Before the offseason kicked off, the New Orleans Saints were viewed as a team that could potentially move on from Derek Carr this offseason. Yet, Carr’s contract situation makes it hard to move on from this year, which means he’s likely to be the starter in 2025.

However, the Saints may want to find a long-term quarterback that allows them to step away from Carr’s contract in the near future. If so, they’d likely want to find their QB of the future in the 2025 NFL Draft. Yet, doing so is always easier said than done. But that doesn’t mean they can’t find their franchise quarterback anyway.

Related: 2025 NFL mock draft: Who should the Saints draft?

New Orleans Saints projected to ‘take a swing’ on Shedeur Sanders

The New Orleans Saints have the ninth overall pick in the 2025 NFL Draft. That may have them on the outside looking in when it comes to securing their franchise quarterback.

Cam Ward is projected to be the first overall pick, but Shedeur Sanders’ draft projection is all over the place. Recently, The Athletic’s Dane Brugler said Sanders could be drafted anywhere from the top-six picks to falling out of the first round entirely.

Sanders’ draft stock appears to be slipping, and now The Athletic’s Zack Rosenblatt believes New Orleans could target Deion Sanders’ son with their first-round pick.

Getting Sanders at No. 9 would be a nice way for the Saints to potentially get out of the rut they’ve constantly been stuck in, staring each offseason in salary cap hell. Yet, not investing in a player who can make a first-year impact won’t help the Saints compete in the NFC South either, not in 2025 anyway.

Related: New Orleans Saints predicted to swap Derek Carr for former first-round QB

More must-reads:

• Philadelphia Eagles sign running back who missed entire 2024 season with neck injury to back up Saquon Barkley
• NFL insider says Carolina Panthers panicked in free agency
• Dallas Cowboys owner Jerry Jones shockingly allows four-time Pro Bowl defensive stalwart to walk for nothing

The New Orleans Saints are kicking off their offseason in a tough spot after hiring Kellen Moore as their head coach. While they’re coming off a disappointing 5-12 season, the biggest difficulty in New Orleans is that they’re starting the offseason way over the spending limit for the 2025 season.

One way the Saints could save a little bit of money is by moving on from Derek Carr, who has an astronomically high $51.4 million cap hit in 2025. Designating him as a post-June 1 cap casualty would bring in $30 million in cap savings, but leave behind a $21.4 million dead cap charge.

Meanwhile, the Saints could also restructure Carr’s contract and realize even more savings if they can find a solution that works for both sides, which may even involve a trade. Either way, the Saints have to consider all their options, and one might be to replace Carr with a much more affordable starting quarterback.

Related: 1 bold prediction for every NFL team this offseason, including the New Orleans Saints

ESPN predicts New Orleans Saints to oust Derek Carr, sign Justin Fields

The New Orleans Saints will have to get creative to fix their salary cap problems this offseason. Part of that process will surely involve getting rid of talented players they’d prefer to keep.

One might even involve parting ways with Derek Carr, even though he’s a four-time Pro Bowl QB. Yet, the Saints don’t want to turn to Spencer Rattler or Jake Haener as their full-time starter for 2025. That process led to an 0-7 record last season.

So if the Saints move on from Carr, who should they replace him with? ESPN’s Seth Walder predicts that they sign Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Justin Fields.

Going from Carr to Fields would be a significant downgrade from a passing perspective. However, the Saints’ rushing attack could take a significant jump forward after ranking 14th in yards and yards per carry if they moved forward with Fields.

With a new head coach coming in, there’s no telling what type of dream offense Kellen Moore has in store, but the Saints have thrown their support behind Carr so far.

Related: 2025 mock draft: Who should the New Orleans Saints draft?

More must-reads:

• Philadelphia Eagles sign running back who missed entire 2024 season with neck injury to back up Saquon Barkley
• NFL insider says Carolina Panthers panicked in free agency
• Dallas Cowboys owner Jerry Jones shockingly allows four-time Pro Bowl defensive stalwart to walk for nothing

The New Orleans Saints entered the offseason with the worst vacancy in the NFL coaching carousel, turned down by multiple prospective coaching candidates due to long-term concerns regarding the franchise. With Kellen Moore now taking over as the Saints head coach, the concerns his peers had are already proving true.

New Orleans has the worst salary-cap situation in the NFL this offseason, currently more than $50 million over the cap in 2025. Despite having one of the most expensive rosters, New Orleans has one of the worst defenses and offenses in the NFL with an aging roster.

Related: One NFL free agent every team should pursue in 2025, including New Orleans Saints

All of this has come under Saints general manager Mickey Loomis. Promoted to the role in 2002, the team’s executive vice president and top decision-maker constructed a Super Bowl champion in 2010 but the roster has progressively worsened since losing Sean Payton and Drew Brees.

New Orleans fired head coach Dennis Allen during the 2024 season when it became evident the team wouldn’t make the playoffs. However, ownership decided to keep Loomis around as the head of football operations in a decision that scared off some potential head-coach candidates. Now, that decision seems destined to have further ramifications.

Related: NFL cap space by team 2025, New Orleans Saints cap space

Senior NFL reporter Jori Epstein of Yahoo Sports shared on Wednesday’s Inside Coverage podcast that the early sense out of New Orleans is that Loomis doesn’t believe a rebuild is needed right now.

“He doesn’t, from what I understand,, believe they are in a rebuilding period.”

Yahoo Sports’ Jori Epsteinn on how GM Mickey Loomis is approaching the offseason

Related: NFL rumors shed light on future of New Orleans Saints stars with club

Under Loomis, the Saints front office has been proverbially kicking its salary-cap issues down the road to future years. Each time, the roster has still gotten progressively worse while the club’s long-term financial flexibility has been limited even more.

Loomis, who turns 70 next year, has been adamant about avoiding a rebuild that most around the league believe is necessary. Even amid a four-year playoff drought, he’s earned a level of power within the Saints organization that makes firing him anytime soon unlikely.

“There are different general manager structures in the league…(Mickey Loomis) has basically become part of the ownership structure. When you talk to people close to that building, he has an ownership-like degree of influence. I think the idea of resetting him, it’s like, well it’s kinda up to him whether he wants to reset him, because that’s the amount of power that he has.”

Jori Epstein on the power New Orleans Saints general manager Mickey Loomis has within the franchise

Related: New Orleans Saints offseason moves after hiring Kellen Moore

Even without a playoff appearance since Payton left as head coach and more than a decade removed from reaching the Super Bowl, Saints ownership feels Loomis deserves to keep running the team. Even if a rebuild is the only viable path to creating a better future for the franchise, team owner Gayle Benson is willing to let Loomis operate with his own interests in mind.

It all highlights why very few around the league found the Saints’ head-coaching vacancy desirable and explains why some still wonder if it’s a franchise Moore can have long-term success with. Given the recent Saints draft history under Loomis, a turnaround within the next two to three years seems unlikely.

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More must-reads:

• Philadelphia Eagles sign running back who missed entire 2024 season with neck injury to back up Saquon Barkley
• NFL insider says Carolina Panthers panicked in free agency
• Dallas Cowboys owner Jerry Jones shockingly allows four-time Pro Bowl defensive stalwart to walk for nothing

The New Orleans Saints have been fighting off salary-cap issues for years, continuously deferring salaries and larger cap hits to future seasons to remain competitive. Already carrying the largest cap deficit in the NFL, it appears not much will change in New Orleans this offseason.

While the team fired head coach Dennis Allen mid-season and then replaced him with Philadelphia Eagles offensive coordinator Kellen Moore, the front office remains the same. Ownership has remained loyal to the general manager who helped the team win Super Bowl XLIV, treating him more like an equal partner 15 years after hoisting the Lombardi Trophy.

Related: New Orleans Saints offseason moves after hiring Kellen Moore

It’s one of the biggest reasons why the Saints’ head-coaching vacancy was the least desired job in the NFL this offseason. Many around the league recognize this franchise is in desperate need of a multi-year rebuild, but that evidently isn’t in the team’s plans.

Appearing on NFL Network’s The Insiders, Ian Rapoport shed light on how the Saints front office is approaching this offseason. Of note, Saints general manager Mickey Loomis doesn’t believe the team needs to undergo a rebuild which means many of the team’s veteran starters won’t be cap casualties in 2025.

“In my understanding of their situation, it does not sound like a rip-the-Band-Aid-off type of deal. It doesn’t sound like they’re going to say, ‘Alright, let’s cut the quarterback [Derek Carr], defensive end who is one of our best players of all time [Cameron Jordan], Demario Davis, Taysom Hill.”

Ian Rapoport on how New Orleans Saints are approaching the offseason

Related: 2025 NFL Draft order, New Orleans Saints draft picks 2025

That doesn’t necessarily mean all of the household names on the Saints roster will be returning. While the likes of Derek Carr, Cameron Jordan and DeMario Davis are expected back with the club in 2025, offensive weapon Taysom Hill is not expected back.

“Taysom Hill I have a hard time seeing back. But it does seem like one of those things where they’re going to say, ‘Let’s keep the talent we have, massage the cap just enough, try to get a little younger and still try to win.'”

