Washington Football Team: Three free agent linebackers to target
1. OLB Lavonte David
The nine-year veteran Lavonte David would be a surefire home run for the Washington Football Team if they signed him this offseason.
In 2020, David had one of his best statistical seasons, accounting for 117 tackles, three forced fumbles, 1.5 sacks, and an interception, David performed well above league average across the board. He’s been a long-time tackling machine, accounting for over 100 tackles in all but one season throughout his entire NFL career.
David projects to be either a SAM or a WILL in this Jack Del Rio-Ron Rivera defense, which proves he’s as versatile as they come. David boasts a coverage grade of 85.8 coming into the ‘21 season, with a run defense grade of 76.6 according to Pro Football Focus, which is well above league average.
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The nine-year pro posted the fifth-best defensive grade last season among all linebackers according to PFF and has had double-digit tackles for loss in all but one year of his career.
While Lavonte David won’t be your middle linebacker of the future, his versatility and overall skill set prove he can be your strong or weak-side linebacker, playing both roles as a run stopper or a menace in coverage, for the Football Team for years to come.
The former Pro-Bowler and All-Pro haven’t slowed down since his down year in 2017, showing he can be the driving force of linebacker rooms for years to come.
A deal for David should look like this, according to Spotrac: Three years, $39.7 million.
This is a deal that’ll work well for both sides, giving David a long-term structure and money, but also giving Washington one of the most consistent linebackers in all of pro football.
You’ll be able to ask him to play all over the field and play multiple roles, as well as provide leadership in the locker room. Versatility and leadership are the two most important things to Ron Rivera now that he’s built this new culture.