2010 NFL Free Agents: Inside Linebackers

MISSING

2010 NFL Free Agency: Star rating is out of five. Age listing as of Sept. 1, 2010.

Karlos Dansby, ILB, Cardinals. Age: 28.
Signed with Dolphins (5 years, $43 million; $22 million guaranteed)

One of the top linebackers in the league, Karlos Dansby can play in any scheme. In a shallow market, teams will throw truckloads of cash at Dansby. Al Davis may even offer some of his virgins.
DeMeco Ryans (RFA), ILB, Texans. Age: 26.
Tendered by Texans (1st, 3rd round)

DeMeco Ryans will get a huge deal this offseason. He has totaled at least 112 tackles in each of his four seasons and has already made the Pro Bowl twice.
Barrett Ruud (RFA), ILB, Buccaneers. Age: 27.
Re-signed with Buccaneers (1 year, $3.2 million)

One of the top inside linebackers in the league. Buccaneer fans will be hoping that owner/communist Malcom Glazer actually ponies up the money Barrett Ruud deserves.
Gary Brackett, ILB, Colts. Age: 30.
Re-signed with Colts (5 years, $33 million; $12 million guaranteed)

Gary Brackett has really been instrumental in the improvement of Indianapolis’ defense. Losing him would be a huge blow to the Colts.
Derrick Johnson (RFA), ILB, Chiefs. Age: 27.
Re-signed with Chiefs (1 year, $2.6 million)

Derrick Johnson started only three games in 2009 because he was too talented for Todd Haley’s defense. Johnson has absolutely no chance of starting in 2010 after his two pick-sixes against the Broncos in the season finale.
Kirk Morrison (RFA), ILB, Raiders. Age: 28.
Traded to Jaguars

Kirk Morrison has at least 116 tackles in each of his five NFL seasons. He’s a dynamic force against the run.
D’Qwell Jackson (RFA), ILB, Browns. Age: 26.
Re-signed with Browns (1 year, $1.7 million)

The Browns really missed D’Qwell Jackson last year; he played in only six games because of a chest injury. He’s slightly overrated, but still a very good player.
David Hawthorne (ERFA), ILB, Seahawks. Age: 25.
Re-signed with Seahawks

Amid a dreadful season, one bright spot for the Seahawks was the emergence of David Hawthorne, who played brilliantly when Lofa Tatupu was injured. Seattle may switch to the 3-4 to keep both players on the field.
Will Witherspoon, ILB, Eagles. Age: 30.
Signed with Titans (3 years, $11 million; $5 million guaranteed)

Will Witherspoon is a very good inside linebacker, but struggled a bit down the stretch when the Eagles moved him to the weak side. Having Witherspoon play the middle and moving Stewart Bradley to the strong side would have made sense for 2010, but Philadelphia simply didn’t want to pay Witherspoon his $5 million bonus.
Stephen Tulloch (RFA), ILB, Titans. Age: 25.
Re-signed with Titans (1 year, $2.5 million)

A decent middle linebacker who excels against the run.
Larry Foote, ILB, Lions. Age: 30.
Signed with Steelers (3 years, $9.3 million; $1.8 million guaranteed)

A very solid guy to have in the middle of your defense. Larry Foote, who can play both the 3-4 and 4-3, led the Lions in tackles with 99 in 2009.
Andra Davis, ILB, Broncos. Age: 31.
Signed with Bills (2 years)

Andra Davis is a liability in coverage, but he can start in a 3-4 and play well against the run.
Antonio Pierce, ILB, Giants. Age: 31.
Announced retirement

Old and injury-prone, Antonio Pierce can be a strong veteran presence on a team much like Keith Brooking. However, his skills have diminished.
Jason Trusnik (RFA), ILB, Browns. Age: 26.
Re-signed with Browns: 1 year, $1.6 million

Jason Trusnik played well at multiple linebacker positions for the Browns, but he’d be better as a reserve.
Freddie Keiaho (RFA), ILB, Colts. Age: 27.
Signed with Jaguars (1 year, $635,000)

A capable backup middle linebacker. Did a good job spelling Gary Brackett for a few games in 2009.
Tim Dobbins (RFA), ILB, Chargers. Age: 27.
Re-signed with Chargers (1 year, $1.1 million)

Tim Dobbins missed some time with a knee injury this season. He’s a marginal inside linebacker.
Corey Mays (RFA), ILB, Chiefs. Age: 26.
Re-signed with Chiefs (1 year, $1.7 million)

A backup inside linebacker pushed into the starting lineup because of the front office’s ineptness, Corey Mays really struggles against the run.
Akin Ayodele, ILB, Broncos. Age: 30. — Signed with Bills
Chase Blackburn (RFA), ILB, Giants. Age: 27.
Jameel McClain (ERFA), ILB, Ravens. Age: 25. — Re-signed with Ravens
Blake Costanzo (ERFA), ILB, Browns. Age: 26. — Re-signed with Browns (1 year)
Abdul Hodge, ILB, Bengals. Age: 27.
Reggie Torbor, ILB, Dolphins. Age: 29. — Signed with Bills (2 years)
Larry “Ratso” Izzo, ST, Jets. Age: 35.
Akeem Jordan (ERFA), ILB, Eagles. Age: 25. — Re-signed with Eagles (1 year, $1.6 million)
Marvin Mitchell (RFA), ILB, Saints. Age: 25. — Re-signed with Saints (1 year)
Bobby Carpenter, ILB, Dolphins. Age: 27.
Cody Spencer (RFA), ILB, Lions. Age: 29.
Nick Greisen, ILB, Broncos. Age: 31.
Chaun Thompson, ILB, Texans. Age: 30.
Marcus Buggs (ERFA), ILB, Bills. Age: 24.
Rod Wilson (RFA), LB, Buccaneers. Age: 28.
Jeremiah Trotter, ILB, Eagles. Age: 33.
Mark Simoneau, ILB, Saints. Age: 33.