WVUFootball29 Posted January 5, 2009 Share Posted January 5, 2009 Sorry this installment has taken so long to get posted. It was a very busy weekend for me, but anyways on to the 2009 Free Agent Linebackers. OLB Bart Scott (Ravens) Far and away the best LB on this list, I highly doubt Scott leaves the Ravens. Going into his 8th season in 2009 Scott has tallied 433 tackles and 16 sacks. Outside of 2006, Bart has not had more than 4 sacks in a single season. He is coming into the prime of his career and I’m sure he’ll get a very lucrative deal from the Ravens. Michael Boley (Falcons) Right behind Scott is Michael Boley. In just 4 seasons in the NFL Boley has quietly tallied 330 tackles, 6 sacks and 5 INTs for the Falcons. Looking for his first big payday, it’s possible to see Boley leave to join the highest bidder. However, it looks like the Falcons are a franchise on the rise and he might stick around to see how far they go. Leroy Hill (Seahawks) Another solid LB looking for his first big payday, Hill has comparable stats to Boley. However, Hill does have some durability concerns with him as he has not played in all 16 games in a season yet in his career. Still, Hill had 7.5 sacks in his rookie season in 2005, but has only 6.5 across the last 3 seasons. With the Seahawks looking to make some front office/coaching changes, it might be possible to see Hill take off for greener pastures. Angelo Crowell (Bills) Missed the 2008 season due to a knee injury that required surgery just prior to the Bills opener. Many fans believed this was the end of Angelo in Buffalo. However, Crowell has recently stated that he would be interested in returning to the Bills in 2009. With the Bills thin at LB, it would be hard to believe that Buffalo lets him walk. Marques Harris (Chargers) San Diego’s version of Keith Ellison, Harris is a special teams gunner and pass rush specialist. Began his collegiate career at Colorado, but transferred to Southern Utah after his junior year. Harris was also a star wrestler and baseball player in the state of Colorado. Clark Haggans (Arizona) Former Steeler that followed Ken Wisenhunt to Arizona, Haggans is a reliable LB that brings a veteran presence to the field. Best utilized as a pass rush specialist, Haggans has 33.5 sacks in his 9 year career. Haggans has not seen a lot of playtime in Arizona and might be looking for a team that would give him more playtime. Willie McGinest (Browns) One of the greatest 3-4 pass rush specialists of all time, McGinest has stated that he will retire at the end of 2008. McGinest has been slowed by injuries while in Cleveland and has only recorded 8 sacks in 3 seasons with the Browns. McGinest finishes his career with 86 career sacks and 401 tackles. Keith Ellison (Bills) RFA A speedy undersized OLB, Ellison has been thrust into the starting defense in each of his 3 seasons with the Bills. 177 tackles and 2 sacks in 3 seasons Ellison should get a decent qualifying offer from Buffalo and remain with them through 2009. Rashad Jeanty (Bengals) RFA Jeanty is a lot like Keith Ellison as he has been thrust into the starting lineup for Cincy. However, Jeanty really seemed to come into his own in 2008 recording 96 tackles for the Bengals in 15 starts. Cincinnati should probably retain him through 2009. DD Lewis (Seahawks) Mostly a reserve LB throughout his career, Lewis might be looking for a new home in 2009 depending on what the Seahawks do in regards to coaching and management. Shantee Orr (Browns) Well traveled veteran LB, who has mostly been a reserve throughout his 6 seasons in the NFL. Will probably be looking for work come spring time. Darryl Blackstock (Bengals) I had high hopes for Blackstock coming out of Virginia in 2005. However, things just haven’t quite turned out as planned. Blackstock was suspended 4 games for violating the league’s Steroid policy. Sadly, the steroids weren’t much of a help as Blackstock has only recorded 64 tackles in 4 seasons with the Bengals and Cardinals. Gilbert Gardner (Bears) Another well traveled vet, Gardner played on two teams in 2008, the Lions and Bears. However, due to injuries only appeared in 3 games in 2008. Typically a backup and special teamer, no one knows where Gardner will surface in 2009. Gary Stills (Rams) One of the better DE’s to come out of West Virginia University, Stills made his mark in the NFL as a tweener DE/LB and Special Teams ace. Stills was released by Baltimore early in 2008 and promptly signed by St. Louis where he appeared in 14 games. Stills will be 35 going into next season, but can still contribute somewhere in 2009. Sam Williams (Raiders) Has played 6 seasons with the Raiders and tallied a total of 99 tackles. Mainly a reserve and special teams player Williams is a large LB at 6’5” 260lbs. Will probably compete for a roster spot somewhere in 2009. MLB Ray Lewis (Ravens) The very heart and soul of the Ravens’ defense, Lewis is by far one of the greatest MLBs of all time. A natural born leader Lewis makes nearly every player around him that much better. He has played his entire 13 year career with the Browns/Ravens organization and will definitely retire a Raven. Karlos Dansby (Cardinals) One of the best young LBers in the game, Dansby is looking for his big payday. With things looking up in Arizona, I would find it hard to believe that the Cardinals would let one of their best defenders go this offseason. In 5 seasons with the Cardinals, Dansby has amassed 444 tackles, 24.5 sacks and 9 INTs. My bet is that the Cardinals lock him up for a longtime. Jonathan Vilma (Saints) Vilma was traded from the Jets after an injury and not fitting in well with Mangini’s 3-4 defense and had one of his best years starting all 16 