{"id":796410,"date":"2026-03-06T15:19:26","date_gmt":"2026-03-06T15:19:26","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.rawchili.com\/nfl\/796410\/"},"modified":"2026-03-06T15:19:26","modified_gmt":"2026-03-06T15:19:26","slug":"2026-free-agent-linebackers-the-commanders-should-consider","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.rawchili.com\/nfl\/796410\/","title":{"rendered":"2026 Free Agent Linebackers the Commanders Should Consider"},"content":{"rendered":"

With free agency just around the corner, time is running out to work through all the new talent the Commanders will need to retool the defense to implement an aggressive, attacking scheme under incoming defensive coordinator Daronte Jones.<\/p>\n

Of course, we don\u2019t really know the details of the new-look defense. But it is a good bet that it will draw heavily from Brian Flores\u2019 defense in Minnesota, where Daronte served as Pass Game Coordinator, and unofficially as Flores\u2019 right-hand man.<\/p>\n

The Vikings\u2019 defense is predicated on keeping opposing QBs under constant pressure. The pass rush is heavily reliant on blitzing linebackers, with players who don\u2019t rush the passer dropping into zone or zone-match coverage. To disguise pressure, Edge Defenders (ED) frequently drop into coverage, with blitzing linebackers taking their place in the pass rush.<\/p>\n

If Daronte Jones is planning to implement a similar zone blitz scheme in Washington, he will need athletic off-ball linebackers with the ability to rush the passer and play in coverage, in addition to stopping the run.<\/p>\n

In previous articles, I have had a look at free agent CBs, and EDs who might suit a Flores-derived scheme. In the final instalment, I took a look at off-ball LBs who meet the specs and are either young, to provide medium to long-term solutions at the position, or who might be able to provide short-term solution at cap-friendly prices for a variety of reasons.<\/p>\n

To identify candidates for further consideration, I screened the available FA linebackers with advanced metrics for performance in run defense, pass rush and coverage, as explained in my previous articles on CBs (Y\/Cov Snap<\/a>) and EDs (Run Stop Rate, Pressure Rate<\/a>). Players were ranked among 96 LBs who played a minimum of 225 defensive snaps in 2025.<\/p>\n

Since these metrics may be less familiar to readers than conventional stats, I summarized the range of values in the sample of 96 players in the following tables. They may be useful to get a better feel for what the numbers mean.<\/p>\n

Run Defense \u2013 Run Stop Rate<\/p>\n

Run Stop Rate is the percentage of running downs on which a tackle by the defender caused the offensive play to fail.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a><\/p>\n

Pass Rush \u2013 Pressure Rate<\/p>\n

Pressure Rate is simply the percentage of pass rush attempts that generated pressure. Pressure Rates for blitzing LBs are generally higher than those for EDs<\/a>, so the numbers are not comparable across position groups.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a><\/p>\n

Coverage \u2013 Yards per Coverage Snap<\/p>\n

Rate of yardage allowed in coverage (Y\/Cov Snap) measures the overall outcome of a player\u2019s performance in coverage across their entire body of work in a season, and is adjusted for playing time to permit meaningful comparisons across players. As such, it provides a better measure of coverage performance than reception rate, total yardage allowed or opposing QB Passer Rating, all of which only measure what happens after the defender has allowed a target, and completely ignore prevention of targets. The values for LBs are lower than for CBs<\/a>, because of their coverage assignments, not because they are better in coverage.<\/p>\n

Scoring yardage allowed in coverage carries a big element of subjectivity, which can result in differences between stats services. In the CBs roundup, I reported figures from PFF and PFR, which was a ton of work. In this article, I mainly reported figures from PFF. However, when there were big differences, I reported figures from both sources.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a><\/p>\n

Free Agent Linebackers to Fit a Zone-Blitz Defense<\/p>\n

The following players suit the defensive scheme that Daronte Jones worked with in Minnesota, and represent good value at their projected contract figures. They are listed in order of valuations, not preference.<\/p>\n

