Before the free agency, DNA of Sports offers you its traditional Top 5 free agents which will be available at each position on March 16.
The linebacker position (or rather the positions) remains important in football. Formerly central position of a defense, the evolution (NFL and NCAA) makes that these players are from now on in withdrawal compared to the cornerbacks and other edge rushers of a defense. However, and because they have been able to reinvent themselves with more cover skills, these second-curtain players remain valuable.
However, for those who have reached the end of their contract, the competition is fierce: a lot of players are available, whether on the market or during any draft. Because you must not be born with an exceptional size, as for offensive and defensive linemen, or have athletic qualities well beyond the norm, the linebacker market offers a well-stocked range each year.
By “Linebackers”, we mean here the players evolving inside (43 or 34) or outside a 43 and not, the pass rushers (34 Outside Linebackers).
1- Bobby Wagner (Seahawks), 31 years old
2021 stats: 170 tackles including 3 for losses, 1 interception
NFL number 1 linebacker for a few years, Bobby Wagner will play somewhere other than Seattle in 2022. His level of play still makes him the best linebacker on this list. His experience and his leadership are also assets and the proposals will not be lacking: Cleveland Browns, Baltimore Ravens, Dallas Cowboys or Miami Dolphins, for example. A native of Los Angeles, he could also be seduced by the Chargers, their young quarterback at the head of an ambitious team and a franchise with cash that can satisfy him. He would still not dare to join the Rams of his hometown? Needed at the post, the Broncos could strike another big blow with his signature.
2- De’Vondre Campbell (Packers), 28
2021 stats: 17 games (including 1 playoff), 153 tackles including 6 for losses, 6 passes defended including 2 interceptions, 2 forced fumbles
After 4 seasons in Atlanta then a remarkable passage of a season in Arizona, De’Vondre Campbell exploded with Green Bay in 2021 and became All Pro. Tall and athletic, he can match any scheme: 34 or 43. He should finally capitalize.
“It’s a league with a lot of good players but I think I’m one of them. So when I see all these linebackers signing good contracts, I wonder why not me? Just watch the games I produce every year. “, he said to Sports Illustrated in January 2022.
He should finally get a multi-season and 8-figure contract this time. Green Bay would like to keep him but the current salary margin seems very thin to be able to do so. Lacking talent in the position, the Miami Dolphins, among others, could outbid.
3- Foyesade Oluokun (Falcons), 26 years old
2021 stats: 17 games, 192 tackles including 2 sacks, 6 passes defended including 3 interceptions
Passed by Yale, this player with a well-made head is a hunter on the ground. Possessing a lot of speed, he burst onto the screen in 2021 with the Atlanta Falcons: 192 tackles and 3 interceptions. Dallas Cowboys defensive coordinator Dan Quinn coached him in Atlanta. And speaking of connection, Foye Oluokun played with Ezekiel Elliott in high school. Needed for this position, Jerry Jones could take out his Platinum card to sign him.
4- Jordan Hicks (Cardinals), 29
2021 stats: 18 games (including 1 playoff), 124 tackles including 7 for losses and 5 passes defended
Bargain for a franchise looking for a plating machine. Over the past three seasons, Jordan Hicks produced 150 tackles in the regular season then 118 then 116 in 2021. If the Cardinals release him, it is mainly to make room for young Isaiah Simmons and Zaven Collins. To replace Dont’a Hightower, the Patriots could consider it. The Detroit Lions need a back-curtain commander and Hicks could fill that role.
5- Kyzir White (Chargers), 26 years old
2021 stats: 17 games, 144 tackles including 7 for losses, 2 interceptions and 2 forced fumbles
safety at university, Kyzir White has steadily progressed in 4 seasons. Second player most used in defense by the Chargers in 2021 (84% of defensive plays), he shone with his ability in tackles: 144 including 7 behind the line of engagement. Also contributing in blitz and coverage, he is making a name for himself in the NFL and he will be courted. But Kyzir White seems to flourish in the system advocated by coach Brandon Staley where his speed of intervention hits the mark. With a comfortable salary margin, the Chargers should make it a priority and the player is unlikely to change jerseys in 2022.
Others : Leighton Vander Esch (Cowboys), Anthony Barr (Viking), Christian Kirksey (Texans), alexander johnson (broncos), Jalen Reeves Maybin and Alex Anzalone (lions), Dont’a Hightower (Patriots), KJ Wright (Raiders), Anthony Walker (Brown), Kyle Van Noy (Patriots), Rashaan Evans (Titan), Kwon Alexander (Saints), Azeez Al Shaair (49ers)…
Nice American story because coming from a city too small to have a high school team made up of 11 players, ELV first justified his status as a player selected in the 1st round of the draft (2018). His problems with injuries later delayed his progress. Little mentioned in the media and yet very effective, Azeez Al Shaair will sign a much more lucrative contract than the 2 million dollars earned in 3 seasons. His 2021 season with 98 tackles and 5 defended passes will allow him to do so, especially since he is only 24 years old. Drafted in the top 10 of the 2014 draft, Anthony Barr is a safe bet in the NFL. No, he didn’t become a top 50 player in the NFL, as his draft status might suggest. But impact player in pursuit and also to put pressure, he can help a defense in many ways. The Philadelphia Eagles are short of an impact linebacker and defensive coordinator Jonathan Gannon knew Barr well in Minnesota.
Christian Kirksey is a linebacker offering coverage skills and that gives him value in 2022. This is not the case for alexander johnson but before his injury after 6 games in 2021, he had shown his ability in tackles for two and a half seasons, and that is the first quality of a linebacker. Formerly dominant players, Dont’a Hightower and KJ Wright are now in their thirties who could interest defenses lacking experience but more, to be the major player in a second curtain.
