NFL free agents: Top 5 interior defensive linemen don't include many stars, but some solid vets
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In each of the last three offseasons, an interior defensive lineman was among the three biggest contracts signed by players on the open market.
Last year it was Milton Williams, who got the biggest contract at $104 million over four years. The two seasons before that, Christian Wilkins and Javon Hargrave got top-three deals.
That streak will end this offseason. There simply aren’t many big stars set to hit the market. But there are some solid players who can help the middle of a defense.
Here are the top five interior defensive linemen available in free agency:
1. John Franklin-Myers
Franklin-Myers isn’t a big name but he brings a lot of positives. He’s durable, good against the run and also has 14.5 sacks over the past two seasons. He was a starter for a good Broncos defense each of the past two seasons. At 288 pounds, he brings a multi-faceted skill set that will benefit a defense.
2. Dre’Mont Jones
Jones was a hot free agent name during the 2023 offseason, when he left the Broncos for the Seahawks on a three-year, $51.5 million deal. He didn’t take off to stardom after that, but he’s still a solid veteran. He was traded from the Titans to the Ravens during last season, and put up seven sacks between the two teams.
3. D.J. Reader
Any team signing Reader will know what it is getting. At 330 pounds, Reader can shore up the middle of a defense against the run. He won’t provide a lot of pass-rush help, with just 12.5 sacks in 10 NFL seasons, but entering his age-32 season Reader still can play an important role against the run.
4. Calais Campbell
Campbell will turn 40 years old right before Week 1, but he is still playing at a high level. Last season with the Cardinals he started all 17 games and had 6.5 sacks. He hasn’t missed a game in any of the past three seasons. Campbell has 117 career sacks and was a member of the all-decade team of the 2010s, and chasing his first Super Bowl ring might be a priority as he chooses his team this offseason.
5. Khyiris Tonga
Tonga took a nice step forward with the Patriots. He started eight games, setting a new career high, for a defense that helped New England win an AFC championship. He won’t provide much pass rush, but is an active defender in the middle of the defense against the run. He’ll be 30 years old next season but should have some more productive seasons ahead of him.