\"JACKSONVILLE,<\/a><\/p>\n

JACKSONVILLE, FLORIDA – DECEMBER 07: Devin Lloyd #0 of the Jacksonville Jaguars carries the ball after an interception defended by Josh Downs #2 of the Indianapolis Colts during the first quarter at EverBank Stadium on December 07, 2025 in Jacksonville, Florida. (Photo by Rich Storry\/Getty Images) Getty Images<\/p>\n

6-3 | 235 lbs | RAS 9.58 | Age 27<\/p>\n

Market Valuation (AAV): Spotrac $20.1M, OTC $8.2M<\/p>\n

2025 Stats: 16 Starts | 87 Comb Tkl | 25 Stops | 1.5 Sacks | 10 QB Hits | 0 FF | 5 INT | 1 TD | 7 PD<\/p>\n

Run Stop Rate: 5.3% (rk 74)<\/p>\n

Pressure Rate: 27.2% (rk 12)<\/p>\n

Y\/Cov Snp: PFF 1.24 (rk 82); PFR 0.92<\/p>\n

Confession, Devin Lloyd was a player I really wanted the Commanders to draft<\/a> in 2022. Lloyd earned an AP-2 nomination in 2025 as a result of generating big plays, including a 99 yd pick 6, and 5 total interceptions. However, he is not strong in run defense.<\/p>\n

Lloyd provides a good illustration of how yardage allowed in coverage can tell a different story than big plays in pass defense. While the interception total would suggest that he was the second best LB in coverage, his rate of yardage allowed \u2013 which provides a better measure of coverage performance on a down to down basis \u2013 paints a different picture. According to PFF, he was around the 15th percentile of LBs at containing receivers in coverage. According to PFR, he was right around middle of the pack.<\/p>\n

One area where Lloyd excelled last season was generating pressure on blitzes. However, his 2025 numbers were the outlier of his career to date.<\/p>\n

Lloyd\u2019s ability to make big plays in pass defense and in the pass rush could make him a weapon in Daronte Jones\u2019 defense. But he is not without limitations in run defense and coverage. Not surprisingly then, there is a wide discrepancy between valuations. If his price tag gets anywhere near Spotrac\u2019s number, he could be overvalued. But he would be hard to pass up if AP can sign him for closer to OTC\u2019s number. However, there might be better options available for less money.<\/p>\n

\"CINCINNATI,<\/a><\/p>\n

CINCINNATI, OH – JANUARY 04: Linebacker Devin Bush #30 of the Cleveland Browns returns an interception for a touchdown in a game between the Cleveland Browns and the Cincinnati Bengals on January 4, 2026, at Paycor Stadium in Cincinnati, OH. (Photo by Jeff Moreland\/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) Icon Sportswire via Getty Images<\/p>\n

5-11 | 235 lbs | RAS 9.32 | Age 28<\/p>\n

Market Valuation (AAV): Spotrac $8.9M, OTC $14.7M<\/p>\n

2025 Stats: 17 Starts | 125 Comb Tkl | 24 Stops | 2 Sacks | 4 QB Hits | 2 FF | 3 INT | 2 TD | 8 PD<\/p>\n

Run Stop Rate: 7.2% (rk 40)<\/p>\n

Pressure Rate: 17.4% (rk 60)<\/p>\n

Bush has had ups and downs throughout his seven year career. He peaked as an impact defender in 2025, with a league high two pick-sixes and 164 return yards highlighting a list of big plays.<\/p>\n

He was an effective run stopper and mid-level blitzer. What might make him a great fit for a zone-blitzing defense is that he was one of the best LBs in the league in coverage as rated by yardage allowed as well as ball production. The caveat is that it was by far his best season in coverage since 2020.<\/p>\n

There are concerns about consistency. But if Bush can come close to his 2025 performance, he could be a great value addition for the Commanders.<\/p>\n

\"PHILADELPHIA,<\/a><\/p>\n

PHILADELPHIA, PENNSYLVANIA – DECEMBER 14: Nakobe Dean #17 of the Philadelphia Eagles looks on against the Las Vegas Raiders at Lincoln Financial Field on December 14, 2025 in Philadelphia, United States. (Photo by Mitchell Leff\/Getty Images) Getty Images<\/p>\n

