Although most NFL teams have been looking ahead to the 2015 season for a couple months now, the offseason doesn’t really kick into high gear until the start of free agency. The key date is March 10, when teams can sign any available unrestricted free agent, though negotiations with free agents from other organizations can begin three days earlier.
2015 NFL free agents: Brian Orakpo, Jason Worilds top linebackers available
The free agent linebacker class features a couple of dominant pass rushers and a few other versatile options for any team needing an upgrade on defense.
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The value of a pass rusher has never been higher in the NFL, with league-wide passing stats at an all-time high and offensive numbers trending upwards each year. This year’s crop of free-agent linebackers, although not a deep group, features several elite guys who have the ability to disrupt plays and get into the backfield on a consistent basis.
Justin Houston would have been far and away the most coveted player available, but the Kansas City Chiefs used their franchise tag on him, as expected. Instead, former tagged players Brian Orakpo and Jason Worilds lead this year's linebacker class. Teams needing an upgrade at linebacker can find a ton of value in other lesser names, such as Pernell McPhee or Derrick Morgan. Also, there are several alternatives among the group of free-agent defensive linemen, such as Jerry Hughes, who would be outstanding edge rushers for teams looking for help in getting to the quarterback.
Below, we’ll take a look at the soon-to-be available linebackers:
1. Brian Orakpo (Washington)
The stellar start to Orakpo’s career in Washington hit neutral when the talented pass rusher started encountering a slew of injuries. A torn pectoral muscle ended Orakpo’s season in 2014, but the real concern is that he’s suffered the same injury three times in three years.
Even when on the field in 2014, Orakpo wasn’t quite his old self. But at 28 years old, that means one team could get a pass rusher just coming into his prime at a discounted price.
Worilds was a full-time starter for the first time in his career in 2014 and responded with the best pass-rushing numbers on the Steelers’ defense. Still, those numbers weren’t gaudy and his 15.5 sacks in two seasons are impressive, but likely not enough to draw an elite-level contract.
With Worilds, a team will get a 26-year-old outside linebacker who is well-rounded and can contribute in every aspect well, but is especially good at blitzing off the edge.
Update: Worilds opted to retire rather than pursue free agency.
The 2010 first-round pick has been hampered by injuries the past two seasons. He missed all of 2014 after he ruptured his Achilles tendon and only played in seven games in 2013 due to foot and knee injuries.
Although Weatherspoon has only played a full 16-game season once in his five-year career, he’s still flashed first-round talent at times. In 47 games, he’s recorded 290 tackles, eight sacks, 15 passes defended and two interceptions. At just 27 years old, Weatherspoon could be a steal for whichever team signs him -- if, that is, he can stay healthy.
Update: Weatherspoon signed a one-year, $4 million deal with Arizona.
Unlike the first three players, McClain is not an edge rusher and is likely the top inside linebacker in the free agent class. Considering the former Alabama star retired from football less than two years ago, McClain’s return to form has been impressive and the arrow could still be pointing up for the 25-year-old middle linebacker.
There’s plenty of risk involved with a player like McClain, who has a history of arrests and erratic behavior (including his abrupt retirement), but there’s plenty of upside as well.
5. Pernell McPhee (Baltimore Ravens)
McPhee played on the defensive line for most of the beginning of his career with the Ravens, but when he stood up and played outside linebacker in 2014, there were positive results. Only Justin Houston earned a higher grade from Pro Football Focus among edge rushers set to hit the free agent market, and McPhee finished with a career-high 7.5 sacks in his first year in the role.
At 26 years old, further development at the position could yield even more positive results. However, there's always the risk that someone playing opposite Terrell Suggs is in position to look better than he actually is.
Update: McPhee signed a four-year deal worth $40 million with the Bears.
Other notable names
The 2010 first-round pick never quite found a role that suited him well in an Eagles defense that changed plenty during his five seasons with the team. Still, Graham tallied 5.5 sacks in 2014 and has plenty of burst off the line of scrimmage.
Update: Graham re-upped with the Eagles on a four-year, $26 million deal.
Derrick Morgan (Tennessee Titans)
Morgan is another 2010 first-round pick who couldn’t quite find a fit during his time with the Titans, although he had his best season as an outside linebacker in 2014. If allowed to rush the passer from a standing position in a 3-4 defense, Morgan could end up being a free agency gem.
Update: Morgan re-signed with the Titans.
Spikes isn't an elite talent and the New England Patriots defense didn't miss him much when he was allowed to walk in free agency and sign a one-year deal with the Bills. He is a solid starter, though, and played four above-average seasons with the Patriots and one with the Bills.
The seven-time Pro Bowler’s best days are behind him, but he still played some decent football in 2014 and can step in as a veteran presence to a team at age 34.
Hayes wasn’t bad in his two seasons with the Jaguars, but he didn’t make much of an impact either. He earned a positive grade from Pro Football Focus, but is set to hit the free agent market where he’ll likely compete for a starting role with whichever team he signs.
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