Justin Houston, Kansas City Chiefs
After his impressive 22 sack season in 2014, Justin Houston will be at the top of the Chiefs' itinerary this offseason. Still, the Chiefs will face a perilous cap situation that will likely see some compromises being made across the roster. His teammate, Tamba Hali, may find himself on the chopping block in favor of his younger and more productive counterpart.

Brian Orakpo, Atlanta Falcons
After franchising Brian Orakpo in 2014, he failed to prove to Washington that he is worth a long term deal. With the team likely to move on with Ryan Kerrigan and Trent Murphy, Orakpo will look to rejuvenate his career with a new team. Dan Quinn will look to model the Falcons in the image of his highly successful Seattle defense and that job begins up front. Orapko will have the opportunity to play in both three-point ad two-point stances in Quinn’s defense, giving him the opportunity to get to the quarterback in different ways.

Jerry Hughes, Buffalo Bills
Compiling at least 10 sacks over the past two seasons makes Hughes one of the most eligible up-and-comers this offseason. His skill set fits well within the defensive schemes of Rex Ryan, who has never had a young edge rusher with Hughes’ credentials during his time with the Jets. Ryan has made known his desire to have Hughes back in Buffalo, and this writer would expect Bills General Manager Doug Whaley to oblige. 

Jason Worilds, Tennessee Titans
As of late, the Steelers have not been able to live up to the prestigious culture of defense set by their predecessors. In fact, it could be argued that 36-year-old James Harrison was Pittsburgh’s most effective pass rusher last season. Worilds, whom the Steelers decided to extend for a year to better know what they have in him, may decide to completely turn in a new direction with the departure of long time defensive coordinator Dick LeBeau. Speaking of LeBeau, he’ll helm the Titans defense in 2015, and Worilds would make a logical addition to a team devoid of a consistent pass rusher last season.

David Harris, Buffalo Bills
Rex Ryan will inherit roster deep with defensive talent in Buffalo, but it will take more than talent for them to execute his complex schemes. Enter David Harris, who played six seasons under the former Jets head coach and would become the de facto captain and on-field coach for his new team. Although he’s in the midsts of his early 30s, Harris continued to showed production on par with the top players at his position.

Brandon Spikes, New York Jets
Manning the middle for one of the league’s most formidable defenses in 2014 isn't a bad thing for Spikes to add to his resume. As this point in Spikes’ career, teams know what he is: not an every down backer, but one of the best run defenders in the NFL. Provided that David Harris leaves to join Rex Ryan in Buffalo, the Jets will need a capable replacement. Spikes is as familiar as anyone with the AFC East, and his experience will help the Jets continue their defensive presence within their division.

Rolando McClain, Washington Redskins
Perhaps no team is most willing to poach players from their divisional rivals than the Washington Redskins. Last year, the team leaned heavily on free agent acquisitions DeSean Jackson and Jason Hatcher. Rolando McClain had a career renaissance in Dallas and this writer has little doubt that the Redskins took notice. The Redskins never properly addressed the issue of replacing London Fletcher, and McClain would provide interior support not seen since Fletcher’s departure.

Rey Maualuga, Minnesota Vikings
A center-piece of Mike Zimmer’s Cincinnati defense for 5 seasons, Maualuga has a special familiarity with Minnesota’s current head coach. Minnesota ranked in the back third of the NFL in rush defense, and Maualuga would provide his special brand of run stuffing expertise. Placing Maualuga between veteran Chad Greenway and young phenom Anthony Barr would be a perfect fit for the Vikings emerging defense. 

Sean Weatherspoon, Atlanta Falcons
One of the most disappointing developments of the 2014 pre-season was the season ending injury suffered by Sean Weatherspoon. Weatherspoon, who hasn’t played a full season since 2011, has failed to see the field as much as Atlanta’s front office would like, but they know what he means to the locker room. The team will give him one more chance to prove himself, on the field.

Lance Briggs, Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Once the face, along with Brian Urlacher, of Chicago’s daunting Tampa-2 defense, Briggs has found himself head-lining one of the league’s worst for two consecutive seasons. Though he’s not the player he once was, there may be mutual interest for him to join Lovie Smith in Tampa Bay. Briggs may not be counted on as an every down player, but he’ll provide the necessary leadership and experience lacking on a young, albeit talented, Tampa Bay defense.

*Tamba Hali, Kansas City Chiefs
While Justin Houston made a lot of money last season, Tamba Hali was losing his. There’s little chance that Hali sees close to the $11 million dollars he’s expected to make in 2015. Hali appears to be realistic about his untenable cap number and seems willing to restructure in order to stay a Chief. Although his production dipped last year, he is still a formidable pass rusher with enough left in the tank for the Chiefs to extend him at a lower rate.