Bears, Bucs, Colts, Commanders, Patriots named possible landing spots for 34-game starting edge rusher

The Chicago Bears, Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Indianapolis Colts, Washington Commanders, and New England Patriots have been linked to a veteran free agent edge rusher this offseason.

CBS Sports' Zach Pereles believes Seattle Seahawks free-agent defender Boye Mafe will have a competitve market in free agency, with Chicago, Indianapolis, Washington, and New England potentially being interested.

However, Pereles predicts Mafe will land in Tampa Bay with the Bucs in free agency:

"Tampa Bay desperately needs to its pass-rushing department, and it does so here with Mafe, who has shown flashes but saw his role reduced this year."

Mafe had a down year in 2025 and has seen fewer snaps over the last two years, tallying just two sacks and 40 quarterback pressures in 365 pass-rushing snaps this season.

In 2024, Mafe tallied six sacks and 47 quarterback pressures. His best season came in 2023 with nine sacks and 58 quarterback pressures in 16 starts.

Though Mafe's role has dipped on Seattle's defense, the 27-year-old can still be a valuable rotational pass-rusher.

Outside of YaYa Diaby, Tampa Bay lacked much production from its pass rush in 2025, so adding Mafe would make sense.

Chicago, Indianapolis, and New England could also look to add Mafe for quality depth, but he likely won't start for any of those teams. However, Washington will need edge rushing help with Von Miller set to hit the market, so signing Mafe would be a logical move.

Mafe isn't an elite pass rusher, but the Minnesota product will be cheap to sign and would be a viable complementary edge rusher for any franchise seeking an extra boost to its pass rush.

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