NFL Free Agency: The 8 Best Pass Rushers Available

This year's crop of free agent pass rushers doesn't have any headliners but there are plenty of players who could be effective sack artists in the right situation.

Chiefs outside linebacker Tamba Hali would have been the most sought after front seven player in free agency had Kansas City not franchised him prior to the lockout, but now players like Ray Edwards and Charles Johnson will be garnering the most attention.

Many of the players on this list should be considered big gambles because they haven't proven that they can put up big numbers on a consistent basis, but they could turn out to be big contributors in the future.

Here is a look at the top eight pass rushers on the free agent market in no particular order.

1. Ray Edwards

Edwards has had life pretty good in Minnesota while playing next to Kevin and Pat Williams, and Jared Allen, but now the 26-year-old could be looking to move on from the Vikings.

Edwards' eight sacks last season were good for second best on the Vikings behind only Allen's 11 sacks and they were the second most in his career.

The former Boilermaker should command a big payday for whoever picks him up once free agency begins but it is tough to say if he will actually be worth it.

2. Charles Johnson

The Panthers had to find someone to replace Julius Peppers ability to get to the opposing quarterback and they appear to have found that player in Johnson.

While Johnson is not on Peppers level just yet (and he may never be), he did record 11.5 sacks last season and he is only 24-years-old.

Johnson will be one of the most sought-after defenders on the market and the Panthers will likely do all that they can to keep their top sack artist on board.

3. Jason Babin

Babin had a huge 2010 season for the Titans as he recorded 12.5 sacks, by far the most during his seven-year NFL career.

Now it will be up to teams to decide if Babin's big sack season was just a one-hit wonder or if the 31-year-old really is worth a big contract.

Someone will likely be willing to give Babin a good-sized payday and while he may deliver on his new deal, the team that signs him will still be taking a big gamble.

4. Manny Lawson

Lawson had just 2.5 sacks last season and while he has not put up the kind of big sack seasons that many of the other players on this list have, he definitely has the ability to get to the opposing passer.

Lawson has some serious speed but that has not translated to big sack totals as of yet; maybe a change of scenery will change that.

The 27-year-old is entering his prime right now and the team that is willing to pay more than the rest for Lawson's services could be rewarded handsomely.

5. Kevin Burnett

The 28-year-old linebacker is coming off of the best pass rushing season of his career after getting to opposing quarterbacks six times last year.

While Burnett has not been known as a pass rusher during the course of his career, he proved that he can get to the quarterback on a fairly consistent basis.

Teams looking to upgrade their linebacker corps could find Burnett to be a solid option and one that could be effective getting after opposing signal-callers.

6. Mathias Kiwanuka

Kiwanuka played in just three games last year before suffering a season-ending injury but he was still able to get to opposing quarterbacks four times.

Kiwanuka has 23.5 sacks during his five-year NFL career and he will likely only get better with more consistent playing time in the future.

The 28-year-old will likely be one of the more attractive pass rushing options once free agency finally begins.

7. Cullen Jenkins

Jenkins has been quite impressive when it comes to sacking quarterbacks given the fact that he tips the scales at more than 300 lbs.

The 30-year-old had seven sacks last season to raise his career total to 29.

Jenkins will be a highly sought after player during free agency because he is stout against the run while also getting after opposing quarterbacks.

8. Cliff Avril

Last season, Avril recorded 8.5 sacks for the Lions, and if you thought he benefited last year with the addition of Ndamukong Suh to the Detroit defensive front, then Avril should definitely consider sticking around now that Nick Fairley is coming to town.

Avril is just 25 years old and he's likely to be entering the prime of his career in the very near future, so he could command a hefty salary on the open market.

The Lions' back seven is nowhere near as strong as their front four, and they could really use Avril back as they look to return to respectability this season.