Linebacker might just be the single most undervalued position in the modern NFL. A few years ago you could have said that about running backs, but then Le’Veon Bell, Todd Gurley and Ezekiel Elliott happened and teams figured out maybe it’s good to have a star runner instead of a platoon of late-rounders and undrafted free agents. It’ll all come back around for linebackers too, but until it does plenty of these guys can be brought in on the cheap. Here’s the best four still on the market.
Navorro Bowman
2017: 127 tackles, 1.5 sacks, one fumble recovery, three passes defended, one interception
It’s so weird that Bowman doesn’t have a job as I write this (May 22, 2018) that I had to Google it a couple of times just to make sure he’s still at large. He’s been one of the best inside guys in the league for years and in just his ninth season, still has plenty left in the tank.
Bowman is just 30 years old, a four-time All-Pro and three-time Pro Bowler. His leadership skills alone are reason enough to add him to a roster. His 100-plus tackles don’t hurt either.
Best fit: Los Angeles Rams, New York Jets, Green Bay Packers
Lawrence Timmons
2017: 84 tackles, three passes defended
After 10 years with the Pittsburgh Steelers, Timmons finally hit free agency and in his single season with the Dolphins, still put up pretty solid numbers in spite of missing the first two games, one on a suspension and the first because he just took off and didn’t want to play.
Now, being a head case is nothing new in the NFL and after Timmons early season AWOL experience, he was fine the rest of the way. Still, you can’t blame Miami for not trusting him when they could save over $5 million on their cap by cutting him. Timmons will be in his 12th year in 2018 and could still be a productive, plug and play starter on most teams. Provided he doesn’t skip town again.
Best fit: Arizona Cardinals, Carolina Panthers, New Orleans Saints
Jonathan Casillas
2017: 34 tackles, one pass defended
Casillas spent the second half of last season on injured reserve, but was a valued addition to the New York Giants in the previous two seasons. In 2016 he registered 92 tackles, 1.5 sacks, one forced fumble and seven passes defended. Like Bowman, Casillas is 30 and still has some good years left.
His neck and wrist landed him on injured reserve last season. If he can pass a physical, he’d be an upgrade in the middle of a defense for plenty of teams.
Best fit: San Francisco 49ers, Oakland Raiders, Houston Texans
Willie Young
2017: Seven tackles, two sacks
Young tore his triceps last season and missed 12 games. Of all the guys on this list, he might just be the most versatile, able to play inside and outside. In 2016 he had 38 tackles, 7.5 sacks, one forced fumble and two passes defended as a rushing OLB for the Chicago Bears.
For four seasons he was a standard outside linebacker with the Detroit Lions, so he can back up or start any any spot.
Best fit: Indianapolis Colts, Kansas City Chiefs, Philadelphia Eagles
