NFL free agents 2023: Top 10 linebackers ranked originally appeared nbc sports boston
Does your favorite team need help at the linebacker position? If so, you can take solace in the plethora of talented LBs in free agency this spring.
Tampa Bay Buccaneers veteran Lavonte David headlines an impressive list of linebackers who could immediately help the defense in 2023. Even with David and other top names off the table, teams looking to bolster their LB depth will have no shortage of intriguing options.
2023 NFL Free Agents: Overall Top 25 , QB , rb , WR , Te , official language , deli , database
Here are the top 10 linebackers who are set to become free agents in March.
age: 28
2022 Stats (Chargers): 5 sacks, 146 tackles, 1 forced fumble
Tranquil is coming off a career year in L.A. He started in 16 games after starting in 11 total in his last three NFL seasons. As a result, he played a key role in the Chargers’ defense as both a pass rusher and coverage.
age: 29
2022 Stats (Broncos): 163 tackles, 1 forced fumble
Singleton was one of the few bright spots for the Denver Broncos in 2022. His 163 combined tackles ranked fifth in the NFL and he was solid in coverage, with three pass breakups. He also had three quarterback hits and six tackles for loss.
Update (March 13): is singleton re-signing with denver A three-year, $18 million deal, according to ESPN’s Adam Schefter.
age: 28
2022 Stats (Saints): 7 sacks, 78 tackles, 2 forced fumbles
Ellis was one of the best pass-rushers at the position in 2022 as he notched seven sacks and 10 QB hits. His 78 tackles (seven for loss) were also a career high.
age: 27
2022 Stats (Cowboys): 1 sack, 90 tackles, 1 forced fumble
Vander Esch has struggled with injuries in his career but he bounced back with a rock-solid season for Dallas in the 2022 season. The former Pro Bowler should be rewarded after building on a one-year “prove-it” deal.
age: 27
2022 Stats (Colts): 151 tackles, 2 forced fumbles
Okereke stepped up to produce a stellar campaign in the absence of star linebacker Shaquille Leonard. He was excellent against the run and was solid in coverage (five pass breakups), making him one of the most attractive LB options out there.
Update (March 13): Okereke will sign a four-year, $40 million contract with giantsAccording to Ian Rapoport of NFL Media.
age: 27
2022 Stats (Bengal): 2 INT, 1 sack, 99 tackles, 1 forced fumble, 10 passes defended
Pratt’s final moments of the 2022 season was not great, But it shouldn’t detract from an otherwise stellar year for the Bengals linebacker. He led Cincinnati in passes defended (10) and was second on the team in tackles.
Update (March 13): Pratt will reportedly re-sign with the Bengals A three-year, $21 million deal.
age: 27
2022 Stats (Eagles): 2 sacks, 159 tackles
Edwards has come a long way since going undrafted in 2019. He was a key contributor to the Eagles’ strong defense in 2022, starting all 17 regular-season games and racking up the seventh-most solo tackles (99) in the league.
Update (March 13): will bear sign adwords to a three-year contract according to NFL Media’s Ian Rapoport.
age: 25
2022 Stats (Bills): 1 SACK, 1 INT, 102 Tackles
Edmonds is a tackling machine as 2022 marks his fifth consecutive season with 100+ tackles. He also excelled in coverage as he comes off a year in which he saw one interception and seven pass breakups.
Update (March 13): there are bears signing edmonds A four-year, $72 million contract according to NFL Media’s Ian Rapoport.
2. David Long
age: 26
2022 Stats (Titans): 2 int, 86 tackles
Long has everything going for Tennessee in 2022, his best season yet as a pro. He entered free agency after setting career-highs in tackles for loss (seven) and quarterback hits (three). While wreaking havoc in the backfield, he also stood out in coverage with five pass breakups and two interceptions. He is arguably the top linebacker available.
Update (March 13): is tall heading towards the dolphins On a two-year deal worth $11 million, according to ESPN’s Adam Schefter.
1. Lavonte David
age: 33
2022 Stats (Buccaneers): 3 sacks, 124 tackles, 1 forced fumble
Despite his age, David is one of the most productive linebackers in the game. Unless father time hits him like a freight train, he’ll be worth the price in free agency.
honorable mentions: Devin Bush, Jaylon Smith, Cole Holcomb, Anthony Walker, Denzel Perryman.