Ian Rapoport on Taysom Hill’s future with the New Orleans Saints

Related: NFL cap space by team 2025, New Orleans Saints cap space 2025

According to OverTheCap.com, designating Hill as a post-June 1 release would free up $10 million of cap space in 2025. It would, however, do nothing to help the team’s salary-cap situation in 2026 which is currently projected to be one of the worst in the NFL.

While a roster reset might be in the team’s best interest long-term, Loomis is the decision-maker and making the roster worse to begin a rebuild would put him on the hot seat. With his job security at stake, the Saints general manager remains committed to having the team tread water as long as possible.

Related: Find out who Kellen Moore will likely hire as New Orleans Saints OC

More must-reads:

• Philadelphia Eagles sign running back who missed entire 2024 season with neck injury to back up Saquon Barkley
• NFL insider says Carolina Panthers panicked in free agency
• Dallas Cowboys owner Jerry Jones shockingly allows four-time Pro Bowl defensive stalwart to walk for nothing

The 2024 NFL season drew to a close with the Philadelphia Eagles decimating the Kansas City Chiefs in Super Bowl LIV. Many key Eagles players from that championship-winning performance will be among the NFL free agents in 2025. It makes NFL free agency this offseason particularly intriguing, especially with a new Super Bowl champion.

Related: Top NFL free agents 2025, ranking 30 best players

Below, we’re taking a look at NFL free agents by team right now. Of note, these are not rankings of the free agents and instead just lists whose contracts are expiring this offseason. You can also find NFL free agents by position 2025.

NFL free agents 2025: NFL free agents by team this offseason

Here are the NFL free agents by team entering the offseason. All players are unrestricted free agents (UFAs) unless otherwise mentioned as a Restricted Free Agent (RFA) or Exclusive Rights Free Agent). Info via Spotrac.com.

Related: 2025 NFL Draft order right now, NFL Draft picks by team

NFL free agents by position 2025

Also Read:: NFL Power Rankings 2025: Offseason previews for best, worst NFL teams

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• Philadelphia Eagles sign running back who missed entire 2024 season with neck injury to back up Saquon Barkley
• NFL insider says Carolina Panthers panicked in free agency
• Dallas Cowboys owner Jerry Jones shockingly allows four-time Pro Bowl defensive stalwart to walk for nothing

Every year since 1966, the Super Bowl has given NFL teams a chance to prove who the league champions are on the biggest stage. Over the years, there have been many Super Bowl winners and losers, but which team has won the most Lombardi trophies? Which football player has more Super Bowl rings than any other in NFL history?

Who has the most Super Bowl wins? That depends if you’re talking among players or teams. Don’t worry, we’ve got all the answers.

Who was in the last five Super Bowls?

We realize sometimes it’s difficult to remember what you ate yesterday, let alone who played in the Super Bowl in February. Here are the Super Bowl participants from the past five years to help refresh your memory.

• Super Bowl LIX: Philadelphia Eagles vs Kansas City Chiefs
• Super Bowl LVIII: Kansas City Chiefs vs San Francisco 49ers
• Super Bowl LVII – Kansas City Chiefs vs Philadelphia Eagles
• Super Bowl LVI – Los Angeles Rams vs Cincinnati Bengals
• Super Bowl LV – Tampa Bay Buccaneers vs Kansas City Chiefs

Related: Ranking 32 NFL QBs, from the worst to the best

Who are the Super Bowl winners the last 10 years?

Here are the Super Bowl winners from the past ten years.

• Super Bowl LIX – Philadelphia Eagles
• Super Bowl LVIII – Kansas City Chiefs
• Super Bowl LVII – Kansas City Chiefs
• Super Bowl LVI – Los Angeles Rams
• Super Bowl LV – Tampa Bay Buccaneers
• Super Bowl LIII – Kansas City Chiefs
• Super Bowl LII – Philadelphia Eagles
• Super Bowl LI – New England Patriots
• Super Bowl L – Denver Broncos
• Super Bowl XLIX – New England Patriots

Related: 5 biggest upsets in Super Bowl history, including Chiefs taking out Vikings

Four teams tied with one Super Bowl victory

There are a total of four teams with just one Super Bowl victory.

• New York Jets – 1969
• Chicago Bears – 1986
• New Orleans Saints – 2010
• Seattle Seahawks – 2014

While each team is in constant pursuit of becoming Super Bowl winners for a second time, it’s still better than the eight NFL teams who have never even won a league championship. In fact, there are four teams who have never even made a Super Bowl appearance, as sad as it is.

Related: NFL teams that have never won a Super Bowl

Six two-time Super Bowl winners

This is a little better group to be in if we’re separating Super Bowls by team. Each of the teams listed below has won two Lombardi trophies in their franchise history.

• Miami Dolphins
• Indianapolis Colts
• Baltimore Ravens
• Tampa Bay Buccaneers
• Los Angeles Rams
• Philadelphia Eagles

Even though the Ravens often looked like Super Bowl favorites in 2023, like the four others on this list, they’ll have to wait another year to become a three-time winner.

Related: Super Bowl records: Find out which NFL players have made history

Three-time Super Bowl champions includes group of historic NFL teams

Both the Denver Broncos and Las Vegas Raiders were founded in 1960, and coincidentally, they’re both AFC West Division foes. The Washington Commanders were founded in 1932, and they all have three NFL championships.

• Las Vegas Raiders
• Washington Commanders
• Denver Broncos

Related: 5 biggest blowouts in Super Bowl history

Green Bay Packers, New York Giants, Kansas City Chiefs – Four wins in Super Bowl history

Two more teams who have been around forever, the Green Bay Packers began play in 1919 and the New York Giants in 1925. Both teams have enjoyed historic victories in their time. There’s a reason why Vince Lombardi has the Super Bowl trophy named after him: the Packers were dominant in the 1960s.

As great as these two franchises once were, neither of them were able to return to Lombardi-land in 2023. Yet, after defeating the Dallas Cowboys in the Wild Card, the Packers got much further in the first year than anyone expected without Aaron Rodgers.

The Chiefs have never not gone to the AFC Championship game since Patrick Mahomes took over starting duties in 2018, and now Kansas City is one of three franchises to have a quartet of Super Bowl wins.

Related: Predicting NFL playoff bracket and Super Bowl 2025 winner

San Francisco 49ers, Dallas Cowboys – Five Super Bowl wins

Talk about dominance. The Dallas Cowboys had two eras to be proud of, with two Super Bowl wins in the 1970s and three more from 1984-94 thanks to a multitude of stars. The San Francisco 49ers have had some of the greatest players of all time and won a whopping five Super Bowls from 1981 to 1994. What a time to be alive.

While both of these franchises already have a legendary history, they both began as strong contenders in the 2024 postseason. Yet, the Cowboys are already done after getting walloped in the Wild Card round.

Now, after a three year break, the 49ers are just one game away from a Super Bowl win. After entering the playoffs as the NFC’s top seed, their odds to add a seventh trophy are as strong as ever.

Even though they couldn’t overcome the Chiefs, San Francisco has a rich talent pool, meaning its hopes of adding a sixth trophy to the team’s showcase could come as soon as the 2025 Super Bowl, as long as they qualify for the postseason again.

Related: Comparing Patrick Mahomes playoffs stats to all-time greats like Joe Montana, Tom Brady

Pittsburgh Steelers, New England Patriots – Six SB wins

Who has won the most Super Bowls? No team has more Super Bowls than the New England Patriots and Pittsburgh Steelers, who each have six apiece. Eventually, there may be a team with more Super Bowl wins, but for now, the Steelers and Patriots have the ultimate bragging rights.

Both teams have started over at quarterback. For the Patriots, we’re likely at least a year away from competing for a Super Bowl. The Steelers have better chances, but it all depends on how well Russell Wilson and/or Justin Fields can spark this offense. While these two defenses have been as good as always, both teams’ offenses often held them back in 2023. We’ll see if that remains true in 2024.

Related: Super Bowl odds: Who is favored to win the Super Bowl 2025?

Players with the most Super Bowl wins

Teams have their own records, but players switch cities every offseason, meaning some players could win a Super Bowl every year if they have some luck. Which player has the most Super Bowl wins?

None other than Tom Brady of course. There’s a reason why they call him the GOAT. Seven Super Bowl rings will do that. Behind TB12 is pass rusher Charles Haley, who won two rings with the 49ers and three more with America’s Team.

Related: Updated NFL power rankings

Details about the Lombardi Trophy

It’s been said that the Lombardi Trophy takes a total of four months to construct, with up to 72 hours of labor put into the work, costing a total of $50,000 when all is said and done. Yet, the actual value of the trophy is just $10,000.

This means that when Tom Brady decided to throw the Super Bowl LV trophy from one boat to another during the Buccaneers’ Super Bowl parade after the 2021 season, even if it had landed at the bottom of the bay, it wouldn’t have been the end of the world.

Even though the trophy seems like it would weigh a hefty amount, it is constructed of sterling silver, which isn’t that dense. In all, the Lombardi weighs 107.3 ounces or roughly seven pounds. It has some weight, but not enough to deter anyone from trying to throw it like a football, or at least not Brady.

