Nothing sells tickets in the quite like an elite quarterback and explosive offense. But LVIII is recent evidence that defense still matters greatly in the hunt for a Lombardi Trophy. Perhaps more than even , Jose Quintana Jersey Steve Spagnuolo's defense helped propel the third title in five years for this generation's dynasty.With that in mind, all 32 teams figure to explore this year's veteran market for defensive upgrades. And 2024 free agency, which begins later this month, actually has quite a few starting-caliber pieces to offer.(To check out the top 25 offensive free agents,). Here's an early look at 25 of the best defenders set to be available:On a Miami Dolphins roster loaded with speed and celebrity, Van Ginkel emerged in 2023 as more of a rugged breakout, logging a career-high six sacks, plus 19 QB hits, as a part-time starter. Couple that with three other years of solid rotational work, and he's primed for a bigger gig moving forward. He turns 30 this summer, and he's mi sed extensive time due to injury in two of his last four seasons. But Reader is a mammoth-sized gap-plugger who's been rock-steady when healthy for both the Cincinnati Bengals and Houston Texans. His impact goes well beyond the numbers, particularly as a run defender.Did he finally find a new level at age 30, or did he just benefit from the Baltimore Ravens' stellar scheme and setup in 2023? There's probably some truth to both. Clowney is the definition of a short-term rental at this stage, but he's proven in different cities and different systems that he can be an imposing edge presence.Playing acro s Myles Garrett helped in Cleveland, but Smith has always been a fairly steady rusher when healthy and given opportunity. He's topped 20 quarterback hits in five of his last six seasons, so consistency is the name of the game here. Age is just a number to Wagner, mostly. Obviously, going on 34, he Joe Maddon Jersey no longer boasts the kind of sideline-to-sideline speed that bodes well for lockdown help in pa s coverage. But if you need a short-term plug-and-play leader for the middle of a defense, he's still got it. The question is, will he want to start fresh outside of Seattle yet again?Released to save money, Howard has an all-star resume that's probably a bit shinier than his actual 2023 tape. He'll also be 31 at a notoriously volatile position. But he's shown before he can be a ball magnet in the secondary, so he'll be worth someone's gamble.After a multiyear lull, Cox returned to starting-caliber form on an otherwise shoddy Philadelphia Eagles defense in 2023. At 33, he's still best suited in a rotational role, no longer the every-down stud of his prime. But if he doesn't retire or re-sign in Philly, he should have suitors as an interior che s piece. Will Anderson Jr. gets most of the love along Houston's front, where DeMeco Ryans oversaw a quick turnaround by the Texans. But Rankins does a lot of things well in the trenches, and he's been above-average for three different teams during his career.The former No. 2 overall draft pick is probably the biggest mystery on the rundown, if only because his reputation towers over his career production. It's true the ex-Washington Commanders standout had a strongwith the San Francisco 49ers, but his value comes much more from the upside of his freakish physical tools than a consistent, durable track record.The former reserve has quietly carved out a niche as the Carolina Panthers' top off-ball Justin Grimm Jersey blitzer, totaling 12.5 sacks and 20 quarterback hits since 2022. His speed to the ball gives him great appeal even at a devalued position, and he's only two years into his opportunity as a full-time starter. There are few veterans better positioned to capitalize on a single season
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