games for the Saints and racking up 132 tackles. Vilma will draw a lot of interest this offseason and will be looking to cash in on his previous success. Mike Peterson (Jaguars) One of the leaders of the Jaguars defense, Peterson has some issues with head coach Jack Del Rio this year and may be looking for a change of scenery. At 32 Peterson will probably looking for somewhere to finish his career on a high note. He would be a welcome addition to any LB corps in need of veteran leadership. Channing Crowder (Dolphins) Crowder is coming of a career year with the Dolphins and will be looking for his big pay day this offseason. While it is highly unlike that Parcells and the Phins will let him slip away, Crowder is going to draw plenty of interest this offseason and will probably see a ridiculously large offer sent to him. Would like prefer to stay with a 3-4 defense since that is where he has seen the most success. Eric Barton (Jets) A solid ILB/MLB looking for what could be his last big contract, Barton maybe looking for a new team in 2009 with the firing of Mangini. A very reliable tackler, Barton typically tallies over 100 tackles per season. He does have a tendency to take bad penalties sometimes. Takeo Spikes (49ers) Spikes never really returned to form after his Achilles’ injury, but he did record his best season since 2004 by recording 96 tackles for the 49ers. At age 32, Spikes will probably be looking for somewhere to finish off his career and I’d be surprised to see him leave San Francisco. Andra Davis (Browns) Andra Davis was one of the bright spots for the Cleveland defense in 2008 recording 90 tackles and starting all 16 games for the Browns. He appears to perform best as a 3-4 ILB and will probably stay put in Cleveland if Mangini is hired. Nate Webster (Broncos) A well traveled reserve LB who found his way into the starting role in Denver, Webster is a very average LB. Doesn’t really stand out as a LB and it’s hard to say where he will be in 2009. My guess is somewhere with a Cover 2 style defense Paris Lenon (Lions) Underrated MLB that has flown under the radar in Detroit, Lenon has started 16 games in each of the past 3 seasons with the Lions, and has tallied over 100 tackles in each of the past 2 seasons. I guess that would be easy to do though in Detroit when the offense doesn’t really spend much time on the field. Could be a great pickup for a team looking to sure things up at MLB. Ryan Nece (Lions) A reliable veteran, Nece has spent time with the Buccaneers and Lions since 2002. Typically a reserve, Nece has been a serviceable starter as well. Could be a decent pickup for a team needing a reliable vet to fill out their LB spots. John Digiorgio (Bills) RFA Had a career year stepping in for the injured Paul Poszlusny in 2007 recording 113 tackles and 2 sacks for the Bills. JD was placed on IR after the 6th game of 2008 after tearing his ACL. JD has shown remarkable talent and drive for an UDFA out of Saginaw Valley State. Should still be a Bill in 2009. This list was compiled using Scouts.com, KFFL.com, and footballsfuture.com as a reference. If any of the players listed have signed an extension, please say so. Out of the players I’ve listed, I think Lenon would be a great addition to the Bills. He’s pretty versatile as a LB playing all 3 positions as a pro, but I think he’s best suited as a MLB. Yes, I know Poz is there, but personally I think he might be better on the outside, just my thoughts. I also think Crowell should be re-signed, especially if no one from outside of the Bills is brought in and he’s willing to comeback at 100% under Jauron and company. Looking strictly outside, I would make a run at Michael Boley if he is willing to leave Atlanta. If he continues to develop like he has over the past few seasons, he could be a solid starter in this league for years to come. (QBs previously discussed here http://www.stadiumwall.com/index.php?showtopic=80614 OL is next topic) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tortured Soul Posted January 5, 2009 Share Posted January 5, 2009 Even if Poz is better suited for the outside, I think the team has every intention of keeping him at MLB. Choosing between Lenon inside and Poz outside or Poz inside and Crowell outside, I'd go with the latter. It would also be cheaper. I think the best free agent the Bills have a realistic shot at getting is Dansby. He plays outside for the Cardinals and could play there for us. The Cardinals and Dansby failed to come to a long-term extension last offseason, and given their other situations and their tendency to let FAs escape, I think we could lure him with a substantial offer. And thanks, WVU. Good post. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
silvermike Posted January 5, 2009 Share Posted January 5, 2009 There's a ton of talent out there at the mike position. Locking that up, and flanking the signee with Poz and Mitchell sounds like it would put us in great shape quickly. Add a little depth there, and that position is set - we'd be all right on defense except for the front line. That's where we need a true star, and that's where we'll need to go this draft. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
lets_go_bills Posted January 5, 2009 Share Posted January 5, 2009 Great stuff again WVU. I think the Bills will resign Crowell, it just makes too much sense. He knows the team, scheme, players, etc. He should come at a decent price too. I fully expect the Bills to resign him. I like Vilma and think he could play OLB for us or MLB with Puz moving outside. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
