NFL free agency 2019: Top 50 available players

By Conor Myles | Feb 6, 2019

INDIANAPOLIS, IN - DECEMBER 31: Houston Texans defensive end Jadeveon Clowney (90) lines up before the snap during the NFL game between the Indianapolis Colts and Houston Texans on December 31, 2017, at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis, IN. (Photo by Zach Bolinger/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) /

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ARLINGTON, TX – SEPTEMBER 30: Dallas Cowboys defensive end Demarcus Lawrence (90) gestures to the crowds during the game between the Detroit Lions and Dallas Cowboys on September 30, 2018 at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, TX. (Photo by Andrew Dieb/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) /

1. DeMarcus Lawrence, DE

Lawrence comes in as the top free agent of 2019 based on his ability to be a one-man disruptive force. The Dallas Cowboys star pass-rusher played the entire 2018 season on the team’s franchise tag in hopes of duplicating his 2017 and securing a long-term deal as a reward.

The former 2014 second-round pick proved to the Cowboys organization he’s worth the hefty price tag, by showcasing the superstar talent at defensive end. Over the past two seasons, Lawrence had 25 total sacks, but his sack totals don’t attest for how high of a level he has played. According to Pro Football Focus, Lawrence has tallied a total of 93 quarterback hurries the last two seasons. That is a relentlessness amount of pressure, especially considering the rest of Dallas’ defensive lineman on the roster combined for 19.5 sacks.

Dallas intends to keep Lawrence, but with extensions on the horizon for quarterback Dak Prescott and running back Ezekiel Elliott, the Cowboys’ best defensive lineman might get lost in the shuffle prior to free agency. Lawrence’s services will no doubt be in high demand if the pass rusher hits the open market.

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