NFL Free Agency 2016: Ranking Top Available LBs

Man, oh, man—the free-agency class of linebackers this year is loaded with talent.

It was difficult to rank these guys. Going from No. 6 to No. 5 just felt like it took something out of me.

Even the guys who didn't make the top 10 can still provide value for whichever teams they land with in 2016.

No matter what, there is going to be a lot of money exchanging hands for these linebackers this offseason.

Let's start with a few guys who just missed the cut.

Honorable Mentions

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In this column, it was important to keep the list to only unrestricted free agents.

If we were covering all the different variations of free agents, the man pictured on this slide, Denver Broncos linebacker Brandon Marshall, who would be No. 1.

This offseason, he is a restricted free agent. The Broncos better lock him up for a while. Besides some hiccups in pass coverage, he can do it all. Bonus: He's just 26 years old.

A few other guys who just missed out on the top 10 are Demario Davis and Courtney Upshaw. 

According to Pro Football Focus, Davis has had just one season with a positive grade, but nevertheless he has been a starter for a few years in the NFL.

Although he has been great against the run, Upshaw has struggled in pass rushing and pass coverage, according to Pro Football Focus.

10. Nick Perry, Green Bay Packers

Nick Wass/Associated Press

2015 Statistics

Age	Tackles	Sacks	INT	FF
25	31	3.5	0	1

 

2015 Review

According to Pro Football Focus, Green Bay Packers linebacker Nick Perry had the best season of his career in 2015, posting his highest grades overall and in run defense.

Perry also added 3.5 sacks to what was a quality season.

 

2016 Preview

The former first-round pick has had problems staying healthy and remaining consistent throughout his career. Since he has yet to be a starter, few teams, if any, will be comfortable with him in a starting role.

 

Potential Suitors

Two teams stick out: the Packers and Arizona Cardinals. Although Green Bay didn't pick up his fifth-year option, Perry performed well enough in 2015 to warrant another chance with the team moving forward.

9. Daryl Smith, Baltimore Ravens

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2015 Statistics

Age	Tackles	Sacks	INT	FF
33	121	3.0	1	0

2015 Review

According to Pro Football Focus, 2015 was the worst season of Baltimore Ravens linebacker Daryl Smith's career. He finished with negative grades in virtually every category and was cut by the Ravens earlier this month.

Regardless, he was still the same old tackling machine, racking up more than 120 combined tackles.

2016 Preview

As Smith ages, it's easy to say he's nearing the end of the line.

At this point in his career, you have to wonder if he's still starter material. While it may be harsh to say that after one bad season, the governor was on Smith's motor all of last season.

The storied veteran should still be able to land a short-term deal, though.

Potential Suitors

While we cannot rule out a return to Baltimore, Smith might catch on with the San Francisco 49ers or even the Cleveland Browns—two teams that are looking for veteran leadership and solid production while trying to find a place in the league.

8. Nigel Bradham, Buffalo Bills

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2015 Statistics

Age	Tackles	Sacks	INT	FF
26	59	1.0	0	0

2015 Review

After what was a fantastic start to his career, Buffalo Bills linebacker Nigel Bradham disappointed statistically in 2015, finishing as the 79th overall linebacker in the NFL, according to Pro Football Focus.

Not only that, but he ended up playing his final game of 2015 in Week 12.

2016 Preview

It was just an overall down year for Bradham in 2015.

Looking forward to 2016 and beyond, he should bounce back. At just 26 years old, he has a lot left in the tank. Maybe he'll take a "prove it" deal somewhere in 2016.

Potential Suitors

A return to Buffalo could be possible if he takes a cheap enough deal. Due to Buffalo's cap restrictions, that may be all the team can offer. The Jacksonville Jaguars and Baltimore Ravens are also sensible landing spots for Bradham as he looks to rebound in 2016.

7. Tahir Whitehead

Jeff Haynes/Associated Press

2015 Statistics

Age	Tackles	Sacks	INT	FF
25	50	2.0	1	0

2015 Review

Starting the season as a backup, Detroit Lions linebacker Tahir Whitehead demonstrated his excellence after taking over the starting job midseason.

Since taking over in Week 10, Whitehead finished as a top-25 overall linebacker, per PFF. He recorded his two sacks of the season during that stretch.

With Whitehead in the starting lineup, the Lions played better, finishing 6-2.

2016 Preview

One of the biggest perks regarding Whitehead is that he is still in his mid-20s.

While we only saw a small sample size of what he can do as a starter, he deserves a starting spot on a team and probably at a cheaper price than most of the guys on this list.

Potential Suitors

One team that is relatively interesting is the Cincinnati Bengals. Since they'll begin the season without the suspended Vontaze Burfict, Whitehead would be able to start. However, after Burfict returns, Whitehead may return to being a backup.

Nonetheless, the Bengals are an interesting fit.

6. Junior Galette, Washington Redskins

Chris Tilley

2015 Statistics

Age	Tackles	Sacks	INT	FF
27	0	0	0	0

2015 Review

Yeah, about that...

Washington Redskins linebacker Junior Galette didn't actually play in 2015.

After being cut by the New Orleans Saints because of some off-the-field activity, Galette caught on with the Redskins, where he later suffered an Achilles injury in the preseason.

