3 linebackers Washington should aggressively pursue in free agency

2. Kyzir White

The Chargers haven’t gotten what they expected from Kenneth Murray, their 2020 first-round draft pick out of Oklahoma.

On top of struggling with injuries, Murray, much like Jamin Davis, is going through growing pains transitioning to the speed of the NFL. Luckily for the Chargers, Kyzir White has come into his own at the linebacker position.

A former safety in college, White is ranked as Pro Football Focus’ eighth-best available linebacker this offseason. We’d argue he should be higher, but the fact he’s keeping a low profile only benefits Washington from a financial perspective.

Thrust into a full-time role for the first time in his four-year career, White looked anything but overwhelmed in 2021.

In fact, he embraced being a starter. His 144 tackles were the eighth-most at the position and marked a career high. He added 53 run stops, four QB hits, two interceptions, two forced fumbles and seven tackles for loss to boot.

In sum, White proved that he’s a three-down linebacker. His missed tackle rate has improved every season, and his previous experience as a safety has made him one of the best coverage linebackers in the league.

The West Virginia product is a do-it-all player and PFF projects he’ll sign a two-year deal worth $4.75 million per year.

Taking that expected price tag and his age (he’ll turn 26 in March) into account, Washington needs to aggressively pursue White.