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More must-reads:

• Philadelphia Eagles sign running back who missed entire 2024 season with neck injury to back up Saquon Barkley
• NFL insider says Carolina Panthers panicked in free agency
• Dallas Cowboys owner Jerry Jones shockingly allows four-time Pro Bowl defensive stalwart to walk for nothing

All signs point to the New Orleans Saints hiring Philadelphia Eagles offensive coordinator Kellen Moore to be their next head coach. His hiring is expected to be made official later this week.

However, the Saints, who will be the seventh NFL team to hire a new head coach this offseason, reportedly had a different coaching candidate in mind before picking Moore.

Related: Top 2025 NFL free agents: Ranking top 30 players in NFL free agency

New Orleans Saints wanted to hire Kliff Kingsbury as head coach

While the New Orleans Saints will look like geniuses when they announce the hiring of Kellen Moore, thanks to the Eagles’ Super Bowl win, his tenure will ultimately be judged on wins and losses.

Throughout their coaching interview process, the Saints were criticized for being the worst landing spot for a new head coach. Reports suggested no one wanted the job.

Of course, they may have simply been waiting for Moore to become available, now we’ve learned about another candidate the Saints wanted to hire first.

According to 106 The Fan’s Grant Paulsen, the Saints wanted to hire Washington Commanders offensive coordinator Kliff Kingsbury to replace Dennis Allen as head coach. Yet, Kingsbury eventually told the Saints he preferred to stick in Washington for another year as their offensive play-caller.

If the Commanders’ offense has another strong season, Kingsbury’s chances of emerging as an NFL head coach again next offseason shouldn’t diminish. Yet, odds are he won’t be able to become the Saints’ head coach again, at least not in 2026. Then again, maybe that’s what he prefers.

Related: 5 Tennessee Titans trade partners for No. 1 overall pick in 2025 NFL Draft

More must-reads:

• Philadelphia Eagles sign running back who missed entire 2024 season with neck injury to back up Saquon Barkley
• NFL insider says Carolina Panthers panicked in free agency
• Dallas Cowboys owner Jerry Jones shockingly allows four-time Pro Bowl defensive stalwart to walk for nothing

After winning Super Bowl LIX with the Philadelphia Eagles on Sunday, Kellen Moore is set to be announced as the next New Orleans Saints head coach. Not only is Philadelphia losing its offensive coordinator, but a key member of the Eagles coaching staff could also be headed to New Orleans.

The Eagles hired Moore last offseason following a failed one-year stint from Brian Johnson the previous season. Johnson had replaced Shane Steichen, hired as the Indianapolis Colts head coach, meaning Philadelphia will be searching for a new offensive play-caller once again.

Related: 2025 NFL Draft order right now, Philadelphia Eagles draft picks 2025

Moore quickly emerged as the leading candidate in the Saints coaching search during the NFL playoffs. When it became evident that New Orleans was zeroed in on the Eagles offensive coordinator, former Dallas Cowboys head coach Mike McCarthy withdrew his name from the mix.

Philadelphia has been bracing itself for Moore to leave this offseason, with the team widely aware during the lead-up to Super Bowl LIX that Moore would head to New Orleans. It now appears he isn’t the only member of the Eagles coaching staff likely to depart.

Related: NFL defense rankings 2025, find out where the Philadelphia Eagles place

Albert Breer of Sports Illustrated addressed the looming Eagles offensive coordinator vacancy with Moore set to become the Saints head coach. One potential candidate for Philadelphia, quarterbacks coach Doug Nussmeier, is expected to follow Moore to New Orleans to become the Saints offensive coordinator.

As for internal candidates to take over as play-caller in Philadelphia, Breer views pass-game coordinator Kevin Patullo as the only option right now from within the organization. However, the Eagles could go with an outside hire as they did in 2024 with the hiring of Moore.

Related: NFL free agents 2025, NFL free agents by team

Nussmeier, age 54, only spent a season in Philadelphia after previously working as the Cowboys quarterbacks coach from 2020-’22 then following Moore in 2023 to work as the Los Angeles Chargers quarterbacks coach. Given their history together, it’s reasonable to think Nussmeier will be announced as the Saints offensive coordinator shortly after Moore takes the head coaching gig.

Patullo, who turns 44 in August, has been part of the Eagles coaching staff since 2021. He first served as the team’s passing game coordinator before the club added associate head coach to his title in 2023. Given how late in the process Philadelphia is joining the NFL coaching carousel, it wouldn’t be surprising if Patullo is named the new offensive coordinator given his background with the team.

Related: NFL power rankings 2025, see where the Philadelphia Eagles and New Orleans Saints land

More must-reads:

• Philadelphia Eagles sign running back who missed entire 2024 season with neck injury to back up Saquon Barkley
• NFL insider says Carolina Panthers panicked in free agency
• Dallas Cowboys owner Jerry Jones shockingly allows four-time Pro Bowl defensive stalwart to walk for nothing

The 2024 NFL season has officially drawn to a close with the Philadelphia Eagles winning Super Bowl LIX. Now, all 32 teams turn their focus to the pre-draft process in preparation for the 2025 NFL Draft. Below, we’ll take you through the 2025 NFL Draft order right now and NFL Draft picks by team.

Entering the offseason, every team has its own first-round pick. While that will certainly change during the 2025 NFL Draft, all 32 clubs would be making a first-round pick if the NFL Draft were held today. With all that said, let’s dive into the 2025 NFL Draft order after the Super Bowl. We’ve organized it by the current draft order for the first round, with draft picks by team listed below each club.

Related: 2025 NFL mock draft after the Super Bowl

2025 NFL Draft order: Round 1 order and NFL Draft picks by team

1. Tennessee Titans

• Tennessee Titans draft picks 2025:  1.01, 2.03, 4.01, 4.18, 5.03, 5.29, 6.02, 7.23

Related: NFL defense rankings 2025

2. Cleveland Browns

• Cleveland Browns draft picks 2025: 1.02, 2.01, 3.03, 3.30, 4.02, 5.26, 6.02, 6.16, 6.24, 6.38 (Compensatory), 6.39 (Compensatory), 7.39 (Compensatory)

Related: Worst NFL owners

3. New York Giants

• New York Giants draft picks 2025: 1.03, 2.02, 3.01, 4.03, 4.33 (Compensatory), 5.16, 7.03, 7.30

Related: NFL execs offer warning to New York Giants about 2025 NFL Draft

4. New England Patriots

• New England Patriots draft picks 2025: 1.04, 2.06, 3.05, 3.13, 4.04, 5.06, 7.01, 7.04, 7.22

Related: Best tight ends ever, see where Rob Gronkowski lands

5. Jacksonville Jaguars

• Jacksonville Jaguars draft picks 2025: 1.05, 2.04, 3.06, 3.24, 4.05, 4.24, 5.04, 6.06, 6.18, 7.05

Related: Grading NFL coaching hires 2025

6. Las Vegas Raiders

• Las Vegas Raiders draft picks 2025: 1.06, 2.05, 3.04, 3.09, 4.06, 5.05, 6.04, 6.36 (Compensatory), 6.40 (Compensatory), 7.06

Also Read:: NFL insider suggests Tom Brady could step away from FOX role to take over Las Vegas Raiders

7. New York Jets

• New York Jets draft picks 2025: 1.07, 2.10, 3.28, 4.08, 5.07, 5.18, 6.10, 6.32

Related: New York Jets received mixed reviews on Aaron Glenn hire, ‘dodged a bullet’ at GM

8. Carolina Panthers

• Carolina Panthers draft picks 2025: 1.08, 2.25, 3.10, 4.09, 4.12, 5.02, 5.08, 5.25, 7.11

Related: Regrading NFL coaching hires, including the Carolina Panthers

9. New Orleans Saints

• New Orleans Saints draft picks 2025: 1.09, 2.08, 3.07, 3.29, 4.10, 4.29, 6.08, 7.36 (Compensatory)

Related: NFL cap space by team 2025, potential cap casualties for all 32 teams

10. Chicago Bears

• Chicago Bears draft picks 2025: 1.10, 2.07, 2.09, 3.08, 5.10, 6.19, 7.17, 7.24

Related: Best landing spots for top NFL free agent QBs 2025

11. San Francisco 49ers

• San Francisco 49ers draft picks 2025: 1.11, 2.11, 3.11, 3.35 (Compensatory), 4.11, 4.37 (Compensatory), 4.38 (Compensatory), 6.11, 7.10, 7.14, 7.37 (Compensatory)

Related: Insider reveals likely cost of a Brock Purdy contract extension

12. Dallas Cowboys

• Dallas Cowboys draft picks 2025: 1.12, 2.12, 3.12, 5.11, 5.31 (Compensatory), 5.33 (Compensatory), 5.35 (Compensatory), 6.12, 6.33 (Compensatory), 7.32

Also Read:: NFL rumors: Dallas Cowboys have ‘internally’ discussed a Micah Parsons trade

13. Miami Dolphins

• Miami Dolphins draft picks 2025: 1.13, 2.16, 3.34 (Compensatory), 4.14, 4.34 (Compensatory), 5.12, 5.17, 7.08, 7.15, 7.34 (Compensatory)

