The heartbeat of a Bill Belichick-coached defense has always been a strong linebacking corps. While the New England Patriots haven’t always had the best defensive backs and pass rushers, they have always had at least one standout linebacker surveying the middle of the field. Few have stopped to consider the possibility of them having three in 2019.
The first two names that come to mind is the fearsome combination of Dont’a Hightower and Kyle Van Noy, who wreaked havoc on opposing offenses during the Patriots’ Super Bowl run. Then there is forgotten rookie fifth-round draft pick Ja’Whaun Bentley, who exhibited instincts and versatility well beyond his years.
The Patriots were robbed of the opportunity to get an extended look at all three on the field together at the same time thanks to a torn bicep injury ending Bentley’s season early. Heading into free agency, the goal for the Patriots will be more about keeping their current core team intact rather than making a splash and adding new pieces at linebacker.
But crazier things have happened in the NFL, and depending on how the offseason goes, a scenario could certainly unfold where the Patriots would be forced to seek outside help. Here are five linebackers the team should consider targeting in free agency.
John Simon
Football was possibly done with outside linebacker John Simon, who fought tooth-and-nail to join a roster in 2018. He was a typical journeyman player that had just been released by the Indianapolis Colts. Visits with other teams were short-lived, and he always left wondering if that visit would be his last.
And then the Patriots called.
Simon’s opportunity sprung into existence after Bentley was placed on injured reserve. After spending a few weeks contemplating his next move, he was suddenly playing for a perennial Super Bowl contender and arguably the greatest head coach in NFL history. He was a tenacious and physical player that proved to be a huge help in the Patriots’ Super Bowl LIII run.
Even with Bentley returning in 2019, Simon would prove incredibly useful as a rotational piece for Belichick. His ability to contribute on the fly is proof that sometimes it simply takes the right scheme to get the best out of a player. According to ESPN’s Mike Reiss, the Patriots are already in talks with Simon for a possible reunion.
“There’s been some talks, and things look promising,” Simon said. “I’m not going to comment on a lot of that stuff right now, but I enjoyed my time playing for Bill [Belichick]. I think he’s a great coach and I’d definitely love to play for him again.”
Shane Ray
Denver Broncos linebacker Shane Ray, a presumed first-round draft bust, is exactly the kind of reclamation project Belichick would love to take on. Injuries more-so than a lack of production have been the main issue in the four seasons Ray has played in the league.
He registered 48 tackles, eight sacks and two fumble recoveries in 2016, before multiple wrist surgeries derailed his promising career. There are some concerns regarding his drop-off in production in the games he did play in over the last couple seasons, but there is also the fact that he’s only 25 years old with a proven track record of being a disruptive force when he’s healthy.
If there’s a quiet market for his services, the Patriots could sneak into the picture and sign him on a bargain prove-it deal. It’s unlikely Ray will reach any significantly long-term deals with so much uncertainty surrounding his health.
Albert McClellan
Another in-house free agent signing the Patriots should consider is bringing back linebacker/special teams ace Albert McClellan. The longtime Baltimore Raven ended up being one of the best mid-season free agent acquisitions in Belichick’s tenure with the Patriots.
McClellan essentially got cut from the Ravens and finished the second-half of his season achieving Pro Football Focus All-Pro honors with the Patriots. His best performance came in Week 14 against the Miami Dolphins when he blocked two punts in the first half.
Considering the struggles of the special teams unit before McClellan’s arrival, it only makes sense that re-signing the 32-year-old veteran would be made into a priority on the team’s offseason to-do list.
Shaquil Barrett
Shane Ray isn’t the only Denver Bronco that could potentially be playing elsewhere next season. Former undrafted free agent Shaquil Barrett is another young outside linebacker that might fetch some interest from the Patriots.
Barrett would be the more durable and versatile option, but it could also mean he’d come at a premium price, which the Patriots are unlikely to pay with so many other in-house options already on the roster. Yet, if there are breakdowns in negotiations with some of the other key players at the position, Barrett would be an intriguing option in free agency.
His best season came as a rookie in 2015, when he registered 50 tackles, 5.5 sacks, four forced fumbles and two fumble recoveries. Perhaps the right team and coach could unleash the caged superstar potential of the 26-year-old standout defensive player.
C.J. Mosley
The Patriots wouldn’t be doing their due diligence if they didn’t reach for the stars and at least inquire into the availability of four-time All-Pro linebacker C.J. Mosley.
Per ESPN’s Adam Schefter, the Baltimore Ravens aren’t expected to use the franchise tag on the 26-year-old star player, who Hall-of-Famer Ray Lewis believes is the best linebacker in the league.
Count this move as more of a dream scenario, particularly if the team opted to move on from Hightower or Van Noy, which wouldn’t be wise considering how well those two played last season. Mosley will be an elite option on the market, and he is likely to field various offers from multiple teams.
It makes sense considering he can do everything on the field—drop back into coverage, stuff the run and pin his ears back and get after the quarterback. He’s exactly the kind of player that a defensive-minded coach like Belichick covets. Not to mention he has experience playing under Belichick’s close friend and former coaching mate Nick Saban.
However, it would take a special aligning of the stars for the price and circumstances to be right for this kind of move.
