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NFL free agency 2020: Best linebackers available

By Russell S. Baxter

PHOENIX, AZ - DECEMBER 08: Bud Dupree #48 of the Pittsburgh Steelers in action during the game against the Arizona Cardinals at State Farm Stadium on December 8, 2019 in Glendale, Arizona. The Steelers defeated the Cardinals 23-17. (Photo by Rob Leiter via Getty Images)
PHOENIX, AZ - DECEMBER 08: Bud Dupree #48 of the Pittsburgh Steelers in action during the game against the Arizona Cardinals at State Farm Stadium on December 8, 2019 in Glendale, Arizona. The Steelers defeated the Cardinals 23-17. (Photo by Rob Leiter via Getty Images) /
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TAMPA, FL – DECEMBER 29: Tampa Bay Buccaneers Linebacker Shaquil Barrett (58) rushes upfield during the second half of an NFL game between the Atlanta Falcons and the Tampa Bay Bucs on December 29, 2019, at Raymond James Stadium in Tampa, FL. (Photo by Roy K. Miller/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
TAMPA, FL – DECEMBER 29: Tampa Bay Buccaneers Linebacker Shaquil Barrett (58) rushes upfield during the second half of an NFL game between the Atlanta Falcons and the Tampa Bay Bucs on December 29, 2019, at Raymond James Stadium in Tampa, FL. (Photo by Roy K. Miller/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) /

2. OLB Shaquil Barrett (Tampa Bay Buccaneers)

Talk about a breakout campaign. After spending four seasons with the Denver Broncos and being a supporting cast member on a defensive unit spearheaded by outside linebacker Von Miller, Shaquil Barrett joined the Tampa Bay Buccaneers as a free agent in 2019. He inked a one-year deal worth $4 million. And he responded with an amazing year which saw him surpass his sack total during his entire career in the Mile High City.

As a rookie with the Broncos in 2014, the former Colorado State product did not play during the regular season but made an appearance in the club’s divisional playoff clash with the Colts. Over the following four years, there were 61 regular-season outings but just 15 starts. He totaled 14 sacks, an impressive seven forced fumbles and three fumble recoveries.  And during the Broncos’ Super Bowl 50 run, he was once again not really a factor.

But that all changed this past year under head coach Bruce Arians and defensive coordinator Todd Bowles. There were 16 starts, 58 tackles and a league-high 19.5 sacks. Barrett was credited with an impressive 37 quarterback hits, forced six fumbles and picked off one pass.

Be it the Buccaneers or another team, the 27-year-old defender figures to earn a lucrative contract over the next few months. The club would be wise to secure his services sooner than later as the franchise looks to build off a 2019 showing that saw them win five of their last eight games.

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