All articles tagged with #3 4 defense
The Buffalo Bills agreed to sign Bradley Chubb to a three-year contract (base $43.5 million, max value $52.5 million with incentives) to bolster the team’s pass rush after releasing him from the Dolphins; Chubb, 29, missed 2024 with an ACL injury but returned to post 8.5 sacks for Miami last season, and his fit appears to align with Buffalo’s plan for a 3-4 defense, though concerns about age and injury history persist.
Buffalo signed free-agent defensive end Bradley Chubb to a three-year, $43.5 million contract (potentially up to $52.5 million with $29 million guaranteed), adding a veteran edge presence to a Bills defense under new coordinator Jim Leonhard that is shifting toward a base 3-4. Chubb, a two-time Pro Bowler who spent the last two seasons with the Dolphins, brings seven NFL seasons and 48 career sacks, though he missed the 2024 season with an ACL injury.
Green Bay traded Colby Wooden to acquire Colts linebacker Zaire Franklin, signaling a shift toward a 3-4 defense under Jonathan Gannon. Franklin, who had a down 2025 season (PFF 38.4), is expected to start at Mike with Isaiah McDuffie backing and Edgerrin Cooper at Will. The deal carries cap implications (Franklin’s $6.24M base salary with cap charges rising to about $7M in 2026 and $9M in 2027), and the Packers have re-signed Nick Niemann while weighing Quay Walker’s free-agent market.
The piece argues Washington should not sign aging defensive end Calais Campbell, citing his 40th birthday in 2026 and a one-year near-$11M deal as a repeat of Adam Peters’ prior veteran-signing misstep. It contends the team’s goal is to get younger and develop a core around players like Javon Kinlaw and others, rather than delaying growth with veteran additions. It suggests targeting rising defenders such as Boye Mafe or Odafe Oweh who fit a 3-4 scheme and offer longer-term upside, rather than investing in an aging, high-cost veteran.
Dallas Cowboys' new defensive staff, led by coordinator Christian Parker, plan to overhaul the defense from a 4-3 to a versatile 3-4, with Chidera Uzo-Diribe coaching outside linebackers and Scott Symons developing inside linebackers; both discuss their approach and what they’ll seek from players at the 2026 NFL Combine to shape the roster.
The Dallas Cowboys will deploy a 3-4 base defense this season for the first time since 2012, under new defensive coordinator Christian Parker, who says the unit will be multiple and tailored to the players. With a strong front seven anchored by Quinnen Williams, Kenny Clark and Osa Odighizuwa, the switch emphasizes pressure and adaptability across fronts and coverages, moving away from their historic 4-3 setup to fit the roster.
The Buffalo Bills are reportedly targeting Jim Leonhard, Denver Broncos' defensive pass game coordinator, to become their next defensive coordinator under new head coach Joe Brady; Leonhard, a former Bills safety and Wisconsin DC known for elite pass defense, would bring modern ideas and a base 3-4 scheme if hired.
The Dallas Cowboys could potentially switch to a 3-4 defense, but it would likely be a game-to-game decision rather than a permanent move. While they have the personnel to play either defense, DeMarcus Lawrence may not fit into a 3-4 scheme and they may need more quality defensive tackles. The Cowboys could address this in the draft, and Micah Parsons could fit just about anywhere.