Market Valuation (AAV): Spotrac $7.9M, OTC $1.9M<\/p>\n

2025 Stats: 9 Starts | 61 Comb Tkl | 23 Stops | 4 Sacks | 6 QB Hits | 2 FF | 1 PD<\/p>\n

Run Stop Rate: 5.6% (rk 66)<\/p>\n

Pressure Rate: 34.3% (rk 6)<\/p>\n

Y\/Cov Snp: PFF 0.85 (rk 34), PFR 0.61<\/p>\n

Dean has struggled with injuries throughout his career, including a torn patellar tendon that caused him to miss the first four games of last season, a Lisfranc injury in 2023 and a pectoral injury in 2022.<\/p>\n

When healthy, he is an impact defender. In 2025 he was one of the best blitzing linebackers in the league. He is prone to occasional lapses in coverage, but his overall rate of yardage allowed in ranked placed him at the 72nd percentile of LBs according to PFF\u2019s figures. He was even better according to PFR.<\/p>\n

Dean was just below average at stopping the run in 2025. But his run defense numbers have varied from season to season. In 2024, he posted a 13% Run Stop Rate, which was the second highest figure at his position.<\/p>\n

Dean is a significant injury risk, which depresses his valuations. If he can stay healthy, he could be a perfect fit for the new-look defense. He would be worth a gamble if they can sign him for under $7.9M AAV. But he is not a player you want to count on as your primary starter for the season.<\/p>\n

\"KANSAS<\/a><\/p>\n

KANSAS CITY, MISSOURI – OCTOBER 19: Leo Chenal #54 of the Kansas City Chiefs defends during an NFL football game against the Las Vegas Raiders at GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium on October 19, 2025 in Kansas City, Missouri. (Photo by Michael Owens\/Getty Images) Getty Images<\/p>\n

6-3 | 250 lbs | RAS 9.99 | Age 26<\/p>\n

Market Valuation (AAV): Spotrac $4.6M, OTC $2.5M<\/p>\n

2025 Stats: 12 Starts | 58 Comb Tkl | 24 Stops | 2 Sacks | 5 QB Hits | 1 INT | 2 PD<\/p>\n

Run Stop Rate: 7.6% (rk 33)<\/p>\n

Pressure Rate: 10.2% (rk 87)<\/p>\n

Y\/Cov Snp: PFF 0.98 (rk 58), PFR 0.71<\/p>\n

Chenal is a young, athletic LB, which should be music to Commanders\u2019 fans\u2019 ears. In fact, he is so athletic that the Chiefs used him as a kick returner in the 2023 Wild Card playoff win over the Dolphins.<\/p>\n

At linebacker he is a quality run defender. His Run Stop Rate was a little lower in 2025 than previous seasons, but still placed him at the 73rd percentile of LBs.<\/p>\n

PFF and PFR differed on his coverage numbers. According to PFF, he was below average in 2025. PFR\u2019s numbers, on the other hand, place him in the top 25% of linebackers.<\/p>\n

The weakest part of his game is rushing the passer, where he is well below average. That has been consistent throughout his career, aside from his sophomore season, when he achieved a 23.2% pressure<\/p>\n

Chenal\u2019s best use for the Commanders might be as a rotational player on early downs. If the valuations are accurate, he could be a good value in that role.<\/p>\n

\"DENVER<\/a><\/p>\n

DENVER , CO – OCTOBER 26: Justin Strnad (40) of the Denver Broncos tackles Javonte Williams (33) of the Dallas Cowboys during the first quarter at Empower Field at Mile High in Denver on Sunday, October 26, 2025. (Photo by AAron Ontiveroz\/The Denver Post) Denver Post via Getty Images<\/p>\n

