Luke Kuechly was the best off-ball linebacker of this generation, or at the very least he tied with Bobby Wagner. Now that he’s retired from the NFL, the Carolina Panthers have a massive hole to fill in the middle of their defense.
Shaq Thompson will most likely take over Kuechly’s old middle linebacker role, assuming the team goes back to a 4-3 scheme. However, they will still need a new starter to put next to him. On the roster, Jermaine Carter Jr. is the best option to fill that role. If they decide to sign somebody in free agency, here are a few names they could consider.
Cory Littleton
Career stats: 64 games, 205 solo tackles, 20 tackles for a loss, three forced fumbles, 8.5 sacks, 14 QB hits, six interceptions, 26 pass breakups
Pros: After going undrafted out of Washington, Littleton spent his first two years as a backup for the Rams. He’s started every game over the last two seasons, though and he has come on quite strong. Littleton filled up the box score in 2019 and stood out in coverage. Pro Football Focus ranked him No. 7 among all inside linebackers for this year. He’s also just 26 years old.
Cons: On the downside, Littleton is great at covering pass-catching tight ends, but he has some room to improve in run defense. Fortunately, the Panthers just re-hired Al Holcomb as their run game defense coordinator, so he would be able to coach Littleton up in this area.
Danny Trevathan
Career stats: 96 games, 427 solo tackles, 26 tackles for a loss, six forced fumbles, nine sacks, 22 QB hits, eight interceptions, 34 pass breakups
Pros: Trevathan has plenty of experience at this level, including a history of some solid performances in the NFL playoffs. Like Littleton, he’s solid in coverage. His price-tag should also be much more reasonable considering his age and level of play in 2019.
Cons: While his experience is a valuable asset, the team should probably be looking for someone younger. Trevathan will be 30 years old by the time next season starts and he also has a history of injuries, including a gruesome broken arm last season.
Joe Schobert
Career stats: 61 games, 252 solo tackles, 15 tackles for a loss, seven forced fumbles, 8.5 sacks, 19 QB hits, six interceptions, 20 pass breakups
Pros: Schobert (26) is another quality coverage linebacker, but he’s also an accomplished pass rusher and was an edge rusher at Wisconsin. He’s also as durable as they come at the position. Schobert played every single defensive snap for the Browns in 2017 and 99% of them this year.
Cons: It’s rare for linebackers to be both excellent dropping back in coverage and stopping the run (Kuechly really was special in this regard), and Schobert is no exception to the rule. He has a habit of getting washed out out plays and will need to grow there.
Jamie Collins
Career stats: 96 games, 379 solo tackles, 54 tackles for a loss, 16 forced fumbles, 24.5 sacks, 47 QB hits, 10 interceptions, 30 pass breakups
Pros: Collins is adept in coverage as well as rushing the passer. This year, he posted a career best with seven sacks for New England. His ball skills also seem to have improved over time. Collins had three interceptions and seven pass breakups this season, also both career highs.
Cons: There’s no question that Collins has some enticing talent. The issue with him has always been consistency. He hasn’t had two strong seasons in a row since early in his career and we don’t know if anyone other than Bill Belichick can maximize his abilities. He’s also 30 years old.
