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NFL free agency 2019: Best linebackers available

By Thomas Wheaton

PHILADELPHIA, PA - DECEMBER 23: Jadeveon Clowney #90 of the Houston Texans walks on the field prior to the game against the Philadelphia Eagles at Lincoln Financial Field on December 23, 2018 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. The Eagles defeated the Texans 32-30. (Photo by Mitchell Leff/Getty Images)
PHILADELPHIA, PA - DECEMBER 23: Jadeveon Clowney #90 of the Houston Texans walks on the field prior to the game against the Philadelphia Eagles at Lincoln Financial Field on December 23, 2018 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. The Eagles defeated the Texans 32-30. (Photo by Mitchell Leff/Getty Images) /
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MINNEAPOLIS, MN – JANUARY 14: Anthony Barr #55 of the Minnesota Vikings celebrates a tackle against the New Orleans Saints during the first half of the NFC Divisional Playoff game on January 14, 2018 at U.S. Bank Stadium in Minneapolis, Minnesota. (Photo by Hannah Foslien/Getty Images)
MINNEAPOLIS, MN – JANUARY 14: Anthony Barr #55 of the Minnesota Vikings celebrates a tackle against the New Orleans Saints during the first half of the NFC Divisional Playoff game on January 14, 2018 at U.S. Bank Stadium in Minneapolis, Minnesota. (Photo by Hannah Foslien/Getty Images) /

3. Anthony Barr

Without question Anthony Barr is one of the more interesting free agent linebackers to keep an eye on. The biggest question mark surrounding Barr is, “which Barr are you going to get?” Barr has had some ups and downs in his five seasons in the NFL. In only two of them has he played the full 16 game slate, which hints at injury concerns.

In addition, his production has fluctuated. Obviously the easy connection is tied to his injury record, but there may be some underlying factors that have been kept under wraps. Regardless of his inconsistency, Barr is one of the most talented outside linebackers in the NFL. He is great in the flat and has the speed necessary to chase down quicker running backs.

Coming out of the draft, the synopsis was that Barr could emerge as a double-digit sack guy as an edge rusher. With only 13.5 career sacks, that prediction was a bit off, but it does not mean that it was wrong. Barr is talented at getting after the pass rusher. He has 30 tackles for loss and 31 quarterback hits in his five seasons as well, proving that Barr spends quite a bit of time in the opposing backfield.

His freak athleticism is enticing, and teams would love to employ him in a hybrid role on defense. The ability to line up as a strong-side linebacker in a 4-3 base in addition to being able to line up off the edge and chase down the quarterback is not a very common trait to have. Without a doubt, the four-time Pro-Bowler would be a great acquisition for any defense.

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