VOR Posted January 5, 2009 Share Posted January 5, 2009 I'm of the mind that I'd be fine with re-signing Crowell, if the Bills spent a ton of money on Haynesworth. That and signing Jason Brown © of the Ravens. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tortured Soul Posted January 5, 2009 Share Posted January 5, 2009 Great stuff again WVU. I think the Bills will resign Crowell, it just makes too much sense. He knows the team, scheme, players, etc. He should come at a decent price too. I fully expect the Bills to resign him. I like Vilma and think he could play OLB for us or MLB with Puz moving outside. FYI, Tim Graham said in his chat that he doesn't see that happening and that Crowell's comments were just to show other teams he's a decent guy. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
C.Biscuit97 Posted January 5, 2009 Share Posted January 5, 2009 FYI, Tim Graham said in his chat that he doesn't see that happening and that Crowell's comments were just to show other teams he's a decent guy. Add to that fact that Crowell is one the wrong side of 30 and coming off surgery. I would love Dansby but I don't how the Cards woul let him get away. It would be great to have a LB that could rush the pass though. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Matt in KC Posted January 5, 2009 Share Posted January 5, 2009 Add to that fact that Crowell is one the wrong side of 30 and coming off surgery. I would love Dansby but I don't how the Cards woul let him get away. It would be great to have a LB that could rush the pass though. IMO, this is the only reason I see Crowell coming back to Buffalo. He could sign a one year deal at a reasonable salary for the opportunity to showcase his skill for his big carreer payday. I'd be very suprised to see the Bills sign him for three years or for him to accept a two year deal with the Bills. Crowell played well enough with the Bills I could see him getting a good 3 year offer from someone late in free agency after the other top FA LBs are taken. --- Thanks, WVUFootball29! Just a thought: post a link to your earlier installments at the end of your initial entry for each of these? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
lets_go_bills Posted January 5, 2009 Share Posted January 5, 2009 FYI, Tim Graham said in his chat that he doesn't see that happening and that Crowell's comments were just to show other teams he's a decent guy. Didn't know that. That sucks. Then again, you can't blame him after the way the Bills crapped on him. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tortured Soul Posted January 5, 2009 Share Posted January 5, 2009 Add to that fact that Crowell is one the wrong side of 30 and coming off surgery. I would love Dansby but I don't how the Cards woul let him get away. It would be great to have a LB that could rush the pass though. Actually, he's only 27. He'll turn 28 in August. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Wilson from Gamehendge Posted January 5, 2009 Share Posted January 5, 2009 I believe Paris Lenon came in to visit the Bills 2 or 3 years ago. I could be wrong. I would love to get Takeo back! Always been a big fan of Vilma, Dansby and Boley. All will be retained by their respective teams. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
WVUFootball29 Posted January 6, 2009 Author Share Posted January 6, 2009 There's a ton of talent out there at the mike position. Locking that up, and flanking the signee with Poz and Mitchell sounds like it would put us in great shape quickly. Add a little depth there, and that position is set - we'd be all right on defense except for the front line. That's where we need a true star, and that's where we'll need to go this draft. There is plenty of talent to be had, the toughest part is convincing them to come to bflo. Hopefully the Bills can find a player or two to compliment their draft picks and take a step forward in 09 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BuffaloBill Posted January 6, 2009 Share Posted January 6, 2009 Sorry this installment has taken so long to get posted. It was a very busy weekend for me, but anyways on to the 2009 Free Agent Linebackers. No apology necessary. Very good post. My guess is the Bills take the safe route and resign Crowell and Ellis. I do not see them making a splash with a big name player at LB. They do need to get more size at the position. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Kingfish Posted January 6, 2009 Share Posted January 6, 2009 I thought Suggs was a FA? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tortured Soul Posted January 6, 2009 Share Posted January 6, 2009 I thought Suggs was a FA? I think WVU is saving him for DEs. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Kingfish Posted January 6, 2009 Share Posted January 6, 2009 I think WVU is saving him for DEs. Would he be a DE or an OLB in the 4-3? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
vincec Posted January 6, 2009 Share Posted January 6, 2009 IMO, this is the only reason I see Crowell coming back to Buffalo. He could sign a one year deal at a reasonable salary for the opportunity to showcase his skill for his big carreer payday. I agree with this. I see a one year deal for Crowell so that he can show he's in good health and thus get the most as a FA. If the Bills can resign Crowell, Ellison and DiGiorgio, then I'd take that and spend the FA $$ elsewhere, like DE and TE. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
WVUFootball29 Posted January 6, 2009 Author Share Posted January 6, 2009 Would he be a DE or an OLB in the 4-3? Suggs would probably be a DE in teh 4-3. He's listed as a DE on scouts.com Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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