It’s that time of year again. The time when Franchise Tag deadlines have passed and NFL rookie fever is in full effect. Before we get to the 2024 NFL Draft and see which high-profile rookies are going to which team, let’s take a look at which veteran free agents are the best at their position. Here are the Top 10 Linebacker Free Agents for 2024. For our complete list of 2024 rankings, check out our Rankings Page. Our list will include the average annual value of the player’s contract for 2023 (AAV) as well as their projected free agent market value as per www.spotrac.com.
10. Blake Cashman, HOU (Signed with MIN)
Embed from Getty Images2023 Contract AAV: $1,100,000
2024 Market Value: 4 years/$36,000,101
Blake Cashman has navigated a promising NFL career as a linebacker, primarily with the New York Jets. Despite facing injuries, Cashman has shown flashes of potential, contributing to the Jets’ defense with his tackling ability and coverage skills. His fantasy football production, though limited by injuries, has showcased his knack for generating tackles and turnovers when healthy, making him a player of interest for fantasy managers seeking defensive contributions.
In free agency, the New England Patriots could provide an ideal destination for Cashman to enhance his fantasy football value. Joining a team with a strong defensive tradition and a scheme that emphasizes his versatility as a coverage linebacker, Cashman could thrive in a prominent role. With the Patriots’ defensive prowess and their coaching staff’s ability to maximize player potential, Cashman could see an increase in fantasy production, solidifying his status as a valuable asset for fantasy managers seeking consistent defensive contributions.
9. Josey Jewell, DEN (Signed with CAR)
Embed from Getty Images2023 Contract AAV: $5,550,000
2024 Market Value: 2 years/$15,329,246
Josey Jewell has had a commendable NFL career as a linebacker for the Denver Broncos. Known for his tenacity and football IQ, Jewell has been a consistent presence on the Broncos’ defense, contributing with his tackling prowess and ability to read plays. Despite facing challenges, such as injuries and competition for playing time, Jewell has showcased his value to the Broncos and fantasy football managers alike, delivering solid production when given the opportunity.
In free agency, the Indianapolis Colts could offer an enticing destination for Jewell to enhance his fantasy football value. Joining a team with a strong defensive core and a scheme that emphasizes his strengths as a run-stopper and coverage linebacker, Jewell could thrive in a significant role. With the Colts’ defensive philosophy and their coaching staff’s track record of maximizing defensive talent, Jewell could see an increase in fantasy production, solidifying his status as a valuable asset for fantasy managers seeking consistent defensive contributions.
8. Azeez Al-Shaair, TEN (Signed with HOU)
Embed from Getty Images2023 Contract AAV: $5,000,000
2024 Market Value: 5 years/$76,931,520
Azeez Al-Shaair has established himself as a solid linebacker in the NFL, primarily with the San Francisco 49ers. Despite going undrafted, Al-Shaair has defied the odds, showcasing his athleticism and football instincts on the field. His ability to make tackles and contribute in pass coverage has earned him playing time and recognition from both his team and fantasy football managers.
In free agency, the New Orleans Saints could provide an ideal destination for Al-Shaair to enhance his fantasy football value. Joining a team with a strong defensive tradition and a scheme that emphasizes his versatility as a coverage linebacker, Al-Shaair could thrive in a prominent role. With the Saints’ defensive prowess and their coaching staff’s ability to maximize player potential, Al-Shaair could see an increase in fantasy production, solidifying his status as a valuable asset for fantasy managers seeking consistent defensive contributions.
7. Devin White, TB
Embed from Getty Images2023 Contract AAV: $7,328,954
2024 Market Value: 2 years/$21,524,076
Devin White has quickly emerged as a standout linebacker in the NFL, showcasing his athleticism and playmaking ability with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Since being drafted, White has been a cornerstone of the Buccaneers’ defense, consistently making impactful plays and contributing to the team’s success. His ability to generate tackles, sacks, and turnovers has not only earned him accolades but has also made him a coveted asset for fantasy football managers seeking defensive contributions.
In free agency, the Baltimore Ravens could offer an enticing destination for White to enhance his fantasy football value. Joining a team with a strong defensive tradition and a scheme that emphasizes his versatility as a coverage linebacker, White could thrive in a significant role. With the Ravens’ aggressive defensive approach and their coaching staff’s track record of maximizing defensive talent, White could see an increase in fantasy production, solidifying his status as a valuable asset for fantasy managers seeking consistent defensive contributions.
6. Bobby Wagner, SEA
Embed from Getty Images2023 Contract AAV: $5,500,000
2024 Market Value: 3 years/$37,043,131
Bobby Wagner has had a remarkable NFL career as a linebacker for the Seattle Seahawks. Known for his leadership, tackling prowess, and football IQ, Wagner has been a cornerstone of the Seahawks’ defense for many years. Throughout his career, he has consistently delivered impressive fantasy football production, racking up tackles, sacks, and turnovers, making him a valuable asset for fantasy managers seeking defensive contributions.
However, as Wagner gets up there in age, there have been concerns about him potentially losing a step. Despite this, he remains a highly respected and productive player. In free agency, the Pittsburgh Steelers could offer an enticing destination for Wagner to continue his fantasy football relevance. Joining a team with a strong defensive tradition and a scheme that emphasizes his strengths as a run-stopper and coverage linebacker, Wagner could thrive in a significant role. With the Steelers’ defensive philosophy and their coaching staff’s ability to maximize player potential, Wagner could see an increase in fantasy production, solidifying his status as a valuable asset for fantasy managers seeking consistent defensive contributions.
