2020 Free Agent Market Watch: The Defensive Ends the Steelers Can’t Afford

Disclaimer: The author realizes that the team is burning in Salary Cap Hell and can’t pony up much money for free agents. However, you never know what they have planned and it’s the author’s responsibility to highlight the free agent options. It’s like the lyric in the Guns ‘n Roses deep cut, Breakdown...”Now the damage is done and we’re back out on the run. Funny how ev’rything was roses when we held on to the guns. Just because you’re winnin’ don’t mean you’re the lucky ones”.

The Steelers have both the luxury and and issue of having quite alot of high-priced talent on the defensive line with Cam Heyward and Stephon Tuitt on the ends. They are unlikely to be shopping here, unless they move an edge guy to 3-4 OLB. But this is low on the list of priorities. Nonetheless, here is what is out there and what may be available to the competition and the Steelers should they find a whole bunch of cap space under the couch cushions. Although, the latter is unlikely.

ONCE AGAIN. THE AUTHOR REALIZES THAT THE STEELERS DO NOT HAVE THE FUNDS FOR MANY OF THESE PLAYERS. HOWEVER, THIS IS THE LIST OF WHO IS AVAILABLE TO THE ENTIRE LEAGUE AND THE STEELERS. YOU CAN CRITICIZE THE IDIOT AUTHOR IN FACEBOOK OR BLEACHER REPORT COMMENTS FOR WASTING YOUR TIME AND NOT KNOWING ANYTHING AT ALL, AGAIN AND AGAIN.

Jadeveon Clowney - Seattle Seahawks

Age 27, 6’5”/255 lbs.

2019 Stats: 13 games, 31 tackles, 3 sacks, 4 forced fumbles, 17 hurries, 10 QB knockdowns

No. 20 PFF Position Ranking

PFF Overall Grade: 87.3 (Elite), Run Defense 80.8 (High Quality), Pass Rush 79.9 (High Quality)

Clowney, the first overall pick in 2014, hasn’t had the blockbuster career that was expected. However, the 3x Pro Bowler has been a solid disrupter in his time in Houston and Seattle. The Seahawks are intent on bringing him back, but he’ll cost a lot. Interestingly enough, the South Carolina Gamecock has played one more season and five more games than Bud Dupree, but only has .5 more sacks.

Everson Griffen - Minnesota Vikings

Age 32, 6’3”/273 lbs.

2019 Stats: 15 games, 41 tackles, 8 sacks, 0 forced fumbles, 13 hurries, 13 QB knockdowns

No. 26 PFF Position Ranking

PFF Overall Grade: 77.6 (High Quality), Run Defense 66.4 (Above Average), Pass Rush 75.9 (High Quality)

The Viking standout elected very recently to opt-out of his deal and enter free agency. At 32, Griffen had 8 sacks after missing a good bit of 2018 to focus on mental health. This is likely his last shot at a big payday, but will age catch up to him soon and will it be a factor with General Managers.

Robert Quinn - Dallas Cowboys

Age 29, 6’4”/257 lbs.

2019 Stats: 14 games, 34 tackles, 11.5 sacks, 2 forced fumbles, 12 hurries, 11 QB knockdowns

No. 47 PFF Position Ranking

PFF Overall Grade: 68.5 (Above Average), Run Defense 53.4 (Below Average), Pass Rush 78.3 (High Quality)

Mighty again, the veteran of three teams looked like his vintage self last season with 11.5 sacks in Dallas. Still a high quality pass rusher, he’s suspect on running plays. Pushing 30, Quinn will get a good deal...but not likely too long of one.

Emmanuel Ogbah - Kansas City Chiefs

Age 26, 6’4”/275 lbs.

2019 Stats: 10 games, 32 tackles, 5.5 sacks, 1 forced fumbles, 4 hurries, 5 QB knockdowns

No. 40 PFF Position Ranking

PFF Overall Grade: 70.1 (Above Average), Pass Rush 62.6 (Average), Run Defense 67.4 (Above Average)

A torn pec in November sidelined Ogbah, preempting a solid first season as a Chief and preventing him from playing in the Super Bowl. Ogbah offers good value for a team looking for a solid defender.

Carl Nassib - Tampa Bay Buccaneers

Age 26, 6’7”/245 lbs.

2019 Stats: 14 games, 34 tackles, 6 sacks, 1 forced fumbles, 5 hurries, 5 QB knockdowns

No. 43 PFF Position Ranking

PFF Overall Grade: 69.3 (Above Average), Pass Rush 63.0 (Average), Run Defense 74.3 (Above Average)

Nassib was featured heavily on Hard Knocks two years ago, but then released by Cleveland. The Nittany Lion and financial wiz has been a solid contributor on defense since joining Tampa. Very potent as a run stopper, it has been suggested that Nassib could improve rushing the passer. For the right price, this guy could be a fine depth guy,

Other Notable Free Agent Defensive Ends:

Derek Wolfe - Denver Broncos

Mario Addison - Carolina Panthers

Ezekiel Ansah - Seattle Seahawks

Adrian Clayborn - Atlanta Falcons

Jabaal Sheard - Indianapolis Colts

Vinny Curry - Philadelphia Eagles

Ronald Blair - San Francisco 49ers