Washington Football Team Free Agency Evaluation: Linebackers

Washington Football Team lower-tier free-agent options

Takkarist McKinley, Raiders

Takkarist McKinley has never lived up to his lofty first-round draft status and he could be staring at a final chance to make his mark as an NFL linebacker.  He’s a decent pass rusher and run-stuffer, but the recently failed physicals and nasty divorce from the Falcons will certainly affect any contract that is signed going forward.

The Washington Football Team will likely avoid adding McKinley to the roster.  If it happens, there would probably be a clause in the contract that protects the team.

B.J. Goodson, Browns

B.J. Goodson could be with his fourth team since he was drafted by the Giants in 2016, but the former Clemson Tiger produced a solid 2020 with the Browns.  One solid season is not encouraging, but Goodson was the standout linebacker on a playoff team.

It’s a small sample to evaluate, but Goodson could provide above-average depth to a unit that needs such role players.

Reggie Ragland, Lions

Reggie Ragland was originally drafted in the second round by the Bills in 2016.  Ragland is a decent linebacker, but he has never lived up to the original hype that accompanied the lofty expectations on placed on him.

As part of a stout Alabama defense, analysts believed Ragland would develop into a defensive star.  It never happened, but he is a good player that can provide solid depth and quality starts in spot duty.

Prediction:  Washington could pursue Ragland if they want quality depth.  Reuniting with several of his Alabama teammates in Washington could lead Ragland to Ashburn.