Free agent ILBs to replace Shazier

Demario Davis NY Jets had over 100 tackles and 5 sacks last season
Zach Brown Washington Redskins a tackling machine 2 sacks last season

 

Go out & draft & young stud. Even if Shazier make a complete recovery ..months/years down the line ...is he gonna be the same player??

 

Davis took a pay cut to get away from the Browns and had an outstanding year. He’s going to want to cash in.

Agree Brown can tackle, but with Tomlim’s defense, I mean Butler’s-we might need someone who can cover a bit better.

 

I read somewhere Lawrence Timmons may get released by the Dolphins. I would bring him back in a heartbeat. Then I would still use and early pick on the position.

 

Maybe instead of paying Bell the ridiculous amount he wants we sign a safety and ILB.

We seem to be a little more aggressive then years past on the free agent market. Haden, Sensabaugh, Hunter, McDonald.

 

Theres a lot of free agent ILBs this year:

http://www.spotrac.com/nfl/free-agents/inside-linebacker/

 

If he makes a complete recovery yes.

 

I have been talking Brown the last 2 years, many here didn't like him. From what I read he played inside and out, he is a tackling machine. I am still on his bandwagon.....

 

http://thesteelersfans.com/forums/threads/why.16793/#post-471441

In today’s NFL, it’s rare for a team to possess a three-down linebacker. The ability to stay on the field and excel against both the run and pass is emphasized among the best linebackers currently in the NFL.

Brown is, and the only, three-down linebacker on Buffalo’s roster. Brown was a force against the run, recording 10 tackles for loss while leading the team in ‘stops’ with 54, per Pro Football Focus. Brown displayed the ability to drop into coverage, allowing only one touchdown on the season, as well.

With that being said, Brown’s three-down versatility makes re-signing him a no-brainer.

Scheme versatility
Brown proved in 2016 he can be outstanding at inside linebacker. As previously mentioned, Brown possesses the frame and toughness to hold up against the run, and he displayed that this season as primarily a 3-4 inside linebacker.

While thriving at inside linebacker, Brown’s athleticism would best suite his capabilities at outside linebacker. There, Brown can utilize his coverage abilities to lock down tight ends and even slot receivers, while showing his prowess as a pass rusher (14 career sacks).

 

They should probably sign a free agent ILB, and draft one also.

 

I like that idea a ton

 

There was a time where we already had them on the roster or PS and just need to plug them in. Dont know what has happened with the Steelers and their LBers.

 

I'm leaning towards a mid level FA signing and a high draft pick. I'd rather spend the FA dollars on a safety. The crop of FA ILBs is not wowing me tbh.

 

Agreed. I wouldn't break the bank for any of these FA linebackers. I'd bring Navarro Bowman in for a look but that's about it. We'll probably bring Garvin back from Seattle then draft one.

I hope we sign a FS.

 

Bowman can't cover anybody, no thanks.

 

I'd look at Avery Williamson from TN. 92 tackles..and cheap too..knows DL's system

 

True, but at least he can play the run. The guys we have now can't play the run or cover.

 

We don't need another 2 down ILB , you would still need another ILB to play on third downs.

 

Assuming Shazier makes a full recovery, I have to believe there will be strict limitations placed on Shazier considering the stabilizing metal in his back. I don't believe that metal will be coming out any time soon.

 

Exactly, I think we need two new ILB. I'm assuming that Shazier will not be playing.

 

Vince Williams has something different to say about that

 

He didn’t grade too bad in pass defense. Heck, mid 60’s is outstanding for our ILBr grades.

 

I remember the last time we brought a Free Agent ILB from the Jets. It turned out pretty well for us.

 

Bowman had 127 tackles this year in 10 games with the raiders and a sack and a pick, his cover skill was down coming off 2 major injuries but he is expected to be solid in coverage this year, i would sign him for the right price at least he can stop the damn run thats more than I can say about these part time tacklers we had this year...

 

Timmons will be back, and he’ll be cheap. We will need him till we can develop a new player or Ryan recovers. He has to be better than the guy we have now.