5.5 sack free agent Chauncey Golston could be a gem this offseason where he may spark interest from several teams. According to reports, he’s another potential former Cowboy who could shake up the free-agent market after the team already lost several defensive stars to the Commanders last offseason. Since Dante Fowler Jr. and Dorance Armstrong left to reunite with Dan Quinn, they have been putting on a show, recording 15.5 sacks and 28 quarterback hits together. Golston probably has a lesser chance of returning considering the Cowboys are prioritizing signing Osa Odighizuwa to a long-term contract but even that could become difficult.
However, Golston could be a gem that most teams are looking for. Originally selected in the third round of the 2021 NFL Draft, the former Iowa product has the long arms to get another quarterback and his abilities to make a force in the trenches could be a scary scene if he joins a legitimate contender. However, Golston is more known to be a rotating defensive lineman after finishing the 2024 campaign, recording 5.5 sacks and has been increasingly better each week. He has the size with his frame (6-5, 270), so there’s no reason why he shouldn’t have a market.
Gholston may not have become a full-time starter until this past season, but he has plenty of gas to give to a team that wants a strong defensive trench. He might not lead in sacks or be a superstar pass rusher but he could be the worthy man to fill the gaps.
5.5 Sack Free Agent Chauncey Golston Could Be “Sleeper” This Offseason – Panthers, Chargers, Saints Likely Top Fits
Rebuilding the Panther Arc
While the Panthers will embrace rebuilding their offense for quarterback Bryce Young, they should use the same energy for the defense. Since Jadeveon Clowney is likely a cut candidate, the team should be looking for a defensive lineman to assist Derrick Brown’s return. The outlook of the trenches for the Panthers looks bleak and with Shaq Thompson’s future up in the air, the road doesn’t get any easier for the team. They need something to revive the defensive unit and perhaps they could welcome signing Golston.
The good news is that the defensive lineman shouldn’t be too costly and he could be an excellent choice to assist Brown. He doesn’t need to be a perfect high-caliber option but something to open up chances for other defenders to get after the quarterback.
Golston in the Trenches
Nobody loves playing hard physical football other than head coach Jim Harbaugh. Golston has everything he wants in a true old-school ball player who can be a force that no one can stop. However, they must make it a priority to at least re-sign Poona Ford to a new contract since Khalil Mack and Joey Bosa probably won’t return. Perhaps, Ford and Golston could form a new scary duo to help balance this defense out.
Throwing Around Pennies
Meanwhile, the Saints will need a new replacement for Chase Young since his future is uncertain with the team as a free agent. General Manager Mickey Loomis doesn’t have the financial liberty to get an outstanding pass rusher to bolster the defense. However, he has the creativity to mindset to make a deal happen and that could very well be Golston. With Cameron Jordan aging, it’s time for Loomis to swallow his pride and rebuild a new defense.
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