Top 5 CFL Free Agent Defensive Linemen
The CFL has seen a rise in the number of talented pass rushers who have entered the league. It’s been encouraging to see how many defensive linemen have been able to dominate at the position.
The league recently released CFL.ca’s list of the top 30 pending free agents. Six of those players are defensive linemen with Winnipeg’s Willie Jefferson and Montreal’s Shawn Lemon being re-signed to their 2023 teams.
Here is the list of the top five defensive linemen available to be signed in 2024 when free agency kicks off in February.
Top Five CFL Free Agent Defensive Linemen
Breaking Down Best Available DLs (Previous Team)
5. Brandon Barlow (Toronto Argonauts)
The only player left out of the top 30 on this list, Brandon Barlow had a breakout 2023 season finishing tied for eighth in the CFL with nine sacks. Barlow added 32 total tackles, two forced fumbles, two fumble recoveries and two tackles for loss in 14 games. The 25-year-old defensive lineman is a rising star on defense that could become a focal point for the Argos’ defense if they bring him back.
4. Shawn Oakman (Argonauts)
Another Argonaut on this list has been shown to be the model of consistency on the defensive line. Shawn Oakman had a third straight CFL season with at least six sacks, adding 27 tackles and a forced fumble in 15 games. His ability to be a run stopper and apply pressure on the quarterback makes him a highly sought after free agent with veteran experience.
3. Bryce Carter (Ottawa Redblacks)
Ottawa found a force on the defensive line with Bryce Carter. Playing in every game last season, Carter racked up the second highest sacks in the CFL with 12, tying with two other players. He also had 31 tackles, four tackles for loss, two forced fumbles and one fumble recovery. It would be a surprise for the Redblacks to let Carter walk, but if he is free, he would be an instant upgrade at the position.
2. AC Leonard (Edmonton Elks)
From the moment he entered the CFL in 2015, AC Leonard has been one of the top pass rushers in the league and continues that trend at age 31. Since 2016, Leonard has recorded five or more sacks in six of those seven seasons, including a career-high 12 sacks in 2023. Having played on five different CFL teams, it’s a mystery where Leonard will play, but some team should grab him quickly if available in February.
1. Mathieu Betts (BC Lions)
The CFL’s 2023 sack leader is indeed a free agent, as BC Lions’ Mathieu Betts finished with 18 sacks, which was six more than anyone else. Betts also contributed 44 total tackles, three tackles for loss and four forced fumbles playing in all 18 games. NFL teams have spent the past week working out Betts so if he doesn’t secure contract in the United States, a CFL team will make sure he isn’t available for long if the Lions don’t sign him first.
Top Five 2024 CFL Free Agent Offensive Linemen
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Anthony Miller has been covering professional spring football since 2019 including XFL, USFL, and CFL. He was a local news reporter in Texas before transitioning to sports. Other sites he writes for includes College Football Network and NTZ Network.