Today we look at the scrappers and generals of NFL defenses – the linebackers.
Once again, we see the fruits of the lockouts, with no less than 65 unrestricted free agents at this position — along with 13 restricted free agents and 4 under exclusive rights. Took a while for me to make up my mind, but here’s a look at who I like of the bunch.
1. Curtis Lofton – Falcons
I love this guy. Lofton is a middle linebacker who plays hard every week, does his job well and seems to just keep racking up tackls. Lofton is going to cost some team A LOT of money. More than likely he stays in Atlanta, but if he can get lured away by big money — like we saw with Julius Peppers not so long ago — it could happen.
Possible landing spots: ATL, CIN, DEN, NYG, PHI, TB, DET, BUF, TEN
2. D’Qwell Jackson – Browns
Jackson is one of the most talented young linebackers in the NFL today. His problem lies in his durability. He has missed at least two seasons worth of play due to multiple injuries and this is a big concern for any team that looks to scout him following his big time performance during his contract year. With that being said, it is understood that Jackson is very eager to remain in Cleveland and wants to be put under the franchise tag if necessary. For now, assume he stays home.
Possible landing spots: CLE
3. David Hawthorne – Seahawks
Hawthorne is a true blue linebacker. He goes in, does his job and impresses people simply by melting into the scenary. Hawthorne is what I like to call a real team player – he does his job so well that he barely gets noticed. Unfortunately for him, this means he won’t get the superstar contract he deserves — which means he will probably stay in Seattle on a decent, but not amazing contract.
Possible landing spots: SEA, CIN, BUF, PHI, DEN
4. Anthony Spencer – Cowboys
Spencer is an outside linebacker who hasn’t quite had that breakout season everyone has been expecting. Playing alongside DeMarcus Ware, it was expected that the very talented Spencer would thrive but he has failed to mark his territory. Because of this, the Cowboys are likely to give him the opportunity to test the waters. Unfortunately for Spencer, this could be a bad time to be a free agent.
This year’s outside linebacker draft class is quite strong and teams may hesitate to pay good money to an as yet unproven player such as Spencer. In this case, expect someone to either get a terrific deal or for this one-time stud to fade out
Possible landing spots: ARI, HOU, KC, SD, SF, BAL, GB, NYJ
5. Stephen Tulloch – Lions
When Stephen Tulloch left Tennessee for Detroit, it was on a one year deal designed to increase his free agent value for the following offseason. A year on and it is mission accomplished. With the Lions having a number of free agents to deal with in the defensive front — namely Tulloch, Avril and Levy — expect Tulloch to be the player they try to short-change. Given his very good play in 2011, Tulloch will likely move on once again. Who knows – he may even find himself back in Tennessee with the contract he wanted when he left.
Possible landing spots: DET, TEN, CIN, BUF, PHI, DEN
6. London Fletcher – Redskins
Fletcher was one of the highest profile snubs when the original Pro Bowl rosters were announced having gotten the highest number of tackles of any player in the NFL in 2011. At age 37 he is no spring chicken but his production is right up there year after year. He has expressed a strong desire to retire as a Redskin and it appears that Washington will likely pay him to do just that.
Possible landing spots: WAS
Restricted – DeAndre Levy, Aaron Maybin
Exclusive Rights – Sergio Kindle
Watch Out For – Dan Connor, Kirk Morrison, Barrett Ruud, E.J. Henderson, Chase Blackburn
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