Free Agent Linebacker Rankings
[NOTE: Click the links to see our free agency rankings for quarterbacks, running backs, fullbacks,tight ends, centers, guards, offensive tackles, wide receivers, safeties, and cornerbacks. We’ll continue our way through all of the positions this week.]
Outside of Chad Greenway on the strong side, the Vikings have reached somewhat of a crossroads at the linebacker position. Jasper Brinkley and Erin Henderson were not the world’s best starters at their respective positions in 2012, and each are scheduled to be free agents next month along with backup Marvin Mitchell.
I wouldn’t be shocked if the Vikings re-signed one or both of their starters at some point this offseason, but there are also plenty of opportunities to think about outside of the current roster. The Draft has some interesting prospects, but free agency also contains some plausible options:
Top Tier
Perhaps the best linebacker set to be a free agent is one coming from our rivals in Green Bay. Brad Jones filled in very well for the injured Desmond Bishop last season, and it is clear that he should remain a starter somewhere. He could be a solid fit for the Vikings in the middle, and stealing from a divisional foe is always and added bonus.
It can be hard to spot decent individual talent on the Riaders, but weakside linebacker Phillip Wheeler earned himself a decent contract by sticking out during Oakland’s miserable season.
The Ravens already know that Ray Lewis is a goner, so that makes it even more crucial to re-sign Dannell Ellerbe, who was one of the NFL’s better linebackers this season.
With the starting duo staying healthy this season Larry Grant of the Niners did not get to see extensive action like he did in 2011. Still, if Grant can go elsewhere and play like he did two seasons ago as a starter, then he will soon be name hear a lot about.
Second Tier
5. Nick Barnett, BUF
6. Daryl Smith, JAC
7. Leroy Hill, SEA
8. Erin Henderson, MIN
9. Manny Lawson, CIN
10. Chase Blackburn, NYG
11. Thomas Howard, CIN
12. Justin Durant, DET
13. Scott Fujita, CLE
14. Bradie James, HOU
15. Barrett Ruud, HOU
16. Nick Roach, CHI
17. Keith Rivers, NYG
18. Larry Foote, PIT
19. Brian Urlacher, CHI
Third Tier
20. Kaluka Maiava, CLE
21. Keyaron Fox, PIT
22. Marvin Mitchell, MIN
23. Kirk Morrison, BUF
24. DeAndre Levy, DET
25. Lorenzo Alexander, WAS
26. Jasper Brinkley, MIN
27. Rey Maualuga, CIN
28. Keith Brooking, DEN
29. Ernie Sims, DAL
30. Michael Boley, NYG
31. Rocky McIntosh, STL
32. Will Witherspoon, TEN
33. Brady Poppinga, DAL
The Rest
34. Mario Haggan, STL
35. Dan Skuta, CIN
36. Geno Hayes, CHI
37. Tracy White, NE
38. Jason Phillips, Carolina
39. Moise Fokou, IND
40. Niko Koutouvides, NE
41. Leon Williams, KC
42. Gerald McRath, TEN
43. Mike Peterson, ATL
44. Demorrio Williams, SD
45. Akeem Jordan, PHI
46. Omar Gaither, OAK
47. Zac Diles, TEN
48. Gary Guyton, SD
49. Jonathan Casillas, NO
50. Tim Dobbins, HOU
51. Bryan Scott, BUF
52. Ashlee Palmer, HOU
53. Tavares Gooden, SF
54. Brandon Siler, KC
55. Scott Shanle, NO
56. Paris Lenon, ARI
57. Brandon Johnson, PIT
58. Jordan Senn, CAR
59. Xavier Adibi, TEN
60. Ramon Humber, NO
61. Bryan Kehl, WAS
62. Ricky Brown, BAL