The Best Edge Rushers in the NFC South of the 2020s

In the ongoing evaluation of the All-NFC South Team of the 2020s, the focus shifted to the defense, particularly the edge rushers. Throughout this decade, Cameron Jordan has stood out for the New Orleans Saints, although he faced some challenging seasons. He attributes these struggles to the hiring of Todd Grantham as his coach. As he prepares for what may be his final season before retiring, Jordan hopes to solidify his legacy ahead of a potential induction into the Pro Football Hall of Fame.

Another key player on the list is Brian Burns of the Carolina Panthers, who made a significant impact from 2020 to 2023. Although Burns was a first-round pick in 2019 and had a strong track record with 54 tackles for loss and 38.5 sacks, the Panthers opted not to secure him on a long-term contract. His performance earned him two Pro Bowl selections.

The selection criteria for the All-NFC South team included Approximate Value (AV) from Pro Football Reference, which quantifies a player's contribution based on game appearances, responsibilities, and overall impact. Points were also assigned for being recognized as an All-Pro or Pro Bowler, reflecting the players' influence within the division.

First Team:
- Cameron Jordan
- Team: New Orleans Saints (2020 to present)
- AV: 62
- Awards: Pro Bowler (3)
- Score: 71
Despite producing only six sacks between 2023 and 2024, Jordan proved his worth with a total of 39 sacks and 52 tackles for loss across 65 games. His credentials argue in favor of his induction into the Pro Football Focus Hall of Fame.

- Brian Burns
- Team: Carolina Panthers (2020 to 2023)
- AV: 35
- Awards: Pro Bowler (2)
- Score: 41
Burns emerged strongly in his first few years, but his absence from the Panthers after the 2023 season is notable, as his skills on the edge remain unmatched by his successors.

Second Team:
- Shaquil Barrett
- Team: Tampa Bay Buccaneers (2020 to 2024)
- AV: 31
- Awards: Pro Bowler
- Score: 34
Barrett's transition from the Denver Broncos to Tampa Bay saw him flourish, culminating in a standout season in 2019 with 19.5 sacks.

- Carl Granderson
- Team: New Orleans Saints (2020 to present)
- AV: 30
- Awards: N/A
- Score: 30
Although Granderson is not consistently racking up double-digit sacks, his well-rounded ability on defense illustrates his importance to the Saints' lineup as a dependable edge rusher.

As time progresses, it will be interesting to see if any of the younger defenders can challenge the established leaders in the upcoming years.