Related: Richest NFL owners

14. Indianapolis Colts

• Indianapolis Colts draft picks 2025: 1.14, 2.13, 3.16, 4.15, 5.13, 6.13, 7.16

Related: Highest paid NFL coaches

15. Atlanta Falcons

• Atlanta Falcons draft picks 2025: 1.15, 2.14, 4.16, 7.26

Related: Top NFL free agents 2025

16. Arizona Cardinals

• Arizona Cardinals draft picks 2025: 1.16, 2.15, 3.14, 4.13, 5.14

Related: Early NFL free agency predictions 2025

17. Cincinnati Bengals

• Cincinnati Bengals draft picks 2025: 1.17, 2.17, 3.17, 4.17, 5.15, 6.17

Related: Top Cooper Kupp landing spots 2025

18. Seattle Seahawks

• Seattle Seahawks draft picks 2025: 1.18, 2.18, 3.18, 4.36 (Compensatory), 5.34 (Compensatory), 6.09, 6.34 (Compensatory), 7.18

Related Best NFL dynasties ever

19. Tampa Bay Buccaneers

• Tampa Bay Buccaneers draft picks 2025: 1.19, 2.21, 3.20, 4.19, 5.19, 7.19

Also Read: Worst MLB owners

20. Denver Broncos

• Denver Broncos draft picks 2025: 1.20, 2.19, 3.21, 4.20, 6.15, 6.21, 6.32

Related: Denver Broncos offseason moves to improve in 2025

21. Pittsburgh Steelers

• Pittsburgh Steelers draft picks 2025: 1.21, 2.20, 3.19, 4.21, 5.24, 7.07, 7.13, 7.29

Also Read:: Latest Pittsburgh Steelers news sheds light on 2025 QB plans, including NFL Draft

22. Los Angeles Chargers

• Los Angeles Chargers draft picks 2025: 1.22, 2.23, 3.22, 4.23, 5.20, 5.38 (Compensatory), 6.05, 6.23, 6.37 (Compensatory), 7.02 7.35 (Compensatory)

Related: Love Los Angeles Sports? Check out LAFBNetwork.com

23. Green Bay Packers

• Green Bay Packers draft picks 2025: 1.23, 2.22, 3.23, 4.22, 5.21, 6.22, 7.21, 7.33 (Compensatory)

Related: Green Bay Packers free agent targets 2025

24. Minnesota Vikings

• Minnesota Vikings draft picks 2025: 1.24, 3.33 (Compensatory), 5.01, 5.22

Related: Love Minnesota Sports? Check Out MinnesotaSportsFan.com

25. Houston Texans

• Houston Texans draft picks 2025: 1.25, 2.26, 3.25, 4.26, 5.28, 7.25

Also Read: Worst MLB farm systems, including Houston Astros

26. Los Angeles Rams

• Los Angeles Rams draft picks 2025: 1.26, 3.26, 3.36 (Compensatory), 4.25, 6.14, 6.25, 6.26

27. Baltimore Ravens

• Baltimore Ravens draft picks 2025: 1.27, 2.27, 3.27, 4.27, 4.35 (Compensatory(, 5.37 (Compensatory), 5.39 (Compensatory), 6.07, 6.27 6.25 (Compensatory), 7.27

Related: Super Bowl odds 2025

28. Detroit Lions

• Detroit Lions draft picks 2025: 1.28, 2.28, 3.37 (Compensatory), 4.32, 6.20, 7.09, 7.12, 7.28

Related: NFL teams that have never won a Super Bowl

29. Washington Commanders

• Washington Commanders draft picks 2025: 1.29, 2.29, 3.15, 5.09, 6.29, 7.20, 7.32

Related: Washington Commanders free agent targets 2025

30. Buffalo Bills

• Buffalo Bills draft picks 2025: 1.30, 2.24, 2.30, 4.07, 4.30, 5.32 (Compensatory), 5.36 (Compensatory), 6.01, 6.28, 6.30

Related: NFL power rankings 2025

31. Kansas City Chiefs

• Kansas City Chiefs draft picks 2025: 1.31, 2.31, 3.02, 3.31, 4.31, 7.38 (Compensatory)

Related: Comparing Patrick Mahomes playoff stats to all-time greats

32. Philadelphia Eagles

• Philadelphia Eagles draft picks 2025: 1.32, 2.32, 3.32, 4.28, 5.23, 5.27, 5.30

Related: Winners, Losers from Super Bowl LIX

More must-reads:

• Philadelphia Eagles sign running back who missed entire 2024 season with neck injury to back up Saquon Barkley
• NFL insider says Carolina Panthers panicked in free agency
• Dallas Cowboys owner Jerry Jones shockingly allows four-time Pro Bowl defensive stalwart to walk for nothing

Who has the best NFL defense in 2025? Our weekly NFL defense rankings examine every unit across the league every week to determine the best defenses in the NFL. With the regular season over, we’re now providing NFL analysis for defensive matchups in the NFL playoffs.

With the 2024 NFL season officially over, Super Bowl LIX provided the latest example of how defense wins championships. Unsurprisingly, the Philadelphia Eagles sit atop our NFL defense rankings entering the offseason. We’ve ranked all 32 defenses ahead of free agency and the NFL Draft, providing an overview of team needs and free agents by team on the defensive side of the ball.

Related: Winners, Losers from Super Bowl LIX

NFL defensive statistics are from ESPN, RBSDM.com and Pro Football Reference.

NFL defense rankings 2025: Worst NFL defenses

32. Carolina Panthers

• Carolina Panthers free agents (defense): SS Jordan Fuller, LB Shaq Thompson, SS Nick Scott, S Xavier Woods, CB Michael Jackson, S Sam Franklin
• Carolina Panthers team needs (defense): EDGE, S, LB, CB

The Carolina Panthers had the worst defense in the NFL in 2024. Everyone expected it considering the lack of quality high-end talent on the roster and injuries only made it worse. Pro Bowl defensive tackle Derrick Brown played in just a single game, linebacker Shaq Thompson made just 4 starts and cornerback Jaycee Horn had an up-and-down season.

While it might be surprising that Panthers defensive coordinator Ejiro Evero was retained for the 2025 season, he is still well-regarded as a play-caller around the league. Carolina needs to find the talent to make his defense effective. That starts with finding a No. 1 pass rusher and then potentially a No. 1 cornerback, with Horn (92.7 QB rating allowed and 6 touchdowns allowed in coverage) at the very least needing more help opposite of him. Given the number of holes on this side of the ball, the best-case scenario for Carolina might be a top-25 defense in 2025.

31. New Orleans Saints

• New Orleans Saints free agents (defense): EDGE Chase Young, FS Tyrann Mathieu, ILB Willie Gay Jr, CB Paulson Adebo, S Will Harris
• New Orleans Saints team needs (defense): EDGE, DT, CB, S

Father Time and an awful recent New Orleans Saints draft history have decimated this defense. Edge rusher Cameron Jordan and linebacker Demario Davis are both entering their age-36 seasons, with both having demonstrated glaring signs of decline in 2024. New Orleans has attempted to find their replacements – Pete Werner, Payton Turner, Bryan Bresee and Isaiah Foskey – but the results have been an alarming disappointment.

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Given the Saints’ cap situation, it’s very possible that No. 1 corner Paulso Adebo will depart in NFL free agency and the same could be said for edge rusher Chase Young. That leaves an even greater talent void on this roster, all with a new defensive coordinator coming in. There are very few avenues to fill the talent void on this side of the ball, fueling our belief this will be one of the worst NFL defenses in 2025.

30. Jacksonville Jaguars

• Jacksonville Jaguars free agents (defense): FS Andre Cisco, DE Esezi Otomewo, DT Jeremiah Ledbetter,
• Jacksonville Jaguars team needs (defense): CB, DT, S

The Jacksonville Jaguars defense had one of the biggest fall-offs from 2023 to 2024. Two years ago, Jacksonville finished 13th in Defensive EPA per Play (-0.038) with the 10th-lowest scoring rate (32.3%) allowed to opponents. In 2024, Jacksonville finished 31st in Defensive EPA per Play (0.131) and opponents’ scoring rate (45.6%). We do see some reason for optimism, however.

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Travon Walker recorded his second consecutive season with double-digit sacks (10.5) and he recorded the ninth-highest ESPN run-stop win rate (30%) among edge defenders. While Josh Hines-Allen’s sack production plummeted (17.5 to 8.0) and his total pressures (46 to 29) dropped, he still had the 13th-best PFF pass-rush win rate (15.9%) at his position. New Jaguars defensive coordinator Anthony Campanile has an outstanding track record with off-ball linebackers, which bodes well for Foyesade Ouokun and Devin Lloyd. Cornerback and defensive tackle are obvious needs, but Jacksonville is in a good position to land either Michigan defensive tackle Mason Graham or cornerback Will Johnson. Either would be a massive addition, which could help fuel a top-20 defense in 2025.

