8 Best Tier 3 Edge Rushers Hitting the Market This Offseason Part 1

BY ADAM GREENE

We’ve reached the end of our journey and, just like The Bachelor, it usually means a short-term relationship, regardless of how much cash you blow to get the ring.

As we hit on previously, Tier 1 edge rushers are franchise guys. Since I started this list, at least one has been hit with the franchise tag (Yannick Ngakoue) and I have no idea how the Jacksonville Jaguars plan to pay for that. Hardees coupons can only be stretched so far.

Tier 2 guys had question marks, injury histories or gaps in their resume that probably wouldn’t cost them a multi-year deal, but would definitely knock some cash off the top. The Ravens hit one of these guys, Matthew Judon, with the franchise tag as well in spite of the fact he might have maxed out what he can do.

Tier 3 guys, these are your mercenaries. Dudes that can get the job done on a one-year contract, but are too old or come with too many reasons not to commit to them long term. They might be guys that have flashed potential, but never shown it for an extended period of time.

No reason not to get the countdown started.

1. MARIO ADDISON, DE/OLB, UNRESTRICTED FREE AGENT

2019: 34 tackles, six for a loss, 9.5 sacks, two forced fumbles

Addison has piled up three pretty solid seasons, recording 11 sacks in 2017 and nine in 2018. He’s 32 and been in the league since 2011, tossed from team-to-team until he landed with the Carolina Panthers in 2012. He’s played linebacker and defensive end for the Panthers and that strength and ability to move from position to position should help him find a job.

Where he should end up: Carolina Panthers

New defensive coordinator Phil Snow ran a 3-4 at Baylor and will likely do the same in Carolina. There’s no reason not to bring Addison back on a cheap deal along with his fellow 3-4 OLB Bruce Irvin, who will show up further down the list. New coaches or not, this Panthers team should be looking to win now, not later, especially with head coach Matt Rhule trying his best to shut down any talk of trading Cam Newton away.

2. JORDAN JENKINS, OLB, UNRESTRICTED FREE AGENT

2019: 32 tackles, nine for a loss, eight sacks, two forced fumbles, three passes defended

Jenkins is a young guy and a solid steal for the New York Jets as a third rounder in the 2016 NFL Draft out of Georgia. This was a good season from him, his fourth and final on his rookie contract, but also his best. He’s started 50 of 60 possible games for the Jets and this might just be his ceiling.

Still, it’s not bad and those eight sacks and nine tackles for a loss would be an upgrade for plenty of teams. His youth might warrant more than a one-year prove it deal, but with all the talent in this year’s free agent pool, his chances are slim.

Where he should end up: New York Jets

In spite of playing in the NFL’s biggest market, the Jets are going to find it tough to attract free agents. Their best move is to try to keep the decent guys they have and build from there. Jenkins will get a significant pay upgrade from his third round salary with New York and maybe a three-year deal. I don’t see that happening elsewhere.

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