Free Agents: The Linebacker

Austin Arnold by Contributor Written on February 22, 2009

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Jacksonville Jaguars linebacker Mike Peterson sets on defense   against the San Francisco 49ers  December 18, 2005 in Jacksonville.    The Jaguars defeated the 49ers 10 - 9.  (Photo by Al Messerschmidt/Getty Images)
(Photo by Al Messerschmidt/Getty Images)

Linebackers are some of the most feared positions, with talents like DeMarcus Ware, Ray Lewis, James Harrison, and Karlos Dansby. Linebackers have the ability to change an game in its entirety, whither its stopping an third-down conversion, touchdown, or intercepting an ball and returning it for six.

This year, the talent has sky rocketed.

Ray Lewis

PITTSBURGH - JANUARY 18:  Ray Lewis #52 of the Baltimore Ravens looks on against the Pittsburgh Steelers during the AFC Championship game on January 18, 2009 at Heinz Field in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.  (Photo by Streeter Lecka/Getty Images)

Ray Lewis is an absolute beast, racking over 1,000 solo tackles, 28 ints, and 33.5 sacks (226 yards loss), in his career, and he isn't slowing down any time soon with 117 tackles this year.

I'm looking for him to stay in Baltimore, but I looked around and found that the Dallas Cowboys are interested in him.

Bart Scott

BALTIMORE - NOVEMBER 5:  Bart Scott #57 of the Baltimore Ravens looks on during the game against the Cincinnati Bengals at M&T Bank Stadium on November 5, 2006 in Baltimore, Maryland.  The Ravens defeated the Bengals 26-20. (Photo by Harry How/Getty Image

With Suggs already franchised, and Ray Lewis probably going to get a contract for the rest of his career its hard to see Scott fitting. He is an quality linebacker, but has struggled in recent years.

With only one sack and 80 tackles I will look for him getting an mediocre contract for one or two years just to see if he can get all gears turning and bring his 100 tackle, nine-sack career back.

Mike Peterson

JACKSONVILLE, FL - NOVEMBER 13:  Linebacker Mike Peterson #54 of the Jacksonville Jaguars celebrates after sacking quarterback Kyle Boller #7 of the Baltimore Ravens on November 13, 2005 at Alltel Stadium in Jacksonville, Florida.  (Photo by Doug Benc/Get

Mike Peterson my be getting a little rusty and haven't had a good season since 2005, also now with small issues on the field his value just shot down.

I'm looking froward to see what he will do with his career, but right now it just look as to me he should be a backup or just retire.

Jonathan Vilma

TAMPA, FL - NOVEMBER 30: Linebacker Jonathan Vilma #51 of the New Orleans Saints yells during play against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Raymond James Stadium on November 30, 2008 in Tampa, Florida.  (Photo by Al Messerschmidt/Getty Images)

Jonathan Vilma has bung his career back with 132 tackles team are going to be lining up left and right.

With the Saint hiring Dan Morgan its interesting to see what the Saints are going to do, since they won't (unless giving up an first round pick) sign him 'til free agency.

Eric Barton

MIAMI - SEPTEMBER 07:  Eric Barton #50 of the New York Jets reacts against the Miami Dolphins at Dolphin Stadium on September 7, 2008 in Miami, Florida. The Jets won 20-14.  (Photo by Doug Benc/Getty Images)

Eric Barton is putting up his career numbers again, but with age being an factor, now he is entering the last run of an mediocre year.

Channing Crowder

MIAMI - OCTOBER 19: Linebacker Channing Crowder #52 of the Miami Dolphins during a break in the action against the Baltimore Ravens in the first quarter at Dolphin Stadium on October 19, 2008 in Miami, Florida. (Photo by Eliot J. Schechter/Getty Images)

Channing Crowder is coming off a great season in which he recorded 113 tackles. However, he has bad knee history that could become an factor. Also he is best year came in his contract season.

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written on February 22, 2009 Rankings/List

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