29. New England Patriots

• New England Patriots free agents (defense): CB Jonathan Jones, S Brenden Schooler, S Jaylin Hawkins, DE Christian Elliss, OLB Oshane Ximines, DT Daniel Ekuale
• New England Patriots team needs (defense): EDGE, CB

Coaching and injuries were two of the biggest issues for the New England Patriots defense in 2024. Christian Barmore played in just 4 games, while Ja’Whaun Bentley (2 games) and Jabrill Peppers (6 games) combined for just 8 starts. With this unit also poorly coached, it’s no surprise that New England ranked bottom 10 in third-down defense (43.3% conversion rate) and red-zone defense (63.2% touchdown rate). We anticipate significant improvements next season.

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Not only does New England have more than $100 million in cap space to invest on this side of the ball, it could also land a No. 1 edge rusher (Abdul Carter) atop the 2025 NFL Draft. With Mike Vrabel coming in, it’s reasonable to expect this to be a more disciplined and better-prepared team. The additions still need to be made talent-wise, but the Patriots can be a riser in our NFL defense rankings as the offseason unfolds.

28. Tennessee Titans

• Tennessee Titans free agents (defense): SS Quandre Diggs, DT Marlon Davidson, DT Keondre Coburn, CB Darrell Baker Jr, DT Sebastian Joseph, OLB Jerome Baker
• Tennessee Titans team needs (defense): CB, EDGE, ILB

Tennessee Titans defensive coordinator Dennard Wilson exceeded expectations in his first season, accomplishing far more than anyone should’ve expected from this unit. However, there was a steep fall-off late in the regular season (30th in Defensive EPA per Play from Weeks 12-18) which highlighted the need for significant additions this offseason.

Related: Tennessee Titans reportedly may trade No. 1 pick, sign Pro Bowl QB

Fortunately, Tennessee does have a defensive front, which it can feel relatively good about. Jeffery Simmons (12% Pass-Rush Win Rate, 10th among DTs) and T’Vondre Sweat have the making of an excellent tandem on the defensive line, fueling the team to record the 12th-highest pass-rush win rate (42 percent). It’s the secondary and edge rusher that need to be addressed, with L’Jarius Sneed and Chidobe Awuzie both massive liabilities in coverage this past season. Addressing one of those positions in Round 1 and the other in free agency would help a turnaround in 2025.

27. Cincinnati Bengals

• Cincinnati Bengals free agents (defense): CB Mike Hilton, SS Vonn Bell, EDGE Joseph Ossai, DT B.J. Hill, CB Marco Wilson
• Cincinnati Bengals team needs (defense): DT, EDGE, CB

It would be wise for the Cincinnati Bengals to work out a Trey Hendrickson contract extension this offseason because this defense can’t afford to lose him. In 2024, Cincinnati ranked 20th in pass-rush win rate (37%) and 26th in sac rate (5.8%), that is with Hendrickson’s 54 pressures and 17.5 sacks.

Related: NFL trade candidates 2025

The change in defensive coordinator to Al Golden should generate some marginal improvements, but there’s a lot more work to be done. Sam Hubbard’s fall off (8 pressures in 14 games) creates a glaring hole at edge rusher opposite of Hendrickson. Cincinnati also doesn’t have a No. 1 cornerback, with Cam Taylor-Britt (98.0 QB rating and 6 touchdowns allowed) giving up far too many big plays while Daxton Hill has allowed a career 105.0 QB rating in 37 games. Barring major additions, this projects to be one of the worst NFL defenses next season.

26. Indianapolis Colts

• Indianapolis Colts free agents (defense): LB E.J. Speed, S Julian Blackmon, DE Dayo Odeyingbon, DT Taven Bryan, OLB Grant Stuard
• Indianapolis Colts team needs (defense): S, CB, LB

The Indianapolis Colts defense became all too predictable in recent years, forcing the franchise to finally cut ties with Gus Bradley. Colts defensive coordinator Lou Anarumo will have a nice defensive line to work with, with Kwity Paye, DeForest Buckner and Grover Stewart all above-average starters. It’s everything behind the defensive front that is concerning.

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Indianapolis led the NFL in missed tackles (157) last season, 23 more than the second-worst team. Putting that stat in greater perspective, the Colts missed more tackles than the Minnesota Vikings (79) and Baltimore Ravens (76) combined. Indianapolis also must fix a secondary that allowed the seventh-most passing yards per game in 2024, but Colts general manager Chris Ballard hasn’t exactly demonstrated a willingness to address this long-standing need in recent offseasons. Until he does, we view this as a bottom-10 defense that wastes a strong front four.

25. New York Giants

• New York Giants free agents (defense): LB Isaiah Simmons, CB Adoree Jackson, EDGE Azeez Ojulari, ILB Matthew Adams, CB Elijah Riley, OLB Patrick Johnson, FS Jason Pinnock
• New York Giants team needs (defense): CB, DT, LB

Before the season-ending injury to Dexter Lawrence in Week 12, the New York Giants defense ranked 23rd in Defensive EPA per Play (0.042) with a 34.15% third-down conversion rate allowed. In the final six games, New York allowed a 47.6% third-down conversion rate and ranked 29th in EPA per Play. Getting the All-Pro defensive tackle back is the first step toward a 2025 turnaround.

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Obviously, it won’t be enough for New York to even field an above-average defense. That’s because while this front finished top-13 in pass-rush win rate (41% and run-stop win rate (32%), the secondary was an Achilles’ heel for this team. Finding a quality starter on the outside would do wonders for this pass defense and a run-stuffing interior lineman next to Lawrence would shore up a unit that allowed the sixth-most rushing yards per game (136.2) this past season.

24. Cleveland Browns

• Cleveland Browns free agents (defense): DT Maurice Hurst, ILB Devin Bush, FS Rodney McLeod, ILB Khaleke Hudson, CB Michael Ford, OLB James Houston
• Cleveland Browns team needs (defense): EDGE, LB, CB

The Myles Garrett trade request adds a significant deal of uncertainty for the Cleveland Browns defense entering the offseason. For now, the Browns front office is adamant it won’t trade the Defensive Player of the Year. However, the number of holes on the Browns roster could eventually convince Cleveland to flip Garrett for a haul of premium draft picks. For now, we’ll operate under the assumption Garrett is in a Browns uniform next season.

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With Garrett, Cleveland recorded the third-highest pressure rate (26.5%) in the NFL last season but it ranked 28th in yards per pass attempt allowed (7.6). Prior to the season-ending injury to Jeremiah Owusu-Koramoah, the Browns did allow just a 59.1% completion rate and 7.3 ypa to opponents. With very little wiggle room to reload, a defensive turnaround in 2025 is dependent on Garrett sticking around and rebound seasons from corners Greg Newsome II and Denzel Ward.

23. Las Vegas Raiders

• Las Vegas Raiders free agents (defense): S Marcus Epps, LB Robert Spillane, DT John Jenkins, S Trevon Moehrig, DT Adam Butler, EDGE Malcolm Koonce, LB Divine Deable, CB Nate Hobbs, CB Darnay Holmes
• Las Vegas Raiders team needs (defense): CB, ILB, EDGE

The Las Vegas Raiders already made their first step towards defensive improvement in 2025 by retaining Patrick Graham. Injuries – Christian Wilkins, Maxx Crosby and Malcolm Koonce – resulted in the steep decline of the Raiders’ pass rush. However, an even bigger problem was the absence of improvement in the secondary which resulted in Las Vegas allowing the fifth-most passing touchdowns (29) in the NFL this past season.

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Even with a healthy Wilkins and Crosby, Las Vegas needs to find another edge rusher. Former first-round pick Tyree Wilson (28 pressures and 8 sacks in 33 games) just hasn’t put it together. While a third-year breakout is possible, Las Vegas can’t rely on him. There’s a far more pressing need in the secondary, but elite talent isn’t necessary. If the Raiders can just get quality play out of their cornerbacks, with a strong pass rush, this can be a top-18 defense next season.

22. Chicago Bears

• Chicago Bears free agents (defense): EDGE Darrell Taylor, OLB Jake Martin, DT Chris Williams, LB Amen Ogbongbemiga
• Chicago Bears team needs (defense): EDGE, DT, FS, CB

Chicago Bears defensive coordinator Dennis Allen is the perfect hire for this team. As a twice-failed head coach, the organization doesn’t have to worry about him being poached for another job. Plus, this allows Allen to focus on what he does best. When he ran the Saints defense before its dramatic fall-off due to roster mismanagement, New Orleans ranked third in Defensive EPA per Play (-0.054) and second in Defensive Success Rate (41.6%) from 2019-2022. With that said, there’s work to be done.

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It starts up front. Montez Sweat was a major disappointment in his first full season with Chicago, netting just 22 pressures and 5.5 sacks in 16 games. With their No. 1 edge rusher ineffective, the Bears ranked 24th in pass-rush win rate (37%). Beyond a rebound season from Sweat, along with CB Tyrique Stevenson, Chicago needs to find a pass-rushing specialist on both the interior and edge. If those positions are addressed, Allen can make this a top-15 defense in a best-case outcome.

