Full Breakdown
NFL Edge-Defender Free-Agency Signings Graded After Preseason Week 1
8/22/2026, 11:13:30 AM
Overview of the Free-Agency Evaluation
The analysis re-grades the NFL’s most prominent edge-defender contracts signed during the 2025 free-agency period, using performance metrics from the 2024 season and early 2025 preseason play. Grades range from A+ (high upside, low risk) to D- (significant concerns about health or value). Because the source is a commentary piece, the grades reflect the author’s subjective assessment rather than league-wide consensus.
Top-Graded Acquisitions
- Bradley Chubb, Buffalo Bills – 3-year, $43.5 million deal with $27 million guaranteed. Coming off a torn ACL that sidelined him all of 2024, Chubb posted 8.5 sacks in 2025 and is projected to return to Pro Bowl form. Grade: A+.
- Odafe Oweh, Washington Commanders – 4-year, $96 million contract with $68 million guaranteed. Recorded 10 sacks in 2024 and 7.5 sacks in his final six games with the Chargers in 2025. Grade: A.
- Von Miller, Dallas Cowboys – 1-year, $5.5 million pact. Delivered nine sacks on just 420 snaps last season; the low-risk, veteran-leadership deal earned an A.
- Kwity Paye, Las Vegas Raiders – 3-year, $48 million agreement with $31.2 million guaranteed. Accumulated 20.5 sacks over the past three seasons; the contract is viewed as a borderline top-rusher deal, receiving a B.
- Dre’Mont Jones, New England Patriots – 3-year, $36.5 million deal with $23.1 million guaranteed. Provides versatile starter depth at a reasonable rate, earning a B.
Lower-Graded Acquisitions
- Boye Mafe, Cincinnati Bengals – 3-year, $60 million contract with $19 million guaranteed. Only five sacks in his last 32 games; the front-loaded structure makes the deal easy to exit, resulting in a B-.
- Joseph Ossai, New York Jets – 3-year, $34.5 million deal with $22.5 million guaranteed. Has 14.5 sacks in four seasons but is frequently injured; graded C.
- Jaelan Phillips, Carolina Panthers – 4-year, $120 million contract with $80 million guaranteed. Limited to two sacks in eight games in 2025 and missed most of 2023-2024; the high average annual value yields a C+.
- Trey Hendrickson, Baltimore Ravens – 4-year, $112 million deal with $60 million guaranteed. Coming off a season hampered by core-muscle injuries, the signing is seen as a potential misstep, earning a D-.
Assessment of Value and Risk
The analysis highlights a clear split: teams that secured proven pass-rushers (Chubb, Oweh, Miller) paired sizable guarantees with relatively low risk, while contracts for players with recent injury histories or limited production (Mafe, Phillips, Hendrickson) carry higher financial exposure. The guaranteed portions range from $5.5 million (Miller) to $80 million (Phillips), illustrating divergent risk appetites across the league.
Outlook for the 2025 Season
If the top-graded players stay healthy, their teams could see immediate upgrades to the pass-rush, potentially influencing early-season defensive rankings. Conversely, the lower-graded signings may pressure salary-cap flexibility if performance does not match the contracts, prompting possible roster adjustments before the trade deadline.
