Zack Baun emerged as a standout linebacker last season, leading the NFL with the highest tackle share and excelling as the best coverage linebacker according to NFL Next Gen Stats. He shared the league’s top spot in stuffs—tackles that generate negative expected points added (EPA) for the offense. Meanwhile, Nate Hobbs faced challenges with one of the highest missed tackle rates at 19.7%, a stark contrast to his earlier career performance where he maintained a rate under 10%. As teams look to fortify their defenses, Baun stands out as a prime option among free agent linebackers, while Hobbs’ future potential remains promising despite a projected annual salary range of $6 million to $10 million.
In the crowded pool of free agent linebackers, names such as Jerome Baker, Derrick Barnes, Cody Barton, Chris Board, K.J. Britt, Oren Burks, De'Vondre Campbell, Divine Deablo, Tyrel Dodson, Willie Gay, Denzel Perryman, E.J. Speed, Robert Spillane, Shaq Thompson, and Anthony Walker are making waves. Oren Burks notably stepped up during the postseason for Philadelphia, partnering effectively with Baun. Burks' performance has positioned him as a valuable asset with a projected salary similar to Hobbs.
The defensive tackle market is equally dynamic, with Taven Bryan, Byron Cowart, Leki Fotu, Poona Ford, Morgan Fox, Greg Gaines, Kevin Givens, Austin Johnson, Benito Jones, Sebastian Joseph-Day, Javon Kinlaw, Roy Lopez, Derrick Nnadi, Solomon Thomas, and Tershawn Wharton available. Morgan Fox and Poona Ford formed an effective rotation for the Chargers in 2024, showcasing their value in the free-agent arena. Denico Autry and Danielle Hunter were critical yet underrated acquisitions for the Texans last year; however, Autry's performance was marred by a six-game suspension resulting in only three sacks and six knockdowns over ten games.
Potential cap casualties loom over Jordan Elliott of the 49ers and Shelby Harris of the Browns. Teams looking to bolster their defensive line must weigh options carefully amidst shifting salary caps and performance metrics.
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