Top 2023 Free Agent Interior Defensive Line
What You Expect is always here to provide you with details when it comes to an NFL-free agent, specifically an interior defensive line. The interior defensive line position is the one of most important positions on the defense. We will take a deep dive into the players that will be looking to return home or explore a new team.
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There are many good interior defensive linemen in this free-agent class. Players such as Leonard Williams may be cap casualties this off-season. Then there are veteran players such as Larry Ogunjobi who should also land on a team this off-season.
1 Javon Hargrave
The Pro Bowl defensive lineman Hargraves had an outstanding season despite being snubbed. At the age of 29 years old, Hargraves should be looking to get his final big payday. I am anticipating an Eagles Super Bowl loss thus I anticipate them trying to "run it back". With Hurts still on a Rookie contract, they should have enough money to prioritize their Hargrave.
Prediction: Philadelphia Eagles.
2 Dalvin Tomilson
Dalvin Tomilson is one of the best run-stoppers in the NFL. He frequently eats up two blockers thus I expect him to get his final big payday this off-season. The 28-year-old interior defensive lineman had 42 tackles and 2.5 sacks in his 2022 campaign. The Vikings have so many issues on their defense I doubt that the team wants to create another.
Prediction: Minnesota Vikings
3 Daron Payne
Daron Payne honestly could be the top interior defensive lineman in this free-agent class. Payne had 11.5 sacks this regular season but is a lot better pass rushing than run-stopping. The Pro Bowl interior defensive lineman will definitely be staying in Maryland. I look for the Commanders to keep him if not I can see the Ravens stepping in and giving Payne a good contract because the defense will always be the heart of how they build their roster.
Prediction: Washington Commanders or Baltimore Ravens
4 Dre'Mont Jones
Dre'Mont Jones started the season with a bang. Jones tallied 6.5 sacks and 47 tackles before suffering an injury. He is only 26 years old thus teams will be lining up for his services. The Broncos let Chubb leave this season thus I look for Jones to be a priority for the team. If the Broncos let Jones walk I can see Jones heading back to his home city, Cleveland, and filling the void left by Clowney.
5 Zach Allen
Zach Allen is a solid interior defensive end for the Arizona Cardinals. Allen tallied 5.5 sacks and 40-plus tackles. Even though Allen is only 25 years old, I see Allen as more of a role player than someone who commands big bucks. He is one of the better run-stoppers in the league; however, I do expect him to stay with the Cardinals who cannot afford to lose another defensive lineman with J.J. Watts's retirement.
Prediction: Arizona Cardinals
6 Sheldon Rankins
Sheldon Rankins is another run-stopping interior lineman. Rankin has 3 sacks and 43 tackles on the New York Jets. The Jets had one of the best defenses in the league and Rankins was a major part of it. The Jets are going to keep their defense together and find a way to solve their quarterback woes.
Prediction: New York Jets
7 David Onyemata
David Onyemata is a very solid interior defensive lineman. At the age of 30 years old, I do not expect teams to open up their wallets but he will definitely be a vital signing for a playoff team. I look to the San Francisco 49ers to make a move on Onyemata to add to their already elite defense.
Prediction: San Francisco 49ers