21. Atlanta Falcons

• Atlanta Falcons free agents (defense): EDGE Matthew Judon, FS Justin Simmons, OLB Lorenzo Carter, EDGE Kentavius Street, S Richie Grant, CB Antonio Hamilton, DT Eddie Goldman, CB Mike Hughes
• Atlanta Falcons team needs (defense): EDGE, LB, DT

The most important component of a successful defense is the ability to generate pressure consistently. Look at the best NFL defenses in 2024, they all ranked near the top of the league in pressure rate and pass-rush win rate. Meanwhile, the Atlanta Falcons placed 27th in pass-rush win rate (34%) and 25th in pressure rate (20%).

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So, that’s the obvious need the Falcons need to attack both in NFL free agency and the 2025 NFL Draft. Atlanta has a No. 1 corner in A.J. Terrell paired with a playmaker at safety in Jessie Bates. If a few additions are made and this can even be a league-average pass rush in 2025, it will make a world of difference for the Falcons pass defense.

NFL defense rankings: Top 20 defenses entering offseason

20. Arizona Cardinals

• Arizona Cardinals free agents (defense): EDGE Kyzir White, OLB Dennis Gardeck, DE LJ Collier, LB Baron Browning, OLB Julian Okwara, DT Roy Lopez
• Arizona Cardinals team needs (defense): EDGE, DT, CB

The fact that the Arizona Cardinals place 20th in our NFL defense rankings 2025 is a testament to head coach Jonathan Gannon and defensive coordinator Nick Rallis. Arizona has Pro Bowl safety Budda Baker, but he’s about the only standout on this side of the ball. However, safety Jalen Thompson (76.2 PFF grade) and edge defender Zaven Collins (85.4 PFF grade) did perform well against the run this past season.

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There are some obvious areas for improvement in Arizona, coming off a season that saw this unit allow the fifth-highest third-down conversion rate (43.8%) with the 10th-most red-zone attempts (57) and the fifth-most yards per drive (34.8). It all starts up front, with a glaring need for a difference-maker on the defensive line. Adding more juice to this pass rush and finding another starting-caliber corner would really help Gannon and Rallis elevate this defense. At a minimum, Arizona needs to improve its defensive line this offseason.

19. New York Jets

• New York Jets free agents (defense): EDGE Haason Reddick, CB D.J. Reed, DT Javon Kinlaw, S Chuck Clark, S, Tony Adams, S Ashtyn Davis, DE Solomon Thomas, DT Leki Fotu
• New York Jets team needs (defense): CB, DT, S

We have all the confidence in the world that head coach Aaron Glenn can help get this New York Jets defense back on track. After all, he’s taking over a unit that still boasts Sauce Gardner, Quinnen Williams, C.J. Mosley and Quincy Williams. Mosley isn’t a safe bet to stay healthy, but New York would still have two All-Pro talents and an above-average starter and Glenn had success with far less as the Detroit Lions defensive coordinator.

Related: Aaron Glenn targeting Detroit Lions free agent to bolster New York Jets defense

The blue-chip talent ensures this shouldn’t be one of the worst NFL defenses in 2025, but New York is likely losing cornerback D.J. Reed Jr to the open market. It creates a void opposite of Gardner, one that will become an even bigger issue if the Jets can’t find a playmaker at free safety. A top pick in the 2025 NFL Draft can solve one of those problems, but one addition won’t be enough for a massive turnaround. Realistically, the ceiling here is a top-14 defense next season.

18. Tampa Bay Buccaneers

• Tampa Bay Buccaneers free agents 2025 (defense): LB Lavonte Davis, DT Greg Gaines, OLB Joe Tryon, OLB Anthony Nelson, EDGE William Gholston, CB Bryce Hall, S Mike Edwards
• Tampa Bay Buccaneers team needs (defense): EDGE, CB, LB

When reviewing how this Tampa Bay Buccaneers defense in 2024, it’s worth keeping injuries in mind. While defensive tackle Calijah Kancey had a breakout year (17 QB hits and 7.5 sacks), he missed 5 games. All-Pro safety Antoine Winfield Jr appeared in just 9 games and No. 1 cornerback Jamel Dean was out for 5 weeks.

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Even with the injuries, Tampa Bay had a few strengths defensively. The Buccaneers had one of the best NFL run defenses in 2024, allowing the fourth-fewest rushing yards per game (97.8). This group also ranked 14th in passing touchdown rate (4.3%), red-zone touchdown rate (54.4%) and third-down defense (38.1%). This offseason, Tampa Bay needs to find a top pass rusher. It will round out the defensive line and create a more consistent pass rush, which in turn will make a healthier secondary look better next season.

17. Washington Commanders

• Washington Commanders free agents 2025 (defense): LB Bobby Wagner, S Jeremy Chinn, EDGE Dante Fowler Jr, CB Michael Davis, CB Noah Igbinoghene, CB Benjamin St-Juste
• Washington Commanders team needs 2025 (defense): EDGE, CB

Dan Quinn maximized a Washington Commanders defense that didn’t have a ton of talent this past season. Even with the Marshon Lattimore trade not yielding the results Washington hoped for, free-agent acquisitions Bobby Wagner, Jeremy Chinn, Dorance Armstrong, Dante Fowler Jr and Frankie Luvu all worked out well.

The ability to hit on the second and third-tier free agents bodes extremely well moving forward. That’s because the Commanders are among the leaders in cap space this offseason, meaning top-end talent at edge rusher and cornerback can join Quinn’s defense and take this unit to another level.

Related: Washington Commanders free agent targets 2025

16. Miami Dolphins

• Miami Dolphins free agents (defense): FS Jevon Holland, ILB Tyrell Dodson, EDGE Emmanuel Ogbah, OLB Duke Riley, EDGE Calais Campbell, FS Jordan Poyer, S Siran Neal, ILB Anthony Walker Jr
• Miami Dolphins team needs (defense): CB, S, DT

The Miami Dolphins benefitted from the change at defensive coordinator last offseason, with Anthony Weaver maximizing a roster that just didn’t connect with Vic Fangio. What’s remarkable about Miami’s success defensively this past year – -0.023 Defensive EPA per Play (8th) and 29.4 yards per drive allowed (7th) – is that it largely came without edge rushers Jaelan Phillips and Bradley Chubb.

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Weaver helped edge rusher Chop Robinson, meant to be a developmental player, record 20 pressures and 6 sacks in his rookie campaign. That’s a promising sign heading into Robinson’s second season, especially if either Chubb or Phillips can be healthy. There are some areas of concern, however. Calais Campbell is a free agent and this secondary allowed an 11-3 TD-INT ratio with a 95.4 QB rating in its final six games. We do tend to believe safety Jevon Holland will be re-signed or tagged, but further improvement defensively requires Miami to find more help at defensive tackle and corner.

15. San Francisco 49ers

• San Francisco 49ers free agents (defense): CB Charvarius Ward, LB Dre Greenlaw, S Talanoa Hufanga, LB De’Vondre Campbell, DT Kevin Givens, CB Isaac Yiadom, DT Khalil Davis, CB Rock Ya-Sin
• San Francisco 49ers team needs (defense): ILB, DT, CB, S

Reuniting with Robert Saleh might be one of the best NFL offseason moves in 2025. During his tenure as the San Francisco 49ers defensive coordinator (2017-2020), Saleh orchestrated a unit that ranked seventh in Defensive EPA per Play (-0.027) from 2018-’20, with one of the best pass defenses in the NFL. With that said, San Francisco has significantly less talent defensively than it did during his first tenure as play-caller.

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Of the 49ers free agents on defense, safety Talanoa Hufanga and linebacker Dre Greenlaw are the only obvious candidates to re-sign. Charvarius Ward won’t be back, for reasons everyone can understand, but that creates a hole at CB2 opposite of Renardo Green. Still, the 49ers secondary and linebacker corps should be in good shape if Greenlawa and Hufanga return. If the 49ers can find a quality starter at either cornerback or defensive tackle in free agency, the other spot could be addressed early in the NFL Draft. With Saleh back, there’s a path to this being one of the 10 best NFL defenses in 2025.

14. Pittsburgh Steelers

• Pittsburgh Steelers free agents 2025 (defense): CB Donte Jackson, LB Elandon Roberts, S Damontae Kazee, CB Cam Sutton, ILB Tyler Matakevich
• Pittsburgh Steelers team needs (defense): CB, DE, NT, S

T.J. Watt wasn’t the same – 0 sacks and 0 QB hits – after suffering an ankle injury on Dec. 15 against the Philadelphia Eagles. However, the Pittsburgh Steelers’ defense began crumbling long before that. From Weeks 13-18, opponents averaged 253 passing yards and 114.2 rushing yards per game with a 14-5 TD-INT line, 72.5% completion rate and a 105.2 QB rating.

That same defense showed up against the Baltimore Ravens, who erupted for 300 rushing yards with a 6.0 yards-per-carry average. Even without No. 1 receiver Zay Flowers, Lamar Jackson still finished with a 132.0 QB rating, 2-0 TD-INT line and a 76.2% completion rate. With some key players hitting free agency and this unit getting progressively worse, there’s a real likelihood this unit will take a step backward in 2025. Pittsburgh does have to start thinking about age regression from 36-year-old Cam Heyward, but it does help to have Alex Highsmith, Keeanu Benton and Joey Porter Jr. as long-term cornerstones of this Steelers defense.

