Sanker played in 17 regular-season games during the 2025 campaign, tallying 80 tackles (46 solo) and six passes defended, including two interceptions.

The rookie third-rounder was thrust into a starting role after Julian Blackmon sustained a season-ending torn labrum Week 1. Sanker went on to play almost every defensive snap for the remainder of his rookie campaign, finishing fourth on the Saints in tackles and tied for second in interceptions. The 23-year-old established himself as a key piece in New Orleans' secondary as a rookie, but he may see less playing time in 2026 after Blackmon re-signed a one-year deal to return alongside stalwart strong safety Justin Reid.

Mukuba (ankle) played in 11 regular-season games (10 starts) during the 2025 campaign, posting 46 tackles (including 0.5 sacks) and three defensed passes (including two interceptions).

Mukuba was selected in the second round of last April's NFL Draft and took on a big role right away as a rookie. He notched his first pickoff in his second game and logged a defensive snap share of at least 80 percent in 10 of the 11 contests in which he appeared. However, Mukuba fractured his right ankle in late November and subsequently underwent surgery, marking an end to his season. Mukuba should be ready for the beginning of the 2026 campaign and figures to reclaim his starting role in Philadelphia's secondary.

Jackson played in 14 regular-season games (10 starts) during the 2025 campaign, recording 55 tackles and 11 defensed passes, including an interception.

Jackson missed one game due to a concussion and another because of a groin issue but otherwise managed to stay mostly healthy. His 11 defensed passes ranked third on Philadelphia and were his most since his rookie 2017 campaign. Jackson is slated to be a free agent, and it remains to be seen if the Eagles will try to bring him back.

Dean tallied 55 tackles (including 4.0 sacks), one defensed pass and two forced fumbles over 10 regular-season games (eight starts) during the 2025 campaign.

Dean missed the first five games of the season while recovering from a knee injury and then sat out Weeks 17 and 18 because of a hamstring issue. While that led to his overall tackle total being less than half of what it was (128) in 2024, Dean did manage to reach a career-best mark with his 4.0 sacks. He just completed the final year of his rookie deal, so Dean is slated to be a free agent.

Harrell recorded 25 tackles (14 solo) with 4.5 sacks and one forced fumble across 17 games with the Titans in 2025.

Harrell played exclusively on special teams for the first five games of the season, but his role increased from there. He ultimately played over 50 percent of defensive snaps for most of the second half of the campaign, and he accounted for 4.0 sacks across his last five contests. Harrell could continue to serve as a solid pass rusher while seeing the field primarily on passing downs in 2026.

Sneed (quadriceps) recorded 26 tackles (18 solo) with three passes defensed across seven games in 2025.

Sneed was expected to become a key part of Tennessee's defense when he signed a four-year, $76.4 million contract ahead of the 2024 season. Instead, he's combined to appear in only 12 games across two campaigns while failing to record an interception. Sneed missed the Titans' last 10 games of 2025 with a quad injury, and he's very likely to be cut before the new league year.

Sweat recorded 34 tackles (16 solo), 2.0 sacks and one pass defensed across 12 games with the Titans in 2025.

Sweat missed five of Tennessee's first six games, primarily due to an ankle injury. That led to a downturn in his overall statistical output, though he remained strong against the run and also tallied 18 quarterback pressures -- a much higher rate than his rookie campaign. Sweat will pair with Jeffery Simmons in 2026 as a formidable duo along the Titans' defensive line.

Tonga played in 14 regular-season games (eight starts) in 2025, registering 24 tackles and two defensed passes.

Tonga's eight regular-season starts and 336 defensive snaps were the most in his five-year career. He missed four games late in the campaign (including the wild-card win over the Chargers) but played in the Patriots' final three postseason contests and posted seven stops, including 1.0 sacks, over that span. Tonga was playing on a one-year contract and is slated to be a free agent.

Barmore played in all 17 of New England's regular-season games in 2025, making 16 starts and finishing with 29 tackles, including 2.0 sacks.

Barmore played in only four games in 2024 due to a medical issue involving blood clots. Fortunately, that problem appears to have been resolved given his ability to play in all 21 of the Patriots' contests (including the playoffs) this past year. Barmore signed a four-year contract extension in April of 2024, so he should be back as a key piece of New England's defensive line next season.

Williams recorded 29 tackles, including 3.5 sacks, along with a defensed pass over 12 regular-season games (all starts) in 2025.

Williams' first campaign in New England was interrupted by an ankle injury that caused him to miss five contests late in the season. He was able to return to action in Week 18 and then played a big role during the Patriots' playoff run, posting seven tackles, including 3.0 sacks, along with a defensed pass across four contests. Williams will be in the second year of a four-year deal in 2026 and should again be a key component of New England's defensive line.