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2011 NFL Free Agent Linebackers
By: Roshan Bhagat
Lamarr Woodley, PIT – Woodley has developed into the league’s best left outside linebacker, forming a terrifying tandem in Pittsburgh. The two have accounted for 50 combined sacks over the last 2 years. With that in mind, Pittsburgh won’t let Woodley get away.
David Harris, NYJ – Though Harris is one of the league’s best, young linebackers, the Jets may just not have the money to pay him. They’re looking at extensions to Revis, Mangold, and Ferguson in the next 2 years, in addition to a pair of free agent receivers and nearly acquired Antonio Cromartie. They’ll most likely make Harris one of their top priorities after the big 3, but Harris may be able to get more money elsewhere if he isn’t tagged. We’ll see what he decides.
David Hawthorne, SEA – At 25, Hawthorne is another one of the league’s emerging linebackers. He’s relatively unknown, but was outstanding in Lofa Tatupu’s absence a year ago. Racking up 117 tackles, 4 sacks, 8 stuffs, and 3 interceptions, it wouldn’t be surprising to see a team make a big play at Hawthorne and the throw the bank and pry him from Seattle via restricted free agency.
Shawne Merriman, SD – Merriman has a lot riding on this upcoming year for his financial future. Coming off injury, his mere 4-sack season didn’t seem as disappointing, but he can’t afford to let that happen again. This will most likely be his last year in San Diego based on their other free agents-to-be, but he won’t be able to break the bank on his name alone. He needs to return to form.
Kirk Morrison, JAC – The Jaguars were smart in acquiring Kirk Morrison who has received a mixed bag of opinions from pundits. To some he’s a great run stopper, but to others he just racks up garbage tackles and is at least partially at fault for the leaky Raiders run defense. This year will squash the debate and we should get to see the real Kirk Morrison.
Paul Posluszny, BUF – Posluszny had his best season to date, yet still missed 4 games. If he can stay on the field, he has the potential to become of the league’s best middle linebackers. Unless he struggles moving to the 3-4, the Bills will be glad to have him for many years to come.
Chad Greenway, MIN – For three years, Greenway has been a consistent linebacker for the Vikings. He’s an instinctive, well-rounded player who is effective in taking on any assignments. With a lack of depth at linebacker, the Vikings won’t allow Greenway to walk away.
Manny Lawson, SF – Word from the Lawson camp indicates that the former 1st round pick is looking for a contract similar to the one Calvin Pace received a few years back (6 years, $42 million). With only 12 sacks in his 4 year career (6.5 last year), he’ll receive a rude awakening if he doesn’t come to his senses soon. Unless he takes a huge stride forward, he’ll find little luck in free agency.
Other Notable Free Agents: Stephen Nicholas, ATL
Mike Peterson, ATL
Antwan Barnes, BAL
Tavares Gooden, BAL
Keith Ellison, BUF
Thomas Davis, CAR
Nick Roach, CHI
Pisa Tinoisamoa, CHI
Rashad Jeanty, CIN
Dhani Jones, CIN
Chris Gocong, CLE
D'Qwell Jackson, CLE
Desmond Bishop, GB
Zach Diles, HOU
Clint Session, IND
Justin Durant, JAC
Mike Vrabel, KC
Derrick Johnson, KC
Tim Dobbins, MIA
Ben Leber, MIN
Erin Henderson, MIN
Gary Guyton, NE
Scott Shanle, NO
Clint Ingram, NO
Thomas Howard, OAK
Ricky Brown, OAK
Ernie Sims, PHI
Akeem Jordan, PHI
Stewart Bradley, PHI
Omar Gaither, PHI
Stephen Cooper, SD
Kevin Burnett, SD
Brandon Siler, SD
Takeo Spikes, SF
David Vobora, STL
Angelo Crowell, TB
Quincy Black, TB
Barrett Ruud, TB
David Thornton, TEN
Stephen Tulloch, TEN
Rocky McIntosh, WAS
By: Roshan Bhagat
Lamarr Woodley, PIT – Woodley has developed into the league’s best left outside linebacker, forming a terrifying tandem in Pittsburgh. The two have accounted for 50 combined sacks over the last 2 years. With that in mind, Pittsburgh won’t let Woodley get away.
