Javon Hargrave’s colossal work was overshadowed somewhat by that of teammate Haason Reddick for the Philadelphia Eagles last season. Hargrave still managed 11 sacks and was a big contributor to the Super Bowl finalists’ defensive success. Hargrave took advantage of his autonomy to integrate another defensive temple, that of the 49ers. The 30-year-old will therefore join Nick Bosa, the best quarterback hunter of his generation. This new two-headed monster will solidify an already ridiculously dangerous defense. The Niners are an addition or two away from putting together a defense similar to what they did in 2019, when they reached the Super Bowl Finals. The addition of Hargrave is completely in line with the identity of this team.
Jessie Bates was about the only real threat to opposing quarterbacks and receivers in the Bengals secondary. He was among the league’s best last season with four interceptions. He now joins a team in dire need of help on defense, the Falcons. They granted him a hefty sum of $64.02 million over four years. Bates doesn’t have the reputation of Jalen Ramsey or Minkah Fitzpatrick, but in the backfield he’s a tough player to play against. A real stain. He is fast, patient, in addition to being very intelligent in his readings. While this addition is good for the Falcons, the loss will be painful for the Bengals. Bates has been a very consistent performer in Cincinnati since 2018 and his departure is creating a hole in that defense.
Gilmore was at the height of his glory in 2019, with the New England Patriots. His six interceptions, his coverage work, his ability to make big plays and his one-on-one dominance even earned him Defensive Player of the Season honors. The following year, the Pats let him go. A decision still poorly understood by most supporters of the team. Since then, he has made stops in Carolina and Indianapolis. He played only 14 games in two seasons, but he still had four interceptions, on two teams going nowhere. The Cowboys struck a blow when they signed the 32-year-old. While the best may be behind him, pairing Gilmore with Trevon Diggs in the secondary is a masterstroke. Especially for a team taking advantage of the most complete and versatile defense on the circuit. This duo will sparkle in Texas.
The player with the most steals in 2022 heads to Detroit. At 25, the former New Orleans Saints fourth-round pick is in his prime. His progression has been exceptional since his arrival in the NFL. After three seasons, the Saints gave up too quickly on his case. He was dominant in Philadelphia last season with six interceptions in just 12 games. Curious, however, that his new contract with the Lions is only for one year. The Lions, a promising young team and playoff contenders, need a player of this caliber in the backfield if they want to progress. Gardner-Johnson will evolve in a good environment where he can again aspire to great honors. Maybe he wants to play another season to increase his value before signing a long-term contract.
Watch out, quarterbacks in the American East! The NFL’s most menacing defensive duo just took shape in Miami, as Jalen Ramsey moves to Florida and joins Xavien Howard in the process. Two of the best cornerbacks in the league will shine together under the hot Florida sun. Ramsey was the only successful player last year with the Los Angeles Rams, where everything was going badly. He tied a personal best with four interceptions. Ramsey is eccentric, talkative and has a big mouth. He will therefore be like a fish in water in Miami. The Dolphins already had one of the most underrated defensive units in the NFL, but by acquiring the 28-year-old veteran in exchange for a third-round pick and tight end Hunter Long, the Dolphins make sure they are taken seriously once and for all.