6-3 | 235 lbs | RAS 3.83 | Age 30<\/p>\n

Market Valuation (AAV): Spotrac $3.8M, OTC $4.9<\/p>\n

2025 Stats: 8 Starts | 58 Comb Tkl | 25 Stops | 4.5 Sacks | 8 QB Hits | 1 INT | 3 PD<\/p>\n

Run Stop Rate: 6.9% (rk 46)<\/p>\n

Pressure Rate: 20.2% (rk 41)<\/p>\n

Y\/Cov Snp: PFF 0.78 (rk 25), PFR 0.38<\/p>\n

Strnad will hit 30 this season. He\u2019s the only player in this roundup with a RAS under 9.0 coming out of college, and he was way under. But he\u2019s got enough left in the tank to make him worth a look. And he won\u2019t break the bank.<\/p>\n

Strnad is coming off the best season of his career, and was an important contributor to the Broncos\u2019 top-5 defense. In 2025, he was a solid all-round linebacker with good production in the pass rush. Despite his athletic testing numbers, he was very good (PFF) to outstanding (PFR) at containing receivers in coverage.<\/p>\n

He could be a good option to shore up the position on a cheap, short-term contract to give Adam Peters flexibility in the draft.<\/p>\n

\"HOUSTON,<\/a><\/p>\n

HOUSTON, TEXAS – SEPTEMBER 28: EJ. Speed #45 of the Houston Texans defends in coverage during an NFL football game against the Tennessee Titans at NRG Stadium on September 28, 2025 in Houston, Texas. (Photo by Perry Knotts\/Getty Images) Getty Images<\/p>\n

6-4 | 227 lbs | RAS 9.18 | Age 31<\/p>\n

Market Valuation (AAV): Spotrac $4.8M, OTC $2.3M<\/p>\n

2025 Stats: 9 Starts | 62 Comb Tkl | 25 Stops | 2 QB Hits | 1 PD<\/p>\n

Run Stop Rate: 9.6% (rk 5)<\/p>\n

Pressure Rate: 21.9% (rk 33)<\/p>\n

Speed may be getting on in the years, which might not be popular, but I just couldn\u2019t look past the advanced metrics at such a low asking price.<\/p>\n

Last season, at the age of 30, he had the fifth highest run stop rate among LBs. He was at the 92nd percentile for yardage allowed in coverage, and the 72nd percentile for pressuring the QB in the pass rush.<\/p>\n

He could be a good value on a one-year contract for under $5m.<\/p>\n

Players on Injury Discount<\/p>\n

\"EAST<\/a><\/p>\n

EAST RUTHERFORD, NEW JERSEY – NOVEMBER 03: Jayden Daniels #5 of the Washington Commanders is chased by Micah McFadden #41 of the New York Giants during the first half at MetLife Stadium on November 03, 2024 in East Rutherford, New Jersey. (Photo by Al Bello\/Getty Images) Getty Images<\/p>\n

6-2 | 232 lbs | RAS 9.46 | Age 26<\/p>\n

Market Valuation (AAV): Spotrac $2.4M, OTC $582K<\/p>\n

2024 Stats: 14 Starts | 107 Comb Tkl | 41 Stops | 3 Sacks | 6 QB Hits | 1 FF | 1 PD<\/p>\n

2024 Run Stop Rate: 8.5% (equiv rk 17)<\/p>\n

2024 Pressure Rate: 29.7% (equiv rk 8)<\/p>\n

2024 Y\/Cov Snp: PFF 1.00 (equiv rk 60), PFR 1.12<\/p>\n

McFadden missed the 2025 season with a Lisfranc injury suffered early in game 1. Recovery time is 6 to 12 months to return to competitive play, so he should be good to go for 2026.<\/p>\n

McFadden tested in the elite range in speed and agility drills at the 2022 Combine. He developed into a strong player as a blitzer and in run defense during his rookie contract.<\/p>\n

According to PFF he was below average in coverage when he was last healthy, while PFR rates him closer to the bottom 25% of LBs. He also needs to cut down on the missed tackles.<\/p>\n

McFadden has enough of the right skills to be a backup or rotational contributor in a zone blitzing defense.<\/p>\n

\"SANTA<\/a><\/p>\n

SANTA CLARA, CALIFORNIA – JANUARY 28: Malcolm Rodriguez #44 of the Detroit Lions intercepts a pass intended for Deebo Samuel #19 of the San Francisco 49ers during the second quarter in the NFC Championship Game at Levi\u2019s Stadium on January 28, 2024 in Santa Clara, California. (Photo by Ezra Shaw\/Getty Images) Getty Images<\/p>\n