David Harris, NYJ – Though Harris is one of the league’s best, young linebackers, the Jets may just not have the money to pay him. They’re looking at extensions to Revis, Mangold, and Ferguson in the next 2 years, in addition to a pair of free agent receivers and nearly acquired Antonio Cromartie. They’ll most likely make Harris one of their top priorities after the big 3, but Harris may be able to get more money elsewhere if he isn’t tagged. We’ll see what he decides.
David Hawthorne, SEA – At 25, Hawthorne is another one of the league’s emerging linebackers. He’s relatively unknown, but was outstanding in Lofa Tatupu’s absence a year ago. Racking up 117 tackles, 4 sacks, 8 stuffs, and 3 interceptions, it wouldn’t be surprising to see a team make a big play at Hawthorne and the throw the bank and pry him from Seattle via restricted free agency.
Shawne Merriman, SD – Merriman has a lot riding on this upcoming year for his financial future. Coming off injury, his mere 4-sack season didn’t seem as disappointing, but he can’t afford to let that happen again. This will most likely be his last year in San Diego based on their other free agents-to-be, but he won’t be able to break the bank on his name alone. He needs to return to form.
Kirk Morrison, JAC – The Jaguars were smart in acquiring Kirk Morrison who has received a mixed bag of opinions from pundits. To some he’s a great run stopper, but to others he just racks up garbage tackles and is at least partially at fault for the leaky Raiders run defense. This year will squash the debate and we should get to see the real Kirk Morrison.
Paul Posluszny, BUF – Posluszny had his best season to date, yet still missed 4 games. If he can stay on the field, he has the potential to become of the league’s best middle linebackers. Unless he struggles moving to the 3-4, the Bills will be glad to have him for many years to come.
Chad Greenway, MIN – For three years, Greenway has been a consistent linebacker for the Vikings. He’s an instinctive, well-rounded player who is effective in taking on any assignments. With a lack of depth at linebacker, the Vikings won’t allow Greenway to walk away.
Manny Lawson, SF – Word from the Lawson camp indicates that the former 1st round pick is looking for a contract similar to the one Calvin Pace received a few years back (6 years, $42 million). With only 12 sacks in his 4 year career (6.5 last year), he’ll receive a rude awakening if he doesn’t come to his senses soon. Unless he takes a huge stride forward, he’ll find little luck in free agency.
Other Notable Free Agents: Stephen Nicholas, ATL
Mike Peterson, ATL
Antwan Barnes, BAL
Tavares Gooden, BAL
Keith Ellison, BUF
Thomas Davis, CAR
Nick Roach, CHI
Pisa Tinoisamoa, CHI
Rashad Jeanty, CIN
Dhani Jones, CIN
Chris Gocong, CLE
D'Qwell Jackson, CLE
Desmond Bishop, GB
Zach Diles, HOU
Clint Session, IND
Justin Durant, JAC
Mike Vrabel, KC
Derrick Johnson, KC
Tim Dobbins, MIA
Ben Leber, MIN
Erin Henderson, MIN
Gary Guyton, NE
Scott Shanle, NO
Clint Ingram, NO
Thomas Howard, OAK
Ricky Brown, OAK
Ernie Sims, PHI
Akeem Jordan, PHI
Stewart Bradley, PHI
Omar Gaither, PHI
Stephen Cooper, SD
Kevin Burnett, SD
Brandon Siler, SD
Takeo Spikes, SF
David Vobora, STL
Angelo Crowell, TB
Quincy Black, TB
Barrett Ruud, TB
David Thornton, TEN
Stephen Tulloch, TEN
Rocky McIntosh, WAS