Our linebackers suck ass; this is an undeniable fact. However, there are an interesting number of FA linebackers available this offseason that could be significant upgrades from the crop of ass-suckers that have landed us at #30 in total defense this year. Among the names that pique my interest:
Jon Beason - was a bit injured, no? I don't get to see a whole lot of Carolina games, but he always seems to be around the ball and has to be an upgrade from... uh... whoever plays middle linebacker for us.
E.J. Henderson - borderline Pro Bowler who could step in right away and solidify the defense.
Lawrence Timmons - will know the system once we fire Coughlin and hire Cowher after missing the playoffs at 7-9. Could add some toughness and smarts to the position.
Stephen Tulloch - could have sworn this guy was just a FA but is another guy having a borderline Pro Bowl season in Detroit. And honestly, who wants to play in Detroit? He's a tackle machine and could probably be had on the cheap since he seems to be flying under the radar.
Brian Ulracher - good luck getting him out of Chicago. But he'd bring instant cred to this defense and shore up a problems spot for us since Antonio Pierce's departure. Smarts, toughness, and still pretty fast and agile for 10+ seasons. I'd take him in a heartbeat.