NFL Analysis
3/12/23
4 min read
2023 NFL Free Agency: Ranking Top 9 Linebackers on the Market
The top free-agent linebackers who could hit the market and become difference-makers for other teams:
Top 9 Free Agent Linebackers
9. Leighton Vander Esch
Leighton Vander Esch has excellent size and is very good vs. the run. He attacks downhill and is instinctive to locate the ball off blocks. The 27-year-old does have some limitations in coverage, but he is not a liability. Durability concerns will be an issue because he has missed 16 games in the past four seasons, and he may have to sign a one-year, prove-it type deal. He needs to stay healthy and on the field for a full season.
8. David Long
David Long is an undersized linebacker (5-foot-11, 227 pounds) that plays with a chip on his shoulder. He is aggressive when attacking downhill vs. the run and has a nose for the ball. He is a tight athlete in coverage and is best moving forward. He is a tone-setter for any defense, but you have to know his limitations. At only 26 years old he should have a solid market, but he will not get top dollar.
>> READ: Top 9 Offensive Linemen on Free Agent Market
7. Bobby Okereke
Bobby Okereke took full advantage of his opportunity when he replaced Shaquille Leonard and made 151 tackles (99 solos). He is an athletic, undersized linebacker that can play multiple positions. He is more effective when he is covered up but is very instinctive vs. the run, and is also solid in coverage. He may not be paid as much as the top linebacker in this free-agent class, but at 27 years old he should be a full-time starter based on what we saw this past season.
6. Germaine Pratt
Germaine Pratt reminded me of an old-school, big, two-down middle linebacker when he came out of North Carolina. He's a tough downhill player vs. the run that shows some thud when he hits you with his 250 pounds. I was surprised at how he has evolved in coverage. He is a legit three-down player just hitting the prime of his career and should be rewarded as such.
5. T.J. Edwards
T.J. Edwards was an undrafted free agent out of Wisconsin, but he has since played faster than his timed speed at the combine. There is no question about his instincts and his football IQ. He has improved every year and is just hitting the prime of his career. This is a very good football player who made 159 tackles this past season. He will be one of the highest-paid linebackers from this free-agent class when the market opens up.
4. Eric Kendricks
Eric Kendricks was a cap casualty for the Minnesota Vikings, He is a very instinctive linebacker that relies on his speed and athletic ability. He has been very good in coverage throughout his career. His speed is starting to decline at 31 years old, which you saw this year, but he still can be an effective three-down middle linebacker.
>> READ: 10 Free Agents Poised for Surprisingly Big Deals
3. Bobby Wagner
Bobby Wagner, at 33 years old, is not the same player he once was, though he was an All-Pro again this season. He would be a short-term stop-gap player, but I would not invest a lot into him because of his declining speed and athleticism. I wouldn't be surprised if he signed a team-friendly deal back with the Seattle Seahawks to finish out his career.
2. Lavonte David
Even at 33 years old, Lavonte David still can play at a high level as evidenced by his 124 tackles (80 solos). He is not as fast or athletic as he was in his earlier days, but his smarts and savvy make up for his lost step. He will probably get a short-term deal on the open market. If he does not sign back with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, he should sign with a contender.
1. Tremaine Edmunds
Tremaine Edmunds is the top linebacker in this free-agent class. At 25 years old and just hitting the prime of his career, he's also one of the younger linebackers in the class. Edmunds has improved each season and had his best year in coverage in 2022. With excellent size (6-foot-5, 250 pounds) and athletic ability, he should continue to ascend as one of the top linebackers in the NFL. He will be the highest-paid linebacker in free agency this offseason.
Rick Spielman is a former general manager of the Dolphins and Vikings, and winner of the NFL Executive of the Year award by Pro Football Weekly in 2017. Follow him on Twitter @spielman_rick
