Tag

Outside Linebacker

All articles tagged with #outside linebacker

Cowboys shift Liufau to outside linebacker to boost 2026 edge rush
sports2 days ago

Cowboys shift Liufau to outside linebacker to boost 2026 edge rush

Dallas plans to move Marist Liufau from inside linebacker to outside linebacker for the 2026 season, citing his length and ball-disruption ability as a fit for the Cowboys’ edge-rush plans after waiving Logan Wilson. Liufau will need to bulk up (about 10 pounds), learn under edge coach Chidera Uzo-Diribe, and team with fellow young linemen like Donovan Ezeiruaku as Dallas leans into a youth movement ahead of free agency and/or the 2026 draft, with offseason program set to start April 20.

Michigan secures four-star edge rusher McHale Blade from Chicago
sports8 months ago

Michigan secures four-star edge rusher McHale Blade from Chicago

Four-star outside linebacker McHale Blade committed to Michigan Wolverines over Wisconsin Badgers, who now focus on other targets as Blade was a top priority for Wisconsin. Blade, from Chicago, was on campus for Wisconsin's visits but chose Michigan after an official visit, leaving Wisconsin to pursue other linebacker prospects in the 2026 class.

Broncos Extend Cooper, Trade Browning to Cardinals
sports1 year ago

Broncos Extend Cooper, Trade Browning to Cardinals

The Denver Broncos have signed outside linebacker Jonathon Cooper to a four-year extension worth $60 million, with $33 million guaranteed. Cooper, a high-effort player and second on the team in sacks, was set to become a free agent but will now remain with the Broncos. The team chose to extend Cooper and traded fellow linebacker Baron Browning to the Arizona Cardinals. Despite past medical concerns, Cooper has been a key player for the Broncos since being drafted in 2021.

"Buccaneers Secure Randy Gregory in Major Pass-Rusher Addition"
sports1 year ago

"Buccaneers Secure Randy Gregory in Major Pass-Rusher Addition"

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers have reached a one-year deal with veteran outside linebacker Randy Gregory, aiming to address the departure of Shaquil Barrett. Gregory, a former second-round draft pick, has faced suspensions throughout his career but