Before free agency, DNA of Sports offers you its traditional Top 5 free agents who will be available at each position on March 13. The second defensive curtain is in the spotlight with the linebackers.
Beautiful names, complete profiles, the headliners of the second curtain have no shortage of assets to land great contracts.
1 – Jerome Baker (LB) – 27 years old
2023 stats: 13 games, 78 tackles including 3 for loss, 1.5 sacks, 2 interceptions, 1 touchdown
Freshly released by the Dolphins, Jerome Baker directly enters our ranking in 1st place. A complete linebacker, he was until then one of the figures of Miami's defense. A tackling machine, he is also capable of putting pressure on the quarterback, as proven by his 22.5 career sacks, and of covering. At 27 years old, despite missing the first 4 matches of his career in 2023, Baker is a sure bet in his position. The type of player who could bring real added value to a defense and be the relay for his staff on the field.
The ideal destination: Minnesota Vikings
A strong man in the Brian Flores system when the latter was coach of the Dolphins, Baker could be tempted to join his former mentor in Minnesota. Without a leader in the middle since the departure of Eric Kendricks, the Vikings could associate him with the 2023 revelation, Ivan Pace. A second curtain that would look great.
2 – Patrick Queen (ILB) – 24 years old
2023 stats: 17 games, 133 tackles, 3.5 sacks, 1 interception, 1 forced fumble
A model of consistency, Patrick has never missed a game since arriving in the NFL. Combined with Roquan Smith, they form the best second curtain in the entire league by far. Like his teammate, Queen is a complete linebacker. A formidable tackler, playmaker, he was rightly honored by a selection in the 2nd All Pro team in 2023. At only 24 years old, a massive contract should make him change scenery and category. Unless the teams judge that he is enhanced by the presence of Smith at his side.
The ideal destination: Houston Texans
In a defense in full renewal, led by a new generation symbolized among others by Will Anderson Jr., the squad led by DeMeco Ryans could find in Queen, the missing link to link all the lines. With a newfound attractiveness, the Houston franchise has sporting arguments to put forward. And financial too.
3 – Jordyn Brooks (ILB) – 26 years old
2023 stats: 16 games, 111 tackles including 10 for loss, 4.5 sacks, 1 forced fumble, 1 interception, 1 touchdown
A surprise guest in the first round of the 2020 draft, the linebacker from Texas Tech had a discreet debut in Seattle. Then in the shadow of Bobby Wagner, young Brooks grew up. Second best tackler in the NFL in 2021, he was in the top 10 again in 2022. But the franchise decided not to exercise the option for his 5th year. It was very bad for them, because after a more than convincing 2023 financial year, he is a free agent. Less used as a tackling soldier with the return of Wagner, we discovered him more complete, capable of disrupting the pocket and bringing danger to the opposing thrower.
The ideal destination: Dallas Cowboys
Looking for a captain at the heart of their defense for several seasons, the Cowboys would have the opportunity to get their hands on a player of the caliber of their ambitions. Financially, the operation would not necessarily be simple given the availability of the franchise. But when you want, you can.
4 – Devin White (ILB) – 26 years old
2023 stats: 14 games, 83 tackles, 2.5 sacks, 2 interceptions
Strong man of the Florida defense during the title in 2020, Devin White has been further behind since, and particularly this season. Placed on the bench during the season due to an attitude problem, his new staff will have to manage to channel the player to achieve his full potential. A master in the art of the blitz, White has always suffered in coverage, and needs a teammate at his side who can fill his gaps.
The ideal destination: Green Bay Packers
A new defensive scheme in 4-3, a De'Vondre Campbell no longer welcome, the Packers need to provide reinforcement to Quay Walker on the second curtain. White would bring an attractive aggressive profile for new defensive coordinator Jeff Hafley.
5 – Frankie Luvu (ILB) – 27 years old
2023 stats: x
Anonymous during his first years of career, Luvu has taken on a new dimension over the past 2 seasons. A complete player, he is one of the rare satisfactions of the Panthers who have been in distress for two seasons.
The ideal destination: Carolina Panthers
Why change when you are in the right place? Under the orders of Ejiro Evero, Luvu confirmed that he was not just the man of a year. Among the leaders of the team, it is not at all sure that he will find an environment that is as favorable to him elsewhere.
Other interesting names: Lavonte David (ILB), Za'Darius Smith (OLB), Leonard Floyd (OLB), Randy Gregory (OLB), Kenneth Murray (ILB), Joey Jewell (ILB), Bobby Wagner (ILB), Shaquille Leonard (ILB), Drue Tranquill (ILB), Willie Gay (LB), Sione Takitaki (ILB), Isaiah Simmons (LB), Zach Baun (OLB)
