The defending Super Bowl champions have a pair of standouts on this list.
A play-maker on defense can’t be underestimated. Be it the ability to put heat on opposing quarterbacks or a performer adept at stopping the run or a player with the range to roam from sideline to sideline and excel in pass coverage as well.
There are any number of standouts that could be available when unrestricted free agency begins in roughly a month. Performers such as Olivier Vernon and Melvin Ingram have seen action as outside linebackers and defensive end depending on the scheme.
One name you won’t see on the list below is Pittsburgh’s Bud Dupree. It has nothing to do with talent and everything regarding a standout pass rusher who is trying to bounce back from a late-season knee injury. On a totally different front, KOA NewsRadio’s Ben Allbright has the latest info when it comes to Broncos’ veteran Von Miller and his status with that team going forward.
As for now, the top five linebackers that could hit the open market are…
5. ILB Avery Williamson (Pittsburgh Steelers)
After missing all of the 2019 season due to a preseason knee injury, the productive defender wound up putting up solid numbers for two seasons this past year. Inside linebacker Avery Williamson racked up 59 stops, one interception and three passes defensed in seven games with the New York Jets before being dealt to the Pittsburgh Steelers near the trade deadline. In eight contests with Mike Tomlin’s club, he amassed 52 tackles and one sack.
The one-time member of the Tennessee Titans was acquired by the Steelers after Devin Bush was lost for the season. Is he in Pittsburgh’s plans for 2021?