NFL Free Agency 2012 Preview: Defensive Line

With the offense all finished, it’s time to turn our attention to the defense. There’s some really good trench warriors out there who may be moving teams so this is definitely a category to watch out for.

1. Mario Williams (DE/OLB) – Texans

This is one of those rare times when an elite player is likely to become available at the end of his rookie contract. Williams season ending ACL injury may have been a blessing in disguise. The Texans performed exceptionally well even without Williams on their line and, with the franchise tag cost being so high, the Texans may decide that Williams is too costly to keep. With that said, he is one of the very best defensive ends in the league and does have the ability to play in both a 3-4 or a 4-3, so expect interest for the former first-round pick to be higher than virtually every other free agent out there.

Possible landing spots: Every team in the NFL

2. Robert Mathis (DE) – Colts

Mathis has been targetted by new Colts Head Coach Chuck Pagano as his number one re-sign priority. While as little as three months ago it looked like Mathis may be leaving Indy, due to the size of contracts owing to both Peyton Manning and his opposite Dwight Freeney, with Peyton apparently leaving this now opens up alot of room for Mathis to get a good payday. There has also been word out of Indianapolis that should a deal not get done soon enough, Mathis would be hit with the franchise tag. I’d be stunned if he isn’t back in blue and white in 2012.

Possible landing spots: IND

3. Cliff Avril (DE) – Lions

The Lions as a whole are in pretty good shape on the defensive line and don’t want to mess that up. Avril is their top re-sign priority and he has indicated he would like to return to the Motor City. However, should a deal not get done and the threat of a franchise tag be put forward, watch the sparks fly and rumours spread as Avril has stated publicly that he would not be happy under a franchise tag and we’ve seen in the past how this can deteriorate relationships with management. Should this happen and Avril goes elsewhere, expect him to go to a team with a 4-3 defense that needs help with their pass rush.

Possible landing spots: DET, STL, JAC, MIN, CAR, BUF, ATL, OAK, TEN

4. Calais Campbell (DE) – Cardinals

Campbell is a talented defensive end, but he’s also a guy who fits the style and system his team runs. Arizona has made it clear they intend to keep Campbell and will place the franchise tag on him. Campbell is understood to be ok with this should it be required. 99% sure this player is going nowhere.

Possible landing spots: ARI

5. Jonathan Fanene (DT) – Bengals

Fanene has become an integral part of the Bengals defense and has put up good numbers at times lately playing primary is the 4-3, but also in the 3-4 sets that Cincy mixes in. Word is that he may return to Cincinnati but should he not then he will get some interest from teams looking to add either a cheap starter or strong depth.

Possible landing spots: IND, NE, TEN, DEN, MIN, STL, JAC, CAR, BUF

Watch out for: John Abraham (DE), Sione Pouha (NT), Jason Jones (DT), Kelly Gregg (NT), Paul Soliai (NT), Antonio Garay (NT), Israel Idonije (DE), Anthony Hargrove (DE), Aubrayo Franklin (NT), Juqua Parker (DE)

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