2009 Free Agents: Inside Linebackers

MISSING

2009 Free Agency: Star rating is out of five. Age listing as of Sept. 1, 2009.

Ray Lewis, Ravens. Age: 34.
Re-signed with Ravens

Though age is a concern, Ray Lewis will command tons of money this offseason. Per the Baltimore Sun, the Cowboys are ready to offer him $25 million over three years.
Karlos Dansby, Cardinals. Age: 27.
Franchised by Cardinals

A dynamic playmaker who had 119 tackles, four sacks, two picks and three fumble recoveries. Easily one of the main keys to Arizona’s surprising success.
Jonathan Vilma, Saints. Age: 27.
Re-signed with Saints (5 years, $34 million; $17 million guaranteed)

Jonathan Vilma was recently charged with reckless driving and resisting arrest. There was no alcohol, however, so at least we know that Vilma isn’t auditioning to be Cedric Benson’s disciple.

Vilma is probably a better fit for the Saints at weakside linebacker. Unfortunately, they can’t re-sign him until the free-agency period begins, unless they want to cough up a first-round pick.
Bart Scott, Ravens. Age: 29.
Signed with Jets (6 years, $48 million)

A really good linebacker or the product of a great Ravens system? No one can really be certain, but one thing’s for sure – Bart Scott is really entertaining. Asked to compare Chris Johnson and LenDale White, Scott said, “Let’s see: a fat guy and the fastest guy in the 40… Not fat. I’m sorry. Plump.”
Channing Crowder, Dolphins. Age: 25.
Re-signed with Dolphins (3 years, $20 million)

Channing Crowder is coming off a great season in which he recorded 113 tackles. However, he has bad knee history, and it’s a bit concerning that his best year came in his contract season. Someone will likely overpay for him.
Larry Foote, Steelers. Age: 29.
Signed with Lions (1 year)

Larry Foote is still a very solid inside linebacker who was let go by the Steelers for cap reason. He can still be an effective starter for a few years.
Takeo Spikes, 49ers. Age: 32.
Re-signed with 49ers (2 years)

Takeo Spikes brings veteran leadership to the field and locker room. He can still start for a year, but the 49ers should start looking for an upgrade next to Patrick Willis pretty soon.
Eric Barton, Jets. Age: 31.
Signed with Browns

Pretty much just a marginal linebacker at this point, Eric Barton is entering the final stages of his long career. He’ll be 32 in September.
Mike Peterson, Jaguars. Age: 33.
Signed with Falcons (3 years)

Mike Peterson just had the worst season of his NFL career. He was benched for talent and character issues.
Andra Davis, Browns. Age: 30.
Signed with Broncos

Andra Davis’ days as a starting inside linebacker are probably over, but he’ll be a valuable backup somewhere.
Pat Thomas, Bills. Age: 26.
Pat Thomas started nine games for the Chiefs. He could be brought back as a solid reserve, but Scott Pioli needs to find some new linebackers.
Paris Lenon, Patriots. Age: 31.
Signed with Rams

Paris Lenon is like Rasputin; he just won’t go away. Lenon beat out the stick-figured Jordon Dizon as the team’s starting middle linebacker, but struggled as usual.
Nate Webster, Broncos. Age: 31.
Nate Webster has always been plagued by injury problems. He can be a solid reserve if he stays healthy, which is unlikely. Webster has missed 44 games since 2004.
Zach Thomas, Cowboys. Age: 36.
Signed with Chiefs

Pretty much just a veteran leader in the locker room. If anything, his teammates can use his senior citizen discount at the movies.
Kevin Burnett, Cowboys. Age: 26. – Signed with Chargers
Napoleon Harris, Raiders. Age: 30.
Adam Seward, Jaguars. Age: 27.
Corey Mays (RFA), Bengals. Age: 25. – Signed with Chiefs
Anthony Waters, Bills. Age: 25. – Signed with Saints
Eric Alexander, Patriots. Age: 27. – Re-signed with Patriots
Ryan Fowler, Titans. Age: 27. – Signed with Jets
Matt Wilhelm, Eagles. Age: 28.
Beau Bell, Browns. Age: 23.
Isaiah Ekejiuba, Raiders. Age: 27. – Re-signed with Raiders (3 years)
Nick Greisen, Ravens. Age: 30. – Signed with Broncos
Niko Koutouvides, Broncos. Age: 28. – Signed with Buccaneers
Brad Kassell, Jets. Age: 29.
David Bowens, Jets. Age: 32. – Signed with Browns: 4 years, $7.2 million
Monty Beisel, Chiefs. Age: 31. – Signed with Cardinals
Larry Izzo, Patriots. Age: 34. – Signed with Jets
John DiGiorgio, Bills. Age: 26.
Gary Stills, Rams. Age: 35.
Teddy Lehman, Bills. Age: 27.
Cody Spencer, Jets. Age: 28. – Signed with Lions
Brandon Moore, 49ers. Age: 30.
Robert McCune, Browns. Age: 30.
Keyaron Fox, Steelers. Age: 27. – Re-signed with Steelers (2 years, $1.8 million)
Kris Griffin, Browns. Age: 28.
Dontarrious Thomas, Vikings. Age: 28. – Signed with Chargers
Buster Davis, Texans. Age: 25.
Bo Ruud, Buccaneers. Age: 24.
Mike Humpal, Steelers. Age: 24.
Tony Gilbert, Falcons. Age: 29. – Re-signed with Falcons
Junior Seau, Patriots. Age: 40. – Re-signed with Patriots
Derek Smith, Dolphins. Age: 34.