3 linebackers Washington should aggressively pursue in free agency

With so much attention being drawn to the upcoming rebrand, quarterback search and the eventual departure of Brandon Scherff in free agency, everyone has lost sight of the Washington Football Team’s need to find a middle linebacker.

While the club seemingly has their off-ball positions locked up in the form of Cole Holcomb and Jamin Davis, who moved into that role in the final couple games of 2021, there’s a gaping hole at the mike position.

Of course, Jon Bostic filled that hole the last few seasons and to say he left fans wanting more would be an understatement. A free agent to be and coming off a season-ending pectoral injury, it’s fair to say he won’t be back.

But where should Washington turn to find his replacement?

Drafting another linebacker in the first round seems unlikely, though Utah’s Devin Lloyd would be tough to pass up if he’s available, so the more likely avenue is free agency, which, despite lacking big names, has plenty of viable options.

With that in mind, here are three linebackers we’d like to see Washington push the envelope to sign once free agency opens.

3 free agent linebackers for the Washington Football Team

3. Ja’Whaun Bentley

The third spot on this list was a toss-up between a pair of Patriots linebackers. In the end, we sided with Ja’Whaun Bentley over grizzled vet Dont’a Hightower, who’ll turn 32 years old by the start of next season.

Hightower is the more recognizable name, but Bentley was arguably the more essential component to the Patriots’ defense in 2021, which finished second in points allowed (17.8) and fourth in total yards allowed per game (310.8).

A former fifth-round pick of New England back in 2018, Bentley has earned his role as a starter on Bill Belichick’s defense. He became a full-time starter last season and used that as a springboard for 2021, when he posted career-highs in tackles (109), tackles for loss (five) and forced fumbles (three).

While Bentley has his limitations in coverage (what LB doesn’t?), he’s incredibly consistent filling gaps against the run and getting after quarterbacks. His 78.8 pass-rush grade was the second-best among starters on the Patriots defense, and was superior to Matt Judon, Christian Barmore, Jamie Collins and Adrian Phillips.

If Washington is looking for a cost-effective signal caller who can step in and become an immediate starter, Bentley checks all of those boxes. He might not have a star’s reputation, but he’d serve as a sizable upgrade to Jon Bostic.