2016 Preview

Although he did not play in 2015, Galette had to be on this list. He carries more risk than everyone else on this list, but when he plays, we all know how fantastic he is.

While the off-the-field concerns may linger, the ability that Galette possesses could warrant him being No. 1 on this list.

Potential Suitors

If he doesn't return to finish what he started in Washington, the New York Jets would make a world of sense.

Galette would join a fantastic defense that could be even more imposing with him on the roster.

5. Rolando McClain, Dallas Cowboys

Roger Steinman/Associated Press

2015 Statistics

Age	Tackles	Sacks	INT	FF
26	80	2.0	1	0

2015 Review

Although he missed time because of a suspension and injuries, Dallas Cowboys linebacker Rolando McClain performed well in 2015, especially in coverage, according to Pro Football Focus.

He had his highest sack total of his career since 2011 and recorded one of the higher tackle totals among linebackers to play in 700 or less snaps.

2016 Preview

What a story McClain has been throughout his career. Whether it was after suspensions, injuries or retirement, he has always rebounded and has found a niche on the Dallas Cowboys roster.

After going through so much adversity, his next team should admire the different hurdles he has overcome and realize it is getting a battle-tested linebacker.

Potential Suitors

Although he may just end up returning to the Cowboys, the New England Patriots would be a great landing spot for McClain.

4. Jerrell Freeman, Indianpolis Colts

Michael Conroy/Associated Press

2015 Statistics

Age	Tackles	Sacks	INT	FF
29	112	3.0	1	0

2015 Review

Whatever Indianapolis Colts linebacker Jerrell Freeman did to get ready for 2015, he should do it each and every season.

Talk about a "Transformation Tuesday."

After struggling in 2014, Freeman was one of the best linebackers in the league in 2015, according to Pro Football Focus. While he missed some time due to injury, it did not appear to affect him, as he was phenomenal down the stretch.

2016 Preview

It will be interesting to see if Freeman can repeat or even improve in 2016, because 2015 is a tough act to follow. 

The former undrafted free agent has found a place in the league. Look for him to continue wreaking havoc on the opposition's rushing attack in 2016.

Potential Suitors

With comments from general manager Jim Irsay suggesting that the Colts may want to get younger on defense, Freeman could find himself elsewhere in 2016. The Arizona Cardinals, Cleveland Browns, Atlanta Falcons, Detroit Lions and Miami Dolphins all make sense.

3. Bruce Irvin, Seattle Seahawks

Elaine Thompson/Associated Press

2015 Statistics

Age	Tackles	Sacks	INT	FF
28	38	5.5	0	1

2015 Review

Seattle Seahawks linebacker Bruce Irvin was one of the better players at his position in 2015. However, this year marked the second season in a row where he has received negative grades from Pro Football Focus in the pass-rushing department.

2016 Preview

While Irvin may get paid a hefty sum of money this offseason, he shouldn't be the highest-paid linebacker in the league. He is a great player, but there is a reason the Seattle Seahawks didn't slap the franchise tag on him.

All in all, Irvin is a physical freak and will propel his next team's defense to a new plateau.

Potential Suitors

If Irvin does leave Seattle, look for him to reunite with a former coach with either the Atlanta Falcons (Dan Quinn) or Jacksonville Jaguars (Gus Bradley).

2. Derrick Johnson, Kansas City Chiefs

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2015 Statistics

Age	Tackles	Sacks	INT	FF
33	116	4.0	2	2

2015 Review

There was much deliberation about whether to put Irvin or Kansas City Chiefs linebacker Derrick Johnson at No. 2.

Regardless of his age, it's hard to count out Johnson.

After suffering an Achilles injury that kept him out of basically all of the 2014 season, Johnson rebounded in a huge way in 2015. He had one of the best seasons of his career and recorded the second-most sacks he's had in a single season.

2016 Preview

While his age may be a concern, as he'll turn 34 during the season, Johnson is still one of the premier linebackers in the game until he shows otherwise.

He's been tremendous his entire career.

Potential Suitors

Of course, the Chiefs would love to have Johnson back, and he is likely one of their top free agents to retain this offseason. However, expect the Cleveland Browns to be in hot pursuit of the veteran's services.

1. Danny Trevathan, Denver Broncos

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2015 Statistics

Age	Tackles	Sacks	INT	FF
25	109	0	2	0

2015 Review

As part of one of the greatest defenses I've ever seen, Denver Broncos linebacker Danny Trevathan is going to immediately upgrade whichever team he goes to in a huge way.

What held Trevathan back this season was fellow linebacker Brandon Marshall—he was just too good, which resulted in Trevathan not playing all three downs.

2016 Preview

Although he did not play all three downs, Trevathan could easily handle the task. According to Pro Football Focus, he graded out as the No. 6 inside linebacker in 2015. He'll make his next employer much better on the defensive side of the ball.

Potential Suitors

You can expect pretty much every team having interest in him.

However, the Atlanta Falcons, Chicago Bears and Oakland Raiders could look to drop a truckload of money in his driveway. 

Stats courtesy of Pro Football Focus.

Follow me on Twitter @RichardJanvrin