The best free-agent linebacker is the Green Bay Packers’ top target at the position in free agency.
According to Bill Huber of Sports Illustrated, the Packers rank Los Angeles Rams linebacker Cory Littleton above all other free agent linebackers, possibly making him a top target for GM Brian Gutekunst once the new league year opens later this month.
Other linebackers heading for free agency include Blake Martinez, Joe Schobert and Nick Kwiatkoski, and the Packers have been linked to all three.
But Littleton, the fast-flying linebacker with range and coverage ability, currently sits atop the Packers’ wishlist at the defense’s biggest position of need, per Huber.
In 2019, Littleton produced 134 tackles, 3.5 sacks, two interceptions, nine pass breakups, four fumble recoveries, two forced fumbles and eight tackles for losses.
Last month, Packers Wire pointed to Littleton as the one free agent the Packers should target if Gutekunst was willing to spend in free agency.
Littleton is young and ascending as a player, hasn’t missed a game in four seasons, plays a position of major need and has the ideal skillset for a modern linebacker. He’s also experienced playing as a single linebacker in the coverage-heavy schemes the Packers love to play under defensive coordinator Mike Pettine.
It’s possible, maybe even likely, that the market will price the Packers out of the running for Littleton. He’s going to be a hot commodity, and teams have paid handsomely for athletic, playmaking linebackers in recent years. Huber suggests teams could be willing to pay $13 million per year or more for Littleton, a top free agent, but it’s clear the Packers are going to be part of the conversation once the new league year opens.
