What You Expect is always here to provide you with details when it comes to an NFL-free agent, specifically linebackers. The linebacker position features a few Pro Bowlers that should be on the move. I am very intrigued by this class because I am extremely hopeful the Giants will be able to land a linebacker this off-season.
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QB | RB | WR | TE | OLine | DL / EDGE | LB | DB
1 Lavonte David
Lavonte David is a Pro Bowl and Superbowl-winning linebacker. David’s time with the Buccaneers seems to be coming to an end. With players such as Bobby Wagner playing effectively in his 30s, teams may not fear bringing the linebacker in. David can fair well mentoring young linebackers on a team that is ascending.
Prediction: Jacksonville Jaguars
2 David Long
David Long is going to be the highest-paid linebacker in this class. Long has 86 tackles and two interceptions in just 12 games this season. Due to his age, Long should be expecting teams to open up their wallets. I can see Long filling the linebacker gap Roquan Smith left in Chicago or staying put in Tennessee.
Prediction: Chicago Bears Or Tennesse Titans
3 Tremaine Edmunds
Edmunds is another young successful linebacker in the NFL. I expect Edmunds to be able to go to any team he wants this off-season. The New York Giants will be in the market for a linebacker; however, the price may be too high for a team looking to fill multiple positions. The Bills may not prioritize keeping Edmunds thus he may go to a division rival.
Prediction: New England Patriots
4 T.J Edwards
T.J. Edwards went from undrafted free agent to one of the top linebackers in the NFL in 2022. Edwards, to me, is fools gold. Teams are going to open up their wallets. to land Edwards and I am unsure if he will be worth it. If I were Edwards’ agent, I would make sure he stayed with the Eagles where he is surrounded by massive talent but the team may not have enough money to retain him. Edwards will be on a team desperate for defensive talent
Prediction: Las Vegas Raiders
5 Devin Bush
I am surprised more publications are not talking about Devin Bush. Bush has been steady for the Steelers over the year; however, many do not see Bush as an elite free-agent prospect. I love for Bush to stay home and sign a prove-it deal or do so elsewhere. The Giants are going for linebacker help and Bush may be the answer.
Prediction: Pittsburgh Steelers or New York Giants
6 Germaine Pratt
Germaine Pratt had a career season with the Bengals however is most likely very low on the priority list for the Bengals. The team has Joe Burrow, and Tee Higgins amongst others to worry about extending this offseason thus Pratt may be let loose. The media is annoying and may call his character due to the end of the game versus the Chiefs.
I do expect teams to go after the 26-year-old linebacker though. The Lions offense is set thus I look for the team to help their linebacker core.
Prediction: Detriot Lions
7 Bobby Okereke
Bobby Okereke had a very solid 2022 campaign. Somehow the Colts had two top 10 tacklers on their team and Okereke was one of them. Okereke would be the perfect fit in Seattle to fill the void left by Bobby Wagner a year ago. The team made the playoffs despite being able to tackle anyone.
Prediction: Seattle Seahawks
8 Leighton Vander Esch
One thing Jerry Jones loves outside of flashy offensive players is. a good linebacker. Vander Esch is the next linebacker up for the Cowboys. Leighton Vander Esch only had 90 tackles thus he may be able to be a cap-friendly addition for the Cowboys. He may eventually meet his Pro Bowl standards and be one of the best linebackers again.
Prediction: Dallas Cowboys