2021 NFL Free Agents: Inside Linebackers

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2021 NFL Free Agency: Star rating is out of five. Age listing as of Sept. 1, 2021.
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Matt Milano, LB, Bills. Age: 26.
Re-signed with Bills (4 years, $44 million)

If you want to see how important Matt Milano is to Buffalo’s defense, watch how much worse it was in 2020 when he was sidelined. Milano is a greatly skilled linebacker who is only 26.
Lavonte David, LB, Buccaneers. Age: 31.
Re-signed with Buccaneers

Lavonte David has been one of the most underrated players in the NFL throughout his career. He would be a five-star player if he were a few years younger. He could still play at an All-Pro level going forward, but there is some danger of regression at 31.
Jayon Brown, LB, Titans. Age: 26.
Re-signed with Titans (1 year, $5.25 million)

Jayon Brown is an excellent linebacker, particularly when it comes to coverage. He’s only 26, so he should be able to keep improving his game.
Alexander Johnson (RFA), LB, Broncos. Age: 29.
Tendered by Broncos (2nd)

Alexander Johnson has come from nowhere as an undrafted free agent to become a talented starting linebacker in the NFL. Johnson is a well-rounded player who deserves a big contract once he’s unrestricted.
K.J. Wright, LB, Seahawks. Age: 32.
Signed with Raiders

The Seahawks used K.J. Wright all over the defense last year. He did well as a blitzer, and he was strong in coverage. However, he’s 32, so regression is coming soon.
Denzel Perryman, LB, Chargers. Age: 28.
Signed with Panthers (2 years)

Denzel Perryman is a stout, two-down run defender. The Chargers were so much worse against ground attacks when Perryman was sidelined in 2020.
Nicholas Morrow, LB, Raiders. Age: 26.
Re-signed with Raiders

Nicholas Morrow played well for the Raiders last year while in coverage. He missed one too many tackles, but he’s only 26, so he’ll continue to improve.
Eric Wilson, LB, Vikings. Age: 26.
Signed with Eagles

Eric Wilson performed somewhat positively as the Vikings’ third linebacker (and then second linebacker when Anthony Barr got hurt.) He missed too many tackles, but covered well. He’s only 26, so he should be able to improve.
B.J. Goodson, LB, Browns. Age: 28.
Signed with Jets

B.J. Goodson had a solid year in Cleveland’s lackluster linebacking corps. He was at his best in coverage.
Avery Williamson, LB, Steelers. Age: 29.
It’s unclear why Avery Williamson regressed last year. He used to be a solid linebacker, but he struggled in 2020, especially in coverage.
Elandon Roberts, LB, Dolphins. Age: 27.
Re-signed with Dolphins (1 year, $2 million)

Elandon Roberts is a quality, do-it-all linebacker, but he suffered a significant knee injury at the end of 2020, so he may not be ready for the upcoming season.
Malcolm Smith, LB, Browns. Age: 32.
Re-signed with Browns

Malcolm Smith is a versatile linebacker who excelled in coverage last season. He’s 32, however, so he’ll decline in the near future.
Nate Gerry, LB, Eagles. Age: 26.
Signed with 49ers

Nate Gerry played poorly in 2020, but was bothered by an Achilles injury all year. He should be better in 2021.
Alex Anzalone, LB, Saints. Age: 26.
Signed with Lions

Alex Anzalone has durability issues, but he’s a versatile linebacker who tends to cover well.
Kevin Pierre-Louis, LB, Redskins. Age: 29.
Signed with Texans (2 years)

Kevin Pierre-Louis did well for the Redskins this past season, particularly in coverage.
Kwon Alexander, LB, Saints. Age: 27.
Re-signed with Saints (1 year)

Kwon Alexander is a talented linebacker, but will miss a chunk of the 2021 season because he tore his Achilles late in 2020.
L.J. Fort, LB, Ravens. Age: 31.
Re-signed with Ravens (1 year)

L.J. Fort is a two-down linebacker who thrives against the run. He’s 31, so regression is coming soon.
Vince Williams, LB, Steelers. Age: 31.
Announced retirement

Vince Williams showed his age last year, struggling mightily in coverage. Perhaps he can have a rebound season, but odds are that his career is coming to an end.
Jarrad Davis, LB, Lions. Age: 26. — Signed with Jets (1 year)
De’Vondre Campbell, LB, Cardinals. Age: 28. — Signed with Packers
Duke Riley, LB, Eagles. Age: 27. — Signed with Dolphins
Anthony Walker, LB, Colts. Age: 26. — Signed with Browns (1 year)
Shaquem Griffin, LB, Dolphins. Age: 26.
Damien Wilson, LB, Chiefs. Age: 28. — Signed with Jaguars
Todd Davis, LB, Vikings. Age: 31. — Signed with Giants
Christian Jones, LB, Lions. Age: 30. — Signed with Bears
Neville Hewitt, LB, Jets. Age: 28. — Signed with Texans
Josh Bynes, LB, Bengals. Age: 32. — Signed with Panthers
Tahir Whitehead, LB, Panthers. Age: 31.
Reggie Ragland, LB, Lions. Age: 27. — Signed with Giants
Tyrell Adams, LB, Texans. Age: 29. — Signed with Bills
Nick Vigil, LB, Chargers. Age: 28. — Signed with Vikings (1 year)
Harvey Langi (RFA), LB, Jets. Age: 28.
Sean Lee, LB, Cowboys. Age: 31.
Christian Kirksey, LB, Packers. Age: 29. — Signed with Texans (1 year, $4.5 million)
Kevin Minter, LB, Buccaneers. Age: 30. — Re-signed with Buccaneers (1 year)
Joe Thomas, LB, Cowboys. Age: 30. — Signed with Texans
Raekwon McMillan, LB, Raiders. Age: 25. — Signed with Patriots (1 year)
Brandon Copeland, LB, Patriots. Age: 30.
Reuben Foster, LB, Redskins. Age: 27.
Mychal Kendricks, LB, Redskins. Age: 30. — Signed with 49ers
Patrick Onwuasor, LB, Jets. Age: 29.
Nick Dzubnar, LB, Titans. Age: 30.
Bryce Hager, LB, Jets. Age: 29.
Craig Robertson, LB, Saints. Age: 33.
Tanner Vallejo, LB, Cardinals. Age: 26. — Re-signed with Cardinals (2 years)
Justin March, LB, Cowboys. Age: 28.
Joe Walker, LB, 49ers. Age: 28.
Tae Davis, LB, Browns. Age: 25. — Signed with Texans
Elijah Lee, LB, Browns. Age: 25.
Joe Jones, LB, Broncos. Age: 27.
Kyle Wilber, LB, Raiders. Age: 32.
Adarius Taylor, LB, Panthers. Age: 30.
Darren Bates, LB, Titans. Age: 30.
Dylan Cole, LB, Texans. Age: 27.
James Burgess, LB, Packers. Age: 27.
Jared Norris, LB, Redskins. Age: 28.
Jalen Reeves-Maybin, LB, Lions. Age: 26. — Re-signed with Lions
Jordan Evans, LB, Bengals. Age: 27. — Re-signed with Bengals
Kyle Emanuel, LB, Texans. Age: 30.