5-11 | 230 lbs | RAS 9.48 | Age 27<\/p>\n

Market Valuation (AAV): Spotrac no valuation, OTC $227K<\/p>\n

2024 Stats: 6 Starts (318 snaps) | 43 Comb Tkl | 19 Stops | 2 Sacks | 2 QB Hits | 1 PD<\/p>\n

2024 Run Stop Rate: 12.8% (equiv rk 1)<\/p>\n

2024 Pressure Rate: 5.9% (equiv rk 92)<\/p>\n

2024 Y\/Cov Snp: 0.73 (equiv rk 20)<\/p>\n

Rodriguez suffered an ACL tear in the 2024 Thanksgiving game, and had a difficult recovery requiring two surgeries. He returned to play in Week 12 of the 2025 season, but was not back to his pre-injury form. Stats are provided from the 9 games he played in 2024.<\/p>\n

Rodriguez was a quality rotational contributor and occasional starter at MLB prior to his injury. In 2024, he excelled in run defense and coverage. His Pressure Rate as a blitzer was low, but two of three total pressures were sacks.<\/p>\n

He has the right skillset to play in a zone blitzing scheme if his medicals check out. I interpret OTC\u2019s valuation to mean that they project him as a practice squad addition. He is a player the Commanders could bring to camp on a vet-minimum contract. If the valuations mean anything, there is nothing to lose.<\/p>\n

6-4 | 241 lbs | RAS 9.63 | Age 26<\/p>\n

Market Valuation (AAV): Spotrac $8.3M, OTC $4.2M<\/p>\n

2025 Stats: 14 Starts | 128 Comb Tkl | 46 Stops | 2.5 Sacks | 7 QB Hits | 5 PD<\/p>\n

Run Stop Rate: 7.8% (rk 26)<\/p>\n

Pressure Rate: 14.6% (rk 72)<\/p>\n

Quay Walker is another player I really liked for the Commanders in the 2022 draft. He is also one of the most polarizing players in free agency. Quite a few analysts rank him among the top 10 LBs available. While others rate him as I have.<\/p>\n

Coming out of college, Walker was a super athletic specimen with sideline to sideline speed for the next level. Unfortunately, he never played up to the level of his athletic skills as a pro.<\/p>\n

Walker has always been a good run defender in the box and a great tackler. His issues are that he is well below average pass rusher (25th percentile) and a liability in coverage (10th percentile). But worst of all, he peaked as a rookie and has been getting worse every year. At just 26 years of age, he is where Bobby Wagner was last year, but not as good in coverage.<\/p>\n

He might have value to a team with a need for a two-down run stopper. But he is not a fit for the Commanders if the new defensive scheme is anything like Minnesota\u2019s.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"With free agency just around the corner, time is running out to work through all the new talent…\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":796411,"comment_status":"","ping_status":"","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[2069],"tags":[107294,427,7,6,855,111,6220,2480],"class_list":{"0":"post-796410","1":"post","2":"type-post","3":"status-publish","4":"format-standard","5":"has-post-thumbnail","7":"category-washington-commanders","8":"tag-2026-washington-commanders-free-agency","9":"tag-commanders","10":"tag-football","11":"tag-nfl","12":"tag-washington","13":"tag-washington-commanders","14":"tag-washington-commanders-free-agency","15":"tag-washingtoncommanders"},"share_on_mastodon":{"url":"https:\/\/channels.im\/@nfl\/116182907422703369","error":""},"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.rawchili.com\/nfl\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/796410","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.rawchili.com\/nfl\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.rawchili.com\/nfl\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.rawchili.com\/nfl\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/2"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.rawchili.com\/nfl\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=796410"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/www.rawchili.com\/nfl\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/796410\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.rawchili.com\/nfl\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/796411"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.rawchili.com\/nfl\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=796410"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.rawchili.com\/nfl\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=796410"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.rawchili.com\/nfl\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=796410"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}