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New York Giants: Top 27 free agent targets

By Henry Buggy

(Photo by Frederick Breedon/Getty Images)
(Photo by Frederick Breedon/Getty Images) /
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#6 – Detroit Lions DE Ezekiel Ansah

CINCINNATI, OH – DECEMBER 24: Ezekiel Ansah #94 of the Detroit Lions sacks Andy Dalton #14 of the Cincinnati Bengals during the first half at Paul Brown Stadium on December 24, 2017 in Cincinnati, Ohio. (Photo by John Grieshop/Getty Images)
CINCINNATI, OH – DECEMBER 24: Ezekiel Ansah #94 of the Detroit Lions sacks Andy Dalton #14 of the Cincinnati Bengals during the first half at Paul Brown Stadium on December 24, 2017 in Cincinnati, Ohio. (Photo by John Grieshop/Getty Images) /

The Lions would be foolish to let their best pass rusher walk in free agency. Despite dealing with ankle, back, and knee injuries in 2017, Ansah still recorded 12 sacks, three tackles for a loss, and one forced fumble.

He will likely be considered the top free agent pass rusher along with Lawrence but has been more consistent than the Cowboys star defensive end.

The Lions former first-round pick out of BYU has racked up 207 tackles, 44 sacks, 20 tackles for a loss, and 10 forced fumbles in just five seasons.

#5 – New England Patriots CB Malcolm Butler

FOXBORO, MA – OCTOBER 22: Malcolm Butler #21 of the New England Patriots breaks up a pass inteded for Julio Jones #11 of the Atlanta Falcons during the fourth quarter of a game at Gillette Stadium on October 22, 2017 in Foxboro, Massachusetts. (Photo by Maddie Meyer/Getty Images)
FOXBORO, MA – OCTOBER 22: Malcolm Butler #21 of the New England Patriots breaks up a pass inteded for Julio Jones #11 of the Atlanta Falcons during the fourth quarter of a game at Gillette Stadium on October 22, 2017 in Foxboro, Massachusetts. (Photo by Maddie Meyer/Getty Images) /

While Butler will always be remembered for his interception in Super Bowl XLIX, the Patriots 5-foot-11, 190-pound cornerback has been one of New England’s most consistent players over the past three seasons.

The undrafted corner out of West Alabama is coming off another productive year in New England and is looking to add a third Super Bowl ring to his resume. Butler recorded 60 tackles, 12 passes defended, two interceptions, and three forced fumbles during the regular season.

He is sure to draw plenty of interest around the league and may be the best cornerback to hit free agency this offseason.

#4 – Los Angeles Rams C John Sullivan

GLENDALE, AZ – DECEMBER 03: Running back Todd Gurley #30 of the Los Angeles Rams ruhses the football alongside center John Sullivan #65 during the NFL game against the Arizona Cardinals at the University of Phoenix Stadium on December 3, 2017 in Glendale, Arizona. The Rams defeated the Cardinals 32-16. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images)
GLENDALE, AZ – DECEMBER 03: Running back Todd Gurley #30 of the Los Angeles Rams ruhses the football alongside center John Sullivan #65 during the NFL game against the Arizona Cardinals at the University of Phoenix Stadium on December 3, 2017 in Glendale, Arizona. The Rams defeated the Cardinals 32-16. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images) /

Rams left tackle Andrew Whitworth received plenty of praise for Los Angeles’ turnaround in 2017, but Sullivan also played a big factor in the team’s offensive line improvement.

The nine-year veteran signed a one-year deal with the Rams in free agency and would go on to start 15 regular season games and the team’s playoff loss to Atlanta.

Sullivan, 32, has started in 109 games since entering the league in 2008 and should be considered one of the top free agent centers alongside Richburg and Jensen this offseason.

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