With the NFL offseason now in full swing, free agency is starting to gain attention as we start to look at the potentially available talent. A need felt by teams either for depth or starting positions are inside linebackers.
Many teams going into this offseason will address it in this years’ NFL Draft, in spite of this here are three players that will get a big payday.
NFL Free Agency: Top 3 Inside Linebackers
Lawrence Timmons
The long-time Pittsburgh Steeler is expected to hit free agency. To his credit, Timmons was part of the Super Bowl XLIII winning team and a former Pro Bowler.
Since being taken in the first round of the 2007 NFL Draft, Timmons has amassed 981 tackles, 35 and a half sacks, 14 forced fumbles, and 12 interceptions. Timmons last season alone had 78 tackles, two and a half sacks, and two interceptions; he could be an instant upgrade in the middle for any team.
Will Compton
Compton was the leader of the Washington Redskins defense last season so some expect him to be back with the team. Either way, he’s available through free agency.
As the defensive signal caller for the defense, Compton has totaled 263 tackles, one sack, two interceptions, and one forced fumble since he was drafted by the team in 2013.
Any team with a young defense in need of a veteran that can take them over the hump might take a look at Compton and throw a nice contract his way if the Redskins don’t re-sign him.
Kevin Minter
One of the least mentioned linebackers in free agency, it’s Minter who could have the biggest impact on a new team.
If the Arizona Cardinals don’t re-sign Minter and he can stay healthy, he’ll be an excellent addition. With his 81 tackles and three and a half sacks last year, Minter could bring toughness and reliability to a team’s run stopping defense not to mention he’s still very young at 26.
Stay tuned to LWOSports.com for the latest NFL free agency news.
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