Media by Associated Press – Minnesota Vikings running back Kene Nwangwu (26) is tackled by Chicago Bears linebacker Nicholas Morrow (53) during the second half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Jan. 8, 2023, in Chicago. (AP Photo/Nam Y. Huh)
Building a solid defense in the NFL is important to find a way to sustain success. Sometimes, drafting and developing may provide the best path to putting together a defense. However, there are other times when a defense may only be one player away from having a solid unit.
Here’s a look at four top pending defensive free agents.
Marcus Peters
The veteran cornerback is coming up on his age 30 season but has shown himself to be a steady player over the course of his career. After missing 2021, Peters showed some signs of rust in 2022, only intercepting one pass. However, getting a fresh start may help Peters.
Peters has intercepted 32 passes in his career and has led the NFL in interception return yards three times in his career. There is a concern that Peters may be washed up. However, anyone looking for depth at the position could benefit from the veteran’s savvy.
Greg Gaines
The Rams’ defensive tackle is a solid option for anyone looking for depth on the defensive line. Gaines recorded four tackles and 16 pressures in 12 starts for Los Angeles last season. Gaines is more known as a run stuffer than a pass rusher.
Gaines had a career-high six tackles for loss last season. Gaines has 10.5 sacks in the four seasons since he came into the league in 2019. One thing that may be holding Gaines back is that he was a highly thought-of prospect and has just been OK as a professional player.
Nicholas Morrow
Morrow played well as a linebacker for the Chicago Bears last season. He has been waiting for a deep linebacker class to sort itself out in a free agency. Last season, Morrow finished with a career-high 116 tackles, including 83 solo tackles.
Morrow also had a career-high 11 tackles for loss. Morrow isn’t much of a pass rusher, only recording four sacks since coming into the league in 2017. Morrow also has the ability to make plays in the passing game and has intercepted at least one pass in three straight seasons. Morrow has defended 22 passes in his career.
C.J. Gardner-Johnson
Gardner-Johnson has taken to social media to complain about the disrespect on his lack of being signed while other defensive backs have gone off the board. Playing for the Philadelphia Eagles last season, Gardner-Johnson intercepted six passes. Despite missing five games due to a kidney ailment last season, he was tied for a lead league in interceptions.
Part of the concern for Gardner-Johnson has been about what position he will play. Some teams see him as a cornerback, while Gardner-Johnson feels comfortable at safety.
There is a chance that uncertainty could lead to Gardner-Johnson returning to the Eagles. However, it may be difficult as Philadelphia will have to take care of a number of players who helped the team return to the Super Bowl.
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