2024 NFL Free Agents: Inside Linebacker

A former undrafted free agent, Tyrel Dodson came out of nowhere to have a terrific season in both coverage and run support.

Patrick Queen has made great leaps in play in his four years as a pro. He still misses some tackles, but is terrific in coverage.

D’Vondre Campbell was one of the top off-ball linebackers in the NFL for a few seasons, but regressed last year due to injury. Now 31, Campbell could continue to decline.

Josey Jewell is a terrific run defender who covers well.

Lavonte David somehow continued to play on a very high level last year despite being in his mid-30s. He has to decline at some point, but there haven’t been any signs of it.

Frankie Luvu has emerged as a well-rounded linebacker the past two years in Carolina.

The Dolphins sorely missed Jerome Baker’s excellent coverage ability late in the season.

Devin White was solid in coverage last year, but was a bit of a liability in run defense.

For the second consecutive year, the Browns missed Anthony Walker’s great play late in the season due to injuries. Walker is very talented, but has trouble staying healthy.

Sione Takitaki has been solid as a well-rounded, three-down linebacker for the Browns.

Jordan Hicks had a renaissance in Minnesota after struggling in Arizona, but he’s about to enter his mid-30s.

Drue Tranquill is a well-rounded linebacker who is especially solid in coverage.

Azeez Al-Shaair became a full-time starter for the first time in his career, and he played relatively well for Tennessee.

Nicholas Morrow was an excellent run defender last year, but had some issues in coverage.

While Denzel Perryman tends to get lost in coverage, he is excellent at defending the run.

Bobby Wagner is not nearly the same player he once was, especially in coverage, but he’s still a stellar run defender.

A former third-round pick, Cody Barton showed decent coverage ability as a starting linebacker last year.

Kenneth Murray has been a colossal bust as a former first-round pick, but perhaps he can be a late bloomer.

Jordyn Brooks is a former first-round pick, but hasn’t quite lived up to his potential.

Kwon Alexander would be rated a bit higher if he didn’t have such an extensive injury history.

Zach Cunningham holds up well in run support, but tends to struggle in coverage.

It’s a shame that injuries have sapped Shaq Leonard of his athletic ability because he was once one of the top linebackers in the NFL.

Willie Gay is sound in run support, but struggles in pass coverage.

Eric Kendricks was once one of the top linebackers in the NFL. He has regressed in recent years, but rebounded well with the Chargers in 2023.

Leighton Vander Esch is a great talent, but he has severe neck problems and can’t be counted on to remain on the field.