Top free-agent linebackers
Andrew Mason takes a look at the top free-agent linebackers set to hit the market. (Associated Press)
His strip-sack fumble of Matt Ryan in the fourth quarter of Super Bowl LI changed the game and served as a reminder of what he does best -- the situational blitz. But he's solid in coverage and stout against the run. Even though he missed more tackles last year than in previous years, he's still the best all-around linebacker on the market.
Working on a "prove-it" one-year contract with the Bills after four seasons with the Titans, Brown responded with the best season of his career, although his form tailed off a bit toward the end of the season. Brown led the Bills in tackles with 149 -- 11 of which were for losses.
Last season, Alonso finally got back to the form he displayed as a rookie in Buffalo before a torn ACL and a subsequent trade to Philadelphia. Although Alonso completed his fourth NFL season last fall, he is only a three-year veteran for free-agent purposes because his season-ending torn ACL in 2014 came during a private session away from team headquarters, according to the Palm Beach Post.
If you're looking for a run-defense upgrade, Riley could be the perfect fit after his career year with the Raiders. Riley didn't join the Raiders until Oct. 4, but exceeded all expectations, and was the key to their improvement against the run. In five games without Riley, Oakland surrendered 133.4 rushing yards per game, 5.09 yards per carry and allowed a first down once every 3.36 rushes. In 12 games with Riley, Oakland allowed 22 fewer rushing yards per game, 1.09 fewer yards per carry and limited foes to one first down every 5.39 attempts.
Hodges was one of the few bright spots in a dismal 49ers season. Although strongest against the run, Hodges also contributed three sacks, two passes defensed and two interceptions last year while making 12 starts, the most of his career.
Consistency has been an issue for Minter, but he had some of the best games of his four-season career last year. With a passel of defensive free agents, Arizona may not be able to afford Minter, who can play every down and added 3.5 sacks to go along with 81 tackles last year.
After 10 seasons, Timmons is showing signs of age and decline -- particularly against the run. but he remains an effective pass rusher. He turns 31 in May, and his role might be more limited in the future than the every-down work he's had for the last eight seasons, but he still has some effectiveness in him.
Injuries derailed Jenkins last year, limiting him to 10 games (including postseason) and cutting into his effectiveness when he did play. "When healthy, he has played well," current Broncos head coach and then-Dolphins defensive coordinator Vance Joseph said last November.
The Chargers became Toomer's fifth team since he was a fifth-round pick of the Seahawks in 2012, and he finally blossomed on defense after being limited to special-teams work prior to last season. Toomer logged 75 tackles and three forced fumbles, becoming the Chargers' strongest run-defending linebacker in the process.
After being released with an injury settlement early in the season, Bynes recovered, returned and started nine of the Lions' last 10 games, including playoffs. Bynes is a solid run defender who plays bigger than his 240-pound frame suggests.
An infrequent contributor who makes the most of limited repetitions, Morgan could start for plenty of teams and may use this free-agency period to find a larger role elsewhere.
Dick LeBeau coached Spence in Pittsburgh in 2014, and brought him to the Titans for 2016, with whom he posted a career-best 54 tackles, along with three passes defensed, three sacks and a forced fumble. Spence's size (231 pounds) and speed make him a natural for a sub-package role against the pass.
Dansby notched 114 tackles despite only starting seven games for the Bengals, and even at 35 remains a solid run defender and strong locker-room presence.
Jackson has missed 47 tackles in the last three seasons, according to ProFootballFocus.com, and that is a stat that shows how age is taking its toll on the 33-year-old linebacker. When healthy, he can still play every down, and his leadership could make him an asset, even if his on-field role is limited in the future.
At 34, Greenway is mulling over his future, telling KFAN-100.3 FM in Minneapolis-St. Paul that if he plays in 2017, "it's going to be in Minnesota and nowhere else." He added that he would make a decision before the start of the free-agent signing period.
After signing a 1-year restricted tender last year, Compton had a solid season, posting career highs in tackles (106) and passes defensed (five). But Washington's defensive struggles last year might lead to an overhaul, and Compton might not have a starting spot waiting for him on the market.
The 13-year veteran remains solid in pass coverage, but turns 35 in April. He started 11 games last year but played less than half of the defensive snaps and is suited to a rotational role going forward.
A Super Bowl MVP trophy earned him a bigger contract and an every-down role in Oakland, but he seems best suited to the two-down role he had in Seattle.
After joining the Cardinals on Nov. 22, he moved into the starting lineup a month later and posted 32 total tackles in three states to close the season. Moore might be back with Arizona, as he should be an affordable re-signing who can provide good value.
He will have to show how far back he is from a torn Achilles tendon that ended his season last September. Some ups and downs might leave a rotational and special-teams role in play for him with a "prove-it" contract.
