Jasper Brinkley (52) looks on after the game against the San Francisco 49ers at Candlestick Park. Mandatory Credit: Ed Szczepanski-USA TODAY Sports
Yesterday, the Buffalo Bills hosted former Baltimore Ravens starting inside linebacker Jameel McClain on a free agent visit, as McClain was a cap casualty so that the Ravens could clear space to re-sign Dennis Pitta (five-year deal), Eugene Monroe, and fellow LB Daryl Smith. They also have touted second-year pro Arthur Brown moving up to the starting lineup, so McClain was expendable.
He is, however, a fully legitimate option for the Buffalo Bills, and they also announced today that they are working out Jasper Brinkley, who played in 15 games last season in his only year with the Arizona Cardinals before being released. The 28-year-old barely played, recording just 27 tackles and one passes defended, and he’s just a backup at this point. Brinkely once recorded 98 tackles and forced three fumbles in 2012 for the Minnesota Vikings, but that’s the only solid production he’s ever put up in his four-year career.
McClain looks like the better option for the Bills, but it will be interesting to see how today’s visit with Brinkely goes. He is a quality backup and not a bad option for the Bills, but McClain will simply add more to the team’s linebacking group if signed, especially since Brinkely offers nothing in coverage.