NFL 2008 Free Agents - Linebackers

It is just about free agent time in the NFL. In this league of great parity, free agency is a very important part of what goes on in this sport. Just think about the outcome that free agency had on the sport's biggest stage, the Superbowl. Without the acquisition of Donte Stallworth and Wes Welker, the likelihood of the New England Patriots having the best offense in the history of the NFL is- well, it's unlikely. Then of course, there was the franchise tagging of Asante Samuel, a move that kept him as the team's best cornerback and kept him away from the other scavengers that would have loved a crack at them. And if the Superbowl Champion New York Giants don't sign Kawika Mitchell this past off-season, who knows how vulnerable they are in the running game, especially when you consider how he almost single-handedly stopped Lawrence Maroney in the Superbowl.

There can't be more than one or two positions in free agency that are sexier than linebacker is. That's why LBs are some of the first to go when free agency comes around. This year's crop will be no different.

Lance Briggs, UFA, Chicago Bears - Last year, Chicago showed him the ultimate disrespect by franchise tagging him. Sure, it was a business move, but you're talking about a guy who wanted be a part of the organization, and then you sign him up for a deal that doesn't reward what he has done for the team. Well, now he is void of the tag, and he will be entering the free agent poll as the most sought after linebacker on the market. That means big bucks, like the tens of millions Adalius Thomas got from New England last off-season.

Tedy Bruschi, UFA, New England Patriots - It's hard to imagine this guy doing anything other than signing with the New England Patriots, but money is cold-blooded thing in this league. The Patriots know that Bruschi is old and is nearing the end of his career, so they could ultimately slap him with a very ugly looking contract. Then it will just come down to how bad Bruschi wants to play for the Patriots, because even though he's old, someone will pay him based on his past performance. And despite his love for the Patriots, players nearing the end of their career like to get as much money as they can before they retire.

Karlos Dansby, UFA, Arizona Cardinals - I would say that a lot more has been expected of him since coming out of Auburn, however, it's not like he has been a complete bum. In fact, he registered 99 tackles, 3.5 sacks, 4 forced fumbles, 8 passes defended, and 3 interceptions in 2007. That's a pretty impressive stat line. You combine that productiveness with a 6'4", 250-pound, frame that runs a 4.5, and you have the one linebacker who may garner more interests than Lance Briggs.

Kawika Mitchell, UFA, New York Giants - Speaking of garnering interest, Mitchell had the Giants interested in him last free agency. This year, one of the Giants post-season defensive MVPs is going to garner attention from everyone. While MLB Antonio Pierce directed the defense, Mitchell executed it. He was the key force in stopping the running game of opposing teams throughout the season, and especially in the playoffs where he helped stop Marion Barber, Ryan Grant, Lawrence Maroney, and Earnest Graham to very sub-par performances.

Other Notable Free Agent Linebackers:

Demorrio Williams, UFA, Atlanta Falcons

Mark Simoneau, UFA, New Orleans Saints

Boss Bailey, UFA, Detroit Lions

Lemar Marshall, UFA, Washington Redskins