As of right now, it’s looking as though the league and the player’s association are set to enter next season without negotiating a new collective bargaining agreement, which would entail an uncapped season and many potential free agents having to stick around with their current club.

That said, all of our free agent analysis content is based on both sides coming to an agreement at some point prior to the free agency period beginning, and once that is no longer possible, we will update the lists to reflect the situation.

Top Free Agent Defensive Ends

1. Elvis Dumervil – Denver (UFA)

Dumervil has established himself as one of the NFL’s premier pass rushers this season, leading the league in sacks with 17 headed into the final week of the season. Because of that, there is almost no chance that the Broncos will even allow him to sniff free agency, either by locking him up long term with a major deal, or by using their franchise tender on him. That said, the possibility of him escaping to another club is certainly there, however slim, and as such he earns the top spot on this list.

Likely destinations: Denver, Kansas City, Green Bay, New England, Baltimore, New York Jets, Cleveland

2. Julius Peppers – Carolina (UFA)

Peppers was close to hitting the open market last year, but the Panthers miraculously found a way to sign their other key free agents and use their franchise tender on him to keep him in the fold. This year could be different though, especially in light of the needs Carolina has to fill, and having the extra cash to do it will be a priority. If Peppers does find himself free to shop himself around to teams, there’s little doubt he’ll be a hot commodity, with an outstanding career and plenty of talent to back his reputation up. He has expressed a desire to switch to a 3-4 defensive scheme, which opens the door for a team in search of a rush linebacker.

Likely destinations: Carolina, New England, Kansas City, Cleveland, Green Bay

3. Ray Edwards – Minnesota (UFA)

With big money in short supply, Minnesota could potentially have some difficulty keeping Edwards around this off-season, as he is young and capable of playing at a high level in the right situation. The sack totals haven’t been as spectacular as most fans would prefer, but much of that is due to the Vikings having so much talent along the defensive line that everyone ends up sharing in the success. Teams in need of a solid 4-3 DE should be interested in acquiring his services and he could be a nice bargain in comparison to the other premier players likely to be available.

Likely destinations: Minnesota, Philadelphia, New York Giants, Oakland, Seattle, Tampa Bay, Chicago

4. Kyle Vanden Bosch – Tennessee (UFA)

The Titans would be wise to keep Vanden Bosch in the fold this off-season, as they truly have no one capable of stepping into his shoes next year if he leaves town. That said, they may decide to go with a cheaper and younger option via the draft, and another team could swoop in to claim Vanden Bosch instead. His sack totals have been lackluster this season, but there’s no denying the talent is there and if he can play next to a solid defensive tackle, there’s little doubt that he’ll return to playing at a high level.

Likely destinations: Tennessee, Minnesota, Philadelphia, Washington, New York Giants, Seattle

5. Aaron Kampman – Green Bay (UFA)

Kampman struggled tremendously this season with the switch from his natural 4-3 DE position to the new 3-4 rush LB spot he was asked to undertake by defensive coordinator Dom Capers. As such, Kampman may find his value to be less than he would prefer, and a big contract isn’t likely to be forthcoming. Then again, teams may look at this past season as an aberration of sorts, and take a risk on bringing Kampman in by paying him a healthy salary, especially if they’re in need of an upgrade in their pass rush from the traditional defensive end position.

Likely destinations: Chicago, Minnesota, Philadelphia, Washington, Seattle, Green Bay

Other Notable UFA Defensive Ends

• Johnny Jolly – Green Bay
• Marcus Spears – Dallas
• Adewale Ogunleye – Chicago
• Mark Anderson – Chicago
• Derrick Burgess – New England
• Philip Daniels – Washington
• Ryan Denney – Buffalo
• Jarvis Green – New England
• Leonard Little – St. Louis
• Reggie Hayward – Jacksonville
• Jevon Kearse – Tennessee
• Travis Kirschke – Pittsburgh
• Anthony Montgomery – Washington
• Chike Okeafor – Arizona
• Darryl Tapp – Seattle

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