The Washington Commanders are signing veteran outside linebacker Von Miller, which could open up the possibility for more veteran pass-rushers to sign ahead of 2025 NFL training camp.
Miller, 36, spent the last three seasons with the Buffalo Bills, tallying eight regular-season sacks and two post-season sacks in that timeframe. He’s not who he was in his prime, but he can still contribute off the bench.
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Free agent pass-rushers are a hot commodity during this time of year, as NFL teams look to solidify their edge-rushing rooms. While you may not trade for a Trey Hendrickson or a T.J. Watt, you can still find a solid player to factor into your rotation.
There are actually some quality free agents out there who can still get after the quarterback, so let’s run through who they are and where they might fit.
Jadeveon Clowney
Dec 22, 2024; Charlotte, North Carolina, USA; Carolina Panthers linebacker Jadeveon Clowney (7) during the second half against the Arizona Cardinals at Bank of America Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jim Dedmon-Imagn Images
Clowney has morphed into a useful mercenary at edge rusher at this point in his career, and he should still have plenty of gas left in the tank to help a contender. He tallied 5.5 sacks last season with the Carolina Panthers. Where might the former first-overall NFL Draft selection land next?
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Possible Teams: Ravens, Bengals, Packers
Matthew Judon
Aug 17, 2024; Baltimore, Maryland, USA; Atlanta Falcons linebacker Matthew Judon stands on the field before a preseason game against the Baltimore Ravens at M&T Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Tommy Gilligan-USA TODAY Sports
Judon had a quiet year with the Atlanta Falcons in 2024 with 5.5 sacks, but there were schematic issues that may have held the veteran outside linebacker back in his production. Coming off the bench, Judon could likely still do some damage for a contending team. We like him as a low-risk flier for a pass-rushing committee.
Possible Teams: Lions, Bengals, Chiefs
Za’Darius Smith
Detroit Lions defensive end Za’Darius Smith (99) celebrates a sack against Minnesota Vikings quarterback Sam Darnold (14) during the first half at Ford Field in Detroit on Sunday, Jan. 5, 2025.
Smith remains a very dependable edge-rusher at this stage of his career, as he totaled nine sacks last season for the Cleveland Browns and Detroit Lions. A return to Detroit might be a smart move for both sides.
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Possible Teams: Lions, Packers, Bengals
Preston Smith
Dec 8, 2024; Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA; Pittsburgh Steelers linebacker Preston Smith (91) looks at the scoreboard during a game against the Cleveland Browns at Acrisure Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Barry Reeger-Imagn Images
Smith split time between the Green Bay Packers and Pittsburgh Steelers last year, totaling 4.5 sacks last season. While he had a down 2024 compared to his usual standards, he should still be able to contribute in the right scheme. Perhaps 2025 could be a comeback season for the veteran pass-rusher?
Possible Teams: Bengals, Rams, Ravens
Ogbo Okoronkwo
Nov 3, 2024; Cleveland, Ohio, USA; Cleveland Browns defensive end Ogbo Okoronkwo (54) chases Los Angeles Chargers quarterback Justin Herbert (10) during the second half at Huntington Bank Field. Mandatory Credit: Ken Blaze-Imagn Images
Okoronkwo tallied three sacks last season with the Browns, as he can provide a solid pop off the bench. We wouldn’t be surprised if he was one of the first people to sign on this list, as he’s only 30 years old.
Possible Teams: Rams, Lions, Packers
This article originally appeared on For The Win: 5 veteran NFL pass-rushers who could join Von Miller in finding a new team