My dad had a saying he liked to throw around when he was in the furniture business. “You can’t sell the last watermelon.” What does that mean when talking about defensive linemen? Well, it’s all part of human psychology as distilled down through generations of Appalachian farmers and craftsmen. When people have plenty to pick through, watermelons for instance, they feel like they get to choose the best one. If you’re down to the last watermelon, even if it’s the best one your brought, people will subconsciously think it’s inferior. They can’t help it.
In the case of the remaining free agent defensive linemen available in this free agent crop, it’s not only apt, but holds true. These guys are mostly unemployed at this point for a reason. The most talented defensive lineman available won’t be on this list.
Former Dallas Cowboys and Carolina Panthers defensive end Greg Hardy has made sure he’ll never play in the NFL again. Everyone knew he was guilty of domestic abuse, and by denying it, while at the same time “seeking help,” makes sense to nobody. Hardy’s career in the NFL is over and he only has himself to blame.
George Selvie, Defensive End, New York
2015: 15 tackles, one sack, Age 29
Selvie seems to continually find his way into the starting line ups of good teams. Last year with the Giants he was actually used correctly, as a spot starter and rotational player. His numbers were down, but so was his action. The truth is, this is the kind of player he is, a back up that can keep your defense from experiencing a significant drop-off.
Selvie’s age works in his favor and the fact that he’s played in plenty of systems and been productive enough in all of them. His best season was 2012 with the Dallas Cowboys where he had 37 tackles and seven sacks. He’ll never sniff that again, but he can help a team that needs more bodies on the line. Best fits: New York Giants, Green Bay Packers, New Orleans Saints
Cullen Jenkins, Defensive End/Tackle, New York Giants
2015: 15 tackles, three sacks, Age 35
Jenkins has had a long, productive career and even has a Super Bowl ring to show for with with the Green Bay Packers. He officially tallied 14 starts for the Giants last season, but mainly served as a rotational player. That’s where he is in his career now and as long as he stays in shape, he should still be able to play another season.
Jenkins has pocketed a cool $31.6 million in his career so that might be enough to call it a day. If not, he could definitely be a guy that can fill in as a run stuffer and pass rusher on a contender. And if I were Jenkins, I’d pick someplace warm to do it. Best fits: Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Miami Dolphins, Jacksonville Jaguars
Kroy Biermann, Defensive End/Outside Linebacker, Atlanta Falcons
2015: 31 tackles, 2.5 sacks, Age 30
Biermann is a little undersized to play as a 4-3 defensive end, but in a 3-4 scheme as an outside linebacker he can be a perfectly serviceable rotational player at the right price. Beirmann has enjoyed a nice little NFL career with the Falcons and even ended up on one of those housewives reality shows. He’s probably financially secure enough to walk away.
But at his age and talent level, he still has some gas in the tank. Why not use it? Best fits: Tennessee Titans, Pittsburgh Steelers, Buffalo Bills
Chris Canty, Defensive End, Baltimore Ravens
2015: 11 tackles, one sack, Age 33
While his 2015 numbers don’t jump off the page, Canty dealt with some injuries last season and ended up just playing in nine games. When he’s healthy, Canty is a valuable player off the bench and can play all across the defensive line. He started his career with the Cowboys as a defensive end, then spent five years with the Giants at defensive tackle before joining the Ravens.
Canty has made his money, lots of it. He’s put $40 million in the bank over his 11-year career and like Jenkins, probably has to make the call on whether putting his body through another NFL season is worth it. He already has a ring from the 2011 Giants. Best fits: Baltimore Ravens, Washington Redskins, New York Jets
Nick Hayden, Defensive Tackle, Dallas Cowboys
2015: 33 tackles, Age 30
As a sixth round pick out of Wisconsin Hayden has had a nice little NFL career as a journeyman defensive lineman. He’s been a starter for the Cowboys for the last three seasons as a pure run-stuffer and body, taking up space with his 6-foot-4, 295-pound frame.
Hayden is a pure 4-3 tackle and will work out a lot better on a team that rotates him in with quicker players in the pass rush. Best fits: Miami Dolphins, Carolina Panthers, Minnesota Vikings
