2010 free-agent preview: Linebackers
Article By viyer.tsn on 19th February, 2010
This is the first in a series of position-by-position analyses of the best players who might be available on the NFL's open market when free agency opens March 5:
The top prize
The best job description to encompass everything Cardinals inside linebacker Karlos Dansby does on the field is "playmaker." Whether working out of a 3-4 or 4-3 front, he excels at playing the run and covering backs and tight ends. Even though his sack totals have diminished since moving from the outside, he still can disrupt the pocket.
He also makes plays when they count most, leading the defense's success in Arizona's drive to Super Bowl 43 and producing the game-winning touchdown in this year's overtime playoff shootout with Green Bay.
This offseason, the Cardinals, unlike the past two years, will not designate him as their "franchise" player, making Dansby, only 28, a hot commodity at a high price.
NFL scouts say Dansby has the fewest holes of any free agent this year.
A 1-2 3-4 outside punch
Free agency would be a lot more interesting—especially for 3-4 teams looking for a dominant pass rusher (Miami, New England)—if Denver's Elvis Dumervil, the 2009 NFL leader in sacks with 17, wasn't restricted as a result of the league's lack of collective bargaining agreement.
The top 10
1. Elvis Dumervil, OLB, Broncos*
2. Karlos Dansby, ILB, Cardinals (UFA)
3. DeMeco Ryans, ILB, Texans*
4. Shawne Merriman, OLB, Chargers*
5. Gary Brackett, ILB, Colts (UFA)
6. Thomas Davis, OLB, Panthers*
7. Barrett Ruud, ILB, Buccaneers*
8. Joey Porter, OLB, Dolphins (UFA)
9. Rocky McIntosh, OLB, Redskins*
10. Kirk Morri...
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The Toronto Blue Jays Tickets are a professional baseball team located in Toronto, Ontario, Canada.
The Seattle Mariners are an American professional baseball team based in Seattle, Washington. The Seattle Mariners Tickets are looking to be a good team this year.
Detroit Tigers Tickets: The Detroit Tigers are a Major League Baseball team based in Detroit, Michigan. One of the American League's eight charter franchises.
The Philadelphia Phillies Tickets are a Major League Baseball team based in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. They are the oldest continuous, one-name, one-city franchise in all of professional American sports, dating to 1883. One of the biggest games of the season are the Phillies Red Sox Tickets. Another long time rival in the same state is Phillies Pirates Tickets.
The Chicago White Sox Tickets are a Major League Baseball team based in Chicago, Illinois. The White Sox play in the American League's Central Division.
The Atlanta Braves Tickets are a professional baseball team based in Atlanta, Georgia. The Braves are a member of the Eastern Division of Major League Baseball's National League.
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San Diego Padres Tickets: The San Diego Padres are a Major League Baseball team based in San Diego, California.
Tampa Bay Rays Tickets: The Rays are a member of the Eastern Division of MLB's American League. Since their inception in 1998, the club has played at Tropicana Field.
The Florida Marlins were established in 1993 as an expansion franchise, the Florida Marlins Tickets are a member of the Eastern Division of Major League Baseball's National League.
San Francisco Giants Tickets are a Major League Baseball team based in San Francisco, California, who currently play in the National League West Division.
The Cleveland Indians are a professional baseball team based in Cleveland, Ohio. Cleveland Indians Tickets are in the Central Division of Major League Baseball's American League.
