OLB Jadeveon Clowney, Houston Texans
Former No. 1 overall pick in 2014. Has been a late bloomer, but has since made three consecutive Pro Bowls. 29 sacks in his short five-year career. Soon to be 26 years old, Jadeveon Clowney would immediately become the Packers’ best pass rusher. Will be the marquee free agent in 2019.
DE Trey Flowers, New England Patriots
Drafted in the fourth-round in 2015. Can play 3-tech defensive tackle or line up outside as a 5-technique defensive end. Essentially redshirted in 2015, playing only one game. Has 21 sacks since 2016. Became a key cog in Bill Belichick’s multiple-front looks.
DE Demarcus Lawrence, Dallas Cowboys
Unlikely to hit free agency this year, but still warrants a spot on the list. Had the franchise tag placed on him in 2018. Has quickly ascended as one of the NFL’s elite pass rushers. Has made back-to-back Pro Bowls and 34 career sacks, with 14.5 coming in 2017.
OLB Dee Ford, Kansas City Chiefs
Extremely late bloomer, but seems to have turned a corner. Former first-round pick in 2014. Had the fifth-year option placed on him last season. Recorded a career-high 13 sacks and 29 quarterback hits in 2018, making his first Pro Bowl. Risky signing with high upside.
DE Frank Clark, Seattle Seahawks
Unlikely the Seahawks let him walk away, but if they do Green Bay should offer him a deal. Came out of college with character concerns, which allowed him to fall in the draft. Has 36 career sacks in just four seasons. Currently having a career-year in 2018, racking up 14 sacks and 27 quarterback hits.
OLB Preston Smith, Washington Redskins
Drafted in the second-round in 2015. Has been extremely consistent in four seasons, recording no less than four sacks each year. The only question is: how much of his success is tied to his counterpart, Ryan Kerrigan? Still, could be an excellent value signing.
DE Ezekiel Ansah, Detroit Lions
Extremely rare size (6-5, 270 pounds) and athleticism. Drafted fifth-overall in 2013. Biggest issue is age (turns 30 next season) and injury concerns. Still, has the traits many teams look for in pass rushers. Has 48 career sacks in six seasons.