This year's edition of NFL free agency, which officially begins on March 18, could be league-shifting.
Notable quarterbacks such as Tom Brady, Drew Brees and Philip Rivers are all slated to hit the open market. However, quarterback isn't the only deep position in free agency this year.
Teams looking for defensive help will have numerous top-tier players from which to choose. Led by NFL sack leader Shaquil Barrett and Super Bowl champion Chris Jones, the defensive free-agent class is both talented and deep.
Here, we'll run down the most enticing defensive free-agent options based on factors like production, age and upside.