5. Jordyn Brooks, SEA (Signed with MIA)
Embed from Getty Images2023 Contract AAV: $3,058,902
2024 Market Value: 1 year/$44,358,156
Jordyn Brooks has swiftly made an impact in the NFL as a linebacker for the Seattle Seahawks. Since being drafted, Brooks has showcased his athleticism and playmaking ability on the field, becoming an integral part of the Seahawks’ defense. Despite facing challenges such as injuries and adjusting to the NFL level, Brooks has displayed his potential to be a disruptive force, consistently making tackles and contributing to the team’s success.
In free agency, the Denver Broncos could offer an enticing destination for Brooks to enhance his fantasy football value. Joining a team with a strong defensive tradition and a scheme that emphasizes his versatility as a coverage linebacker, Brooks could thrive in a significant role. With the Broncos’ aggressive defensive approach and their coaching staff’s track record of maximizing defensive talent, Brooks could see an increase in fantasy production, solidifying his status as a valuable asset for fantasy managers seeking consistent defensive contributions.
4. Lavonte David, TB
Embed from Getty Images2023 Contract AAV: $4,500,000
2024 Market Value: 4 years/$45,355,192
Devin White has had a standout NFL career as a linebacker for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Known for his athleticism and playmaking ability, White quickly established himself as a cornerstone of the Buccaneers’ defense. Throughout his tenure, he has been a reliable source of fantasy football production, consistently racking up tackles, sacks, and turnovers, making him a valuable asset for fantasy managers seeking defensive contributions.
However, as White is getting up there in age, there are concerns about his declining performance on the field. Despite his past success, there’s a consensus that his play has fallen off in recent seasons. In free agency, a team like the Las Vegas Raiders could provide an ideal destination for White to rejuvenate his fantasy football value. Joining a team with a strong defensive core and a scheme that maximizes his strengths as a coverage linebacker, White could thrive in a significant role. With the Raiders’ aggressive defensive approach and their coaching staff’s ability to revitalize players’ careers, White could see an increase in fantasy production, solidifying his status as a valuable asset for fantasy managers seeking consistent defensive contributions.
3. Frankie Luvu, CAR (Signed with WSH)
Embed from Getty Images2023 Contract AAV: $4,500,000
2024 Market Value: 4 years/$45,008,756
Frankie Luvu has carved out a notable NFL career as a linebacker, spent between the New York Jets and Carolina Panthers. Known for his versatility and tenacity on the field, Luvu made impactful plays and contributed to the Panthers’ defense during his time there. Despite facing challenges such as injuries and roster competition, Luvu showcased his potential to be a disruptive force, consistently generating tackles, sacks, and turnovers, making him a valuable asset for fantasy managers seeking defensive contributions.
In free agency, the Atlanta Falcons could offer an enticing destination for Luvu to enhance his fantasy football value. Joining a team with a strong defensive tradition and a scheme that emphasizes his strengths as a pass rusher and coverage linebacker, Luvu could thrive in a significant role. With the Falcons’ defensive philosophy and their coaching staff’s ability to maximize player potential, Luvu could see an increase in fantasy production, solidifying his status as a valuable asset for fantasy managers seeking consistent defensive contributions.
2. Patrick Queen, BAL (Signed with PIT)
Embed from Getty Images2023 Contract AAV: $3,040,418
2024 Market Value: 5 years/$92,642,310
Patrick Queen has swiftly risen in the NFL as a linebacker for the Baltimore Ravens. Known for his athleticism and instinctive play, Queen has become a linchpin of the Ravens’ defense. Throughout his career, he has consistently delivered impressive fantasy football production, accumulating tackles, sacks, and turnovers, making him a valuable asset for fantasy managers seeking defensive contributions.
In free agency, the Los Angeles Chargers could provide an ideal destination for Queen to enhance his fantasy football value. Joining a team with a strong defensive core and a scheme that maximizes his strengths as a coverage linebacker and pass rusher, Queen could thrive in a significant role. With the Chargers’ aggressive defensive approach and their coaching staff’s track record of maximizing defensive talent, Queen could see an increase in fantasy production, solidifying his status as a valuable asset for fantasy managers seeking consistent defensive contributions.
1. Danielle Hunter, MIN
Embed from Getty Images2023 Contract AAV: $17,000,000
2024 Market Value: 3 years/$60,114,213
Danielle Hunter has enjoyed a prolific NFL career as a linebacker for the Minnesota Vikings. Known for his exceptional athleticism and pass-rushing prowess, Hunter has been a cornerstone of the Vikings’ defense for several seasons. Throughout his tenure, he has consistently delivered impressive fantasy football production, accumulating a high number of tackles, sacks, and turnovers, making him a coveted asset for fantasy managers seeking defensive contributions.
In free agency, the Pittsburgh Steelers could offer an enticing destination for Hunter to enhance his fantasy football value. Joining a team with a strong defensive tradition and a scheme that maximizes his strengths as a pass rusher and run-stopper, Hunter could thrive in a prominent role. With the Steelers’ aggressive defensive approach and their coaching staff’s ability to maximize player potential, Hunter could see an increase in fantasy production, solidifying his status as a valuable asset for fantasy managers seeking consistent defensive contributions.
