as a run defender, as he has proven to be one of the best off-ball linebackers in football against the run. Additionally, he could be an excellent mentor for any young linebackers added to the team this year.
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Rasoul Douglas, cornerback: Kansas City Chiefs
The Kansas City Chiefs cornerback room is undergoing a massive overhaul this offseason. As much as we trust the front office and defensive coordinator Steve Spagnuolo at this position, depth and proven players don't hurt. Rasoul Douglas really stood out with the Miami Dolphins last season, allowing only a 54.5 percent completion rate and 73.0 passer rating when targeted in coverage. With how thin Kansas City is at cornerback now, it could be beneficial to keep at least one viable starter as there is going to be a lot of inexperience in that room this fall.
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Joey Bosa, edge rusher: San Francisco 49ers
It always felt like Nick Bosa would eventually be teammates with his brother, Joey Bosa, rather than when. Now the time seems absolutely right. The San Francisco 49ers need more pass-rushing depth next season with Nick Bosa and Mykel Williams recovering from season-ending injuries. Joey Bosa has his durability concerns, but he played in 15 games in Buffalo last season and had 16 QB hits with 5 sacks. Bringing him in would make the Knicks happy and would improve San Francisco's pass-rushing depth; It's a win-win.
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