Related: Latest Pittsburgh Steelers news on team’s 2025 QB plans

13. Kansas City Chiefs

• Kansas City Chiefs free agents 2025 (defense): S Justin Reid, EDGE Charles Omenihu, LB Nick Bolton, DT Derrick Nnadi, EDGE Joshua Uche, DT Mike Pennel
• Kansas City Chiefs team needs 2025 (defense): EDGE, DT, CB, LB

The second-half decline from the Kansas City Chiefs defense in 2024 can in part be traced back to the injury suffered by No. 2 cornerback Jaylen Watson. He proved to be a very effective No. 2 corner (75.4 QB rating allowed) when healthy, especially with All-Pro corner Trent McDuffie more than capable of taking on No. 1 receivers. Of course, this Chiefs defense can also feel good heading into the offseason because Steve Spagnuolo and Chris Jones are back for the 2025 campaign.

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With that acknowledged, general manager Brett Veach still has some work to do. George Karlfatis (37 pressures and 8 sacks) is a good edge rusher, but he hasn’t quite become that No. 1 guy that the Chiefs need to complement Jones’ disruptive presence on the interior. A big splash addition isn’t likely, but Kansas City could certainly use another consistent pass-rushing threat. The Chiefs will also need to replace Nick Bolton, possibly finding someone who can cover tight ends. Those are the top needs, but it might also be time for the Chiefs to find a counterpart to Jones at defensive tackle.

12. Los Angeles Chargers

• Los Angeles Chargers free agents (defense): EDGE Khalil Mack, DE Morgan Gox, CB Kristian Fulton, LB Denel Perryman, CB Asant Samuel Jr, LB Troy Dye, DL Poona Ford
• Los Angeles Chargers team needs (defense): EDGE, CB, ILB

Los Angeles Chargers defensive coordinator did marvelous work with this unit in 2024. It certainly helps that rookie Tarheeb Still (82.3 QB rating allowed in coverage) emerged as a quality starter in his first season and safety Derwin James Jr. recaptured his All-Pro form. Minter maximized this young secondary and this pass defense could be even better if Los Angeles finds a quality replacement for Asante Samuel Jr.

Related: Los Angeles Chargers Draft Picks 2025

That still leaves a glaring question mark at edge rusher. Khalil Mack is a free agent and the Joey Bosa contract makes him a likely cap causality. Even if Mack re-signs Los Angeles needs to replace Bosa with someone more reliable. Upgrading over Mosa combined with this team entering its second year in Minter’s system should allow the Chargers to have a top-12 defense next fall.

11. Los Angeles Rams

• Los Angeles Rams free agents 2025 (defense): DT Mike Hoecht, SS John Johnson, LB Chrisitan Rozeboom, CB Ahkello Witherspoon, DT Bobby Brown, DE Neville Gallimore, LB Troy Reeder
• Los Angeles Rams team needs (defense): CB, ILB

In his first year as defensive coordinator, Chris Shula got far more out of this Los Angeles Rams defense than we expected. It certainly helped that rookie Jared Verse played like a Pro Bowle dge rusher and fellow rookie Braden Fiske was also a standout in 2024.  Together, with the help of second-year defensive linemen Kobie Turner and Byron Young, Los Angeles has an excellent defensive line it can depend on for the next two-plus years.

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It’s now time to overhaul the rest of this Rams defense. Thanks to poor play at off-ball linebacker, Los Angeles had the seventh-most missed tackles (119) in the NFL this past year. To make matters worse, this secondary allowed the 10th-highest passer rating (96.5) and the seventh-highest ypa (7.6). Realistically, both outside corner spots could be addressed and the Rams are getting replacement-level play at linebacker. Addressing all four spots is implausible, but even two additions would have a noticeable on-field impact.

Best NFL defenses 2025

10. Buffalo Bills

• Buffalo Bills free agents (defense): CB Rasul Douglas, DT Quinton Johnson, DT Jordan Phillips, S Damar Hamlin
• Buffalo Bills draft needs 2025 (defense): CB, EDGE, DT

One thing Sean McDermott has demonstrated throughout his tenure as the Buffalo Bills head coach is that he can really get this unit to play at a high level amid injuries. The good news for Buffalo is that Christian Benford, Matt Milano and Taron Johnson will all be healthy heading into the summer. Buffalo can also feel good about part of its defensive line with Ed Oliver and Greg Rousseau forming a strong tandem.

In terms of the Bills draft needs, our focus returns to the trenches. A.J. Epensa just isn’t anywhere close to being a championship-caliber edge rusher and DaQuan Jones showed signs of losing the battle to Father Time ahead of his age-33 season. Whether it is trading for a No. 1 edge rusher or prioritizing the position in the 2025 NFL Draft, Buffalo needs to find a game-wrecker this offseason.

Related: Buffalo Bills could poach Kansas City Chiefs starter in NFL free agency

9. Green Bay Packers

• Green Bay Packers free agents 2025 (defense): DT T.J. Slaton, LB Isaiah McDuffie, CB Eric Stokes, CB Corey Ballentine, S Zayne Anderson, LB Eric Wilson
• Green Bay Packers team needs (defense): EDGE, CB, DT

The hiring of defensive coordinator Jeff Hafley worked out beautifully for the Green Bay Packers. After years of being saddled with one of the worst run defenses in the NFL, Green Bay finished seventh against the run in 2024. Meanwhile, Xavier McKinney delivered an All-Pro season and rookies Edgerrin Cooper and Evan Williams look like stars in their own right. Fellow 2024 draft class member Javon Bullard (58th overall pick) also has a promising future. All of this talent will be on team-friendly contracts for the next three seasons.

However, there are some glaring holes in the Packers defense. Rashan Gary appears nowhere close to replicating his production from before his contract extension and Jaire Alexander is no longer reliable to play even 12 games. Green Bay needs to find a No. 1 edge rusher this offseason and potentially a high-end cornerback. Getting both in the same offseason will prove difficult.

Related: Green Bay Packers free agent targets 2025

8. Dallas Cowboys

• Dallas Cowboys free agents (defense): EDGE DeMarcus Lawrence, LB Eric Kendricks, CB Jourdan Lewis, DT Linval Joseph, DT Osa Odighizuwa
• Dallas Cowboys team needs (defense): DT, LB, S

As questionable of a decision as the Dallas Cowboys made with the hiring of Brian Schottenheimer, they landed an excellent defensive coordinator in Matt Eberflus. What makes it an even more exciting fit is the fact he’s never had a pass rusher like Micah Parsons. He also will have two high-end cornerbacks he can trust in coverage with Trevon Diggs and Daron Bland.

However, DeMarcus Lawrence is a free agent and edge rusher DeMarvion Overshown (knee) isn’t a certainty to play in 2025. The lack of pass-rushing depth and concerns at linebacker linger over this team heading into the offseason, but we can absolutely see Eberflus orchestrating a top-10 defense in 2025. The ceiling for this Cowboys defense is even higher if Lawrence returns or Dallas finds an answer in the middle (DT and ILB) of its defense.

Related: Insider sheds light on position Dallas Cowboys will prioritize in 2025 NFL Draft

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7. Denver Broncos

• Denver Broncos free agents 2025 (defense): LB Cody Barton, LB Zach Cunningham, DT D.J. Jones, CB Tremon Smith, LB Justin Strnad
• Denver Broncos team needs (defense): LB, S

The Denver Broncos had one of the best NFL defenses in 2024. Under defensive coordinator Vance Joseph, this unit took a massive leap forward and finished the regular season ranked second in ESPN Pass Rush Win Rate (46 percent) and first in Defensive EPA per Play (-0.100). With Joseph seemingly not getting a head-coaching gig in 2025, Denver gets him back next season.

There’s still plenty of room for this unit to improve. No. 2 corner Riley Moss played very well in his first full season as a starter opposite of Pat Surtain II, demonstrating he can be a long-term starter. Now, Denver needs to replace safety P.J. Locke and shore up a run defense that allowed 110-plus yards in four of its last five games.

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6. Baltimore Ravens

• Baltimore Ravens free agents 2025 (defense): CB Tre’Davious White, LB Malik Harrison, EDGE Brent Urban, CB Brandon Stephens, ILB Kristian Welch
• Baltimore Ravens team needs (defense): EDGE, CB

One of the biggest priorities for the Baltimore Ravens this offseason needs to be replacing cornerback Brandon Stephens. He was one of the worst NFL cornerbacks in 2024, allowing over 900 receiving yards with a 106.1 QB rating in 17 starts. If Baltimore can find a reliable No. 2 cornerback, this can be the best pass defense in the NFL next season.

Another area for improvement is at edge rusher. Baltimore does a good job maximizing what it has and it helped lead Kyle Van Noy to have a phenomenal season at age 34, but he likely can’t replicate that. The issue for Baltimore, with less than $20 million in cap space, will be figuring out how to address both spots adequately. The good news is, a majority of Baltimore’s defensive starters are under contract for 2025.

Also Read: Best MLB offseason moves for every team, including Baltimore Orioles

5. Detroit Lions

• Detroit Lions free agents (defense): CB Carlton Davis, DT Levi Onwuzurike, LB Derrick Barnes, EDGE Marcus Davenport, DB Ifeatu Melifonwu, CB Emmanuel Mosley, DE Al-Quadin Muhammad
• Detroit Lions team needs (defense): EDGE, LB

With the season over, it’s worth revisiting just how good this Detroit Lions defense was before injuries wiped nearly everyone out. From Weeks 1-11, opponents averaged just a 73.6 QB rating with a 7-14 TD-INT ratio, 94.9 rushing yards per game with a 30.36% third-down conversion rate. Over that same span, Detroit ranked second in Defensive EPA per Play (-0.117). Fortunately, Aidan Hutchinson, Alim McNeill, Malcolm Rodriguez, Amik Robertson and Ennis Rakestraw Jr will all return healthy in 2025.

The lingering question is what happens now that Aaron Glenn is gone. New Lions defensive coordinator Kelvin Sheppard, who Steve Spagnuolo called a future NFL head coach, will likely face a learning curve in his first season as a play-caller. Fortunately, Detroit still boasts one of the most talented depth charts in the NFL and they have the cap space to land a premier No. 2 pass rusher to pair with a healthy Hutchinson. There’s a chance, an outside one, of this becoming the best defense in the NFL next season.

Related: Insider reveals likely cost of a Myles Garrett trade

4. Minnesota Vikings

• Minnesota Vikings free agents 2025 (defense): S Harrison Smith, CB Byron Murphy Jr, CB Stephon Gilmore, GB Shaquille Griffin, DT Jerry Tillery, DE Jonathan Bullard,
• Minnesota Vikings team needs (defense): CB, S

The Minnesota Vikings had one of the best NFL defenses in 2024 and it stands to reason much of that success can be maintained assuming Brian Flores returns as defensive coordinator. Minnesota can feel great about what Jonathan Greenard and Andrew Van Ginkel did this season. Plus, linebacker Ivan Pace Jr. can be even better if he stays healthy.

Minnesota boasts an excellent pass rush and Flores dials up blitzes and coverages better than almost anyone. The next step is making improvements in the secondary, which was often made to look better than it is thanks to the defensive front. With nearly $60 million in cap space, NFL free agency provides a clear avenue to upgrade the Vikings’ secondary. If that happens, Flores’ unit can be even more consistent next season.

Related: Love Minnesota Sports? Check Out MinnesotaSportsFan.com

3. Seattle Seahawks

• Seattle Seahawks free agents (defense): LB Ernest Jones, DT Johnathan Hankins, DE Jarran Reed, S K’Von Wallace, DE Trevis Gipson, CB Tre Brown
• Seattle Seahawks team needs (defense): LB, EDGE

The Seattle Seahawks will be much higher in our NFL defense rankings when we reseed teams after the playoffs. It typically takes a year for players to get a firm grasp of Mike Macdonald’s system, with the big leap coming in the second year. We already saw signs of it in the second half of the 2024 campaign. Seattle ranked seventh in Defensive EPA per Play (-0.024) after Week 7.

In an eight-game stretch from Weeks 9-17, opponents averaged just 202.4 passing yards and 97.8 rushing yards per game with an 85.5 QB rating, 14 total touchdowns (1.75 per game) and a 35 percent third-down conversion rate. If the Seahawks can just shore things up at inside linebacker and find a little more depth at edge rusher, this can be one of the best NFL defenses in 2025.

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2. Houston Texans

• Houston Texans free agents 2025 (defense): DT Folorunso Fatukasi, S Eric Murray, DT Mario Edwards Jr, DE Derek Barnett, LB Neville Hewitt
• Houston Texans team needs (defense): DT, LB, S

The Houston Texans will have one of the best NFL defenses in 2025. It starts at edge rusher with the tandem of Danielle Hunter, a perennial Defensive Player of the Year candidate, and emerging perennial All-Pro Will Anderson Jr. Two elite edge rushers are disruptive enough for opponents’ passing games and it’s now even harder to pass on Houston because of the cornerback tandem of Derek Stingley Jr. and Kamari Lassiter, which could be the best duo in the NFL next season.

We also love head coach DeMeco Ryans, who keeps orchestrating aggressive defenses even when injuries strike. Fortunately for Houston, it will be in a much better position at safety next season with Jalen Pitre and Jimmie Ward returning from IR. If the Texans can just bolster their interior defensive line, this could be the best NFL defense in 2025.

Related: Top NFL free agents 2025

1. Philadelphia Eagles

• Philadelphia Eagles free agents 2025 (defense): EDGE Josh Sweat, EDGE Brandon Graham ILB Zack Baun, DT Milton Williams, CB Avonte Maddox, ILB Oren Burks
• Philadelphia Eagles team needs 2025: EDGE, CB, DT

The Philadelphia Eagles had the best NFL defense in 2024. Even with multiple starters eligible for NFL free agency, there are a myriad of reasons to believe play-caller Vic Fangio will be the architect of one of the best NFL defenses for years to come.

It starts up front with Jalen Carter, a perennial Defensive Player of the Year candidate moving forward, and edge rusher Nolan Smith. The former Georgia Bulldogs and 2023 first-round picks were two of the best pass rushers across the league during the entire playoffs. Behind them, Philadelphia has the best cornerback trio in football with Quinyon Mitchell, Cooper DeJean and Darius Slay. If all of that isn’t enough, the outstanding safety tandem of Reed Blankenship and C.J. Gardner-Johnson are both under contract next season. If Philadelphia can just re-sign Zack Baun and find a pass rusher to replace Josh Sweat, we’d bet on this being the best defense in the NFL next season.

NFL defense stats 2024

NFL defense rankings FAQ

What is the best defense in the NFL?

The Philadelphia Eagles have the best defense in the NFL right now.

Which NFL defense has forced the most turnovers?

The Pittsburgh Steelers and Minnesota Vikings led the NFL in takeaways with 33 turnovers generates.

What NFL defense is best for fantasy?

The Philadelphia Eagles, Houston Texans, Seattle Seahawks and Detroit Lions are some of the best NFL defenses to target in fantasy.

What is the NFL defense rankings?

Sportsnaut’s NFL defense rankings evaluate and rank all 32 NFL defenses each week, reviewing their performances and projecting how they’ll perform in their upcoming game based on matchups and NFL defense stats.

Who is the number 1 defense in NFL?

The Philadelphia Eagles have the No. 1 defense in the NFL this season.

Who has the best defense in NFL history?

The 1985 Chicago Bears had the best NFL defense ever. Led by three Hall of Famers – Mike Singletary, Richard Dent and Dan Hampton – Chicago allowed just 101 total points on its way to winning Super Bowl XX, including an NFL record two shutouts in the playoffs. In addition, the 1985 Bears’ defense held opponents to a 50.2 passer rating with a 46.5 percent completion rate and 17-37 TD-INT ratio in 19 total games and opponents averaged just 76 rushing yards per game and 3.4 yards per carry across 19 contests in the regular season and playoffs.

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Who has the worst pass defense in the NFL?

The Jacksonville Jaguars have the worst pass defense in the NFL, allowing the most passing yards per game (264.3), the most touchdown passes (27) and the highest QB rating (108.3).

Related: Best undrafted players in NFL history

What’s the top 5 defenses in the NFL?

The top 5 NFL defenses are the Pittsburgh Steelers, Denver Broncos, Philadelphia Eagles, Minnesota Vikings and the Los Angeles Chargers.

Who gives up the most passing yards in the NFL?

The Jacksonville Jaguars allow the most passing yards in the NFL this season.

What teams have the best defense in the NFL?

The Denver Broncos, Philadelphia Eagles, Pittsburgh Steelers and Minnesota Vikings have the best defenses in the NFL this season.

Who has the best pass defense in the NFL?

The Philadelphia Eagles have the best pass defense in the NFL, allowing the fewest passing yards per game (173.4), the fifth-fewest passing touchdowns (15) and the sixth-lowest QB rating (82.8).

Who has the best run defense in the NFL?

The Baltimore Ravens have the best run defense in the NFL, allowing the fewest rushing yards per game and the lowest yards per carry average.

Who has the worst defense in the NFL?

The Jacksonville Jaguars have the worst NFL defense right now.

Who has the worst run defense in the NFL?

The Carolina Panthers have the worst run defense in the NFL this year, allowing the most rushing yards per game (173) and the second-most rushing touchdowns (19).

What team has the most sacks in a season?

The Chicago Bears set the NFL record for most sacks in a season with 72 sacks in 16 games in 1984. Most recently, the 2022 Philadelphia Eagles became just the fourth team in NFL history to record 70 sacks in a single season.

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More must-reads:

• Philadelphia Eagles sign running back who missed entire 2024 season with neck injury to back up Saquon Barkley
• NFL insider says Carolina Panthers panicked in free agency
• Dallas Cowboys owner Jerry Jones shockingly allows four-time Pro Bowl defensive stalwart to walk for nothing