Every team is looking for guys who can get after the opposing quarterback. Although the most cost effective route is through the draft, most young defensive ends take quite a while before they can become effective pass rushers on the NFL level. For the teams in need of pass rushing help, we’ve listed the top free agent defensive ends scheduled to hit free agency in 2015.

1. Jason Pierre-Paul

“JPP” is a former first-round pick who has been a physical freak since entering the league. When healthy, Pierre-Paul is one of the very best defensive ends in football, but back injuries have limited his effectiveness in recent years.

In four years, JPP has been selected to two Pro Bowls.

“To be honest with you, I’m not worried about my contract situation,” Pierre-Paul said last week in an ESPN report. “It’s going to take care of itself. If I’m here, I’m here. If I’m not, I’m not. I don’t think about it. I go home and sleep good at night.”

Although back injuries are certainly a concern, Pierre-Paul is still only 25 years old and it’s reasonable to assume that his best years might still be ahead of him. JPP will receive a major contract due to his athleticism and age and it’s safe to assume that most teams with money will be interested.

2. Greg Hardy

After being franchised by the Carolina Panthers, Greg Hardy played in just one game before the Panthers deactivated him and then later placed him on the commissioner’s exempt list as he awaits word from his appeal for a domestic violence conviction.

“These are societal issues,” Rivera said. “These are all things we all have to be very mindful of, that we’re doing things the right way, that we’re doing things to present the right image, the right direction.

“People are looking at us in terms of the moral compass, so we’ve got to be smart about things we decide.”

When Hardy is playing, he’s ascended toward elite defensive end status as he led the Panthers with 15 sacks in 2013 and has 26 sacks over the past two seasons. At 6-foot-4, 290 pounds, Hardy can play in either a 3-4 or 4-3, but has prospered in Ron Rivera’s 4-3 defense.

Hardy’s legal issues will likely come into play in the offseason and he may be available at somewhat of a discount for a team once it’s determined whether he’ll have an additional suspension from the league.

3. Jerry Hughes

After looking like a first-round bust for the Indianapolis Colts, Jerry Hughes has found a home in Buffalo where he’s played very well. Hughes has been a very active piece on the resurgent Bills’ defensive line where he has 7.5 sacks this season, after collecting 10 sacks last year.

“I think it was good for me to be able to produce like that,” Hughes said. “After waiting three years there were times where you let doubt creep in about your game, so to come out and have a pretty good season in 2013 was very rewarding.”

Hughes has seemed to have found a system in Buffalo that showcases his talents, and he gets to play opposite the talented Mario Williams and next to Marcel Dareus. It would be a shame to see Hughes leave upstate New York due to the fit, but it’s unclear whether the Bills will be able to make a financial commitment to the third-best player on their defensive line.

4. Cliff Avril

Cliff Avril has been a productive pass rusher for most of his seven seasons in the NFL, split between the Detroit Lions and Seattle Seahawks. Avril helped Seattle win the Super Bowl last season as he registered eight sacks on a defense that harassed quarterbacks throughout 2013.

Like the rest of his Seahawks linemates, Avril has struggled in 2014 as he has just a pair of sacks and one forced fumble. There are now questions about Avril’s talent, as he benefited from playing with guys like Chris Clemons and Red Bryant who departed Seattle after last season.

“It is a contract year, but I’m not thinking about it,’’ Avril said. “For me, a repeat (Super Bowl) would be the best reward, and then the contract stuff will clearly play itself out.’’

Avril is still just 28 years old and he has a history of production, which is what his agent will certainly use to sell him to interested teams. Cliff will likely receive a sizeable deal in total money, with a lower guaranteed figure.

5. Anthony Spencer

The former first-round pick has changed defensive schemes a few times during his eight-year tenure in Dallas. Spencer has never become the great pass rusher opposite DeMarcus Ware that he was drafted to be, but he has been a solid contributor.

Spencer’s best season came in 2012 when he had 11 sacks in 14 games. Since then he’s only played in eight of a possible 26 games and has just 1.5 sacks.

Spencer will be 31 when he hits free agency and he appears to be a better fit in a 3-4 defense than a 4-3 alignment.

Best Of The Rest

Some of the other defensive ends that are scheduled to hit free agency include Cory Redding, B.J. Raji, Adrian Clayborn, Fili Moala, Alex Carrington, Jarvis Jenkins, Leger Douzable, Alan Branch, George Selvie, C.J. Wilson and Tim Jamison.