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The Redskins have holes all over their defense they'll need to address this offseason, linebacker included.
For all of these reasons, linebacker should be a major priority for the Redskins in 2020. These are the options available to them in free agency.
The third overall pick in the 2015 NFL Draft set career marks across the board in 2019 and will be in line for a major payday. Fowler set career highs in sacks (11.5), combined tackles (58), tackles for loss (16), passes defended (6), and quarterback hits (16). If the Rams don't break the bank for Fowler, another team surely will.
The Eagles released Bradham last week after four seasons with the club. Bradham was two years into a 5-year $40 million extension when he was released to avoid the Eagles being on the hook for his base salary that would have been $8 million. Bradham missed four games last season and recorded 61 tackles and an interception.
Barrett was a major bright spot for Todd Bowles' defense in 2019 after having a breakout year in his first season in Tampa. Barrett was an afterthought after five seasons in Denver but was able to make an instant impact for the Buccaneers, recording 19.5 sacks and being named to his first Pro Bowl. The Bucs will do everything in their power to keep him from hitting the open market.
Matt Judon enjoyed a career year for the Ravens in 2019, starting in all 16 regular-season games for the first time in his four-year career. Judon recorded 9.5 sacks and was named to his first Pro Bowl. If the Ravens let Judon out of the door, he will have a multitude of suitors trying to sway him.
The Rams will look to retain the services of Littleton, the team's leading tackler from last season (134 total tackles, 9th in the NFL). Littleton, who signed with the Rams in 2016 after going undrafted, has been Mr. Reliable in his four seasons with the Rams and hasn't missed a single game.
Van Noy has been a glue-guy for Bill Belichick since arriving in New England three-and-a-half seasons ago. The Patriots' veteran recorded three forced fumbles in 2019. The Patriots' future is in flux until the situation at quarterback is resolved, and depending on how long Tom Brady takes to decide where he will be playing next year, the team's other free agents may not want to wait around and miss out on other opportunities.
Dupree is in-line for a massive deal after the major improvements he showed last season. Dupree set career marks in games started (16), forced fumbles (4), fumble recoveries (2), sacks (11.5), combined tackles (68), and tackles for loss (16).
The Packers' star linebacker has been a machine over the past three seasons. Martinez led the NFC in total tackles in both the 2017 and 2018 NFL seasons and was five tackles short of leading the conference for a third-straight year in 2019 (155) had it not been for Seahawks star Bobby Wagner (159).
Ryan Kerrigan: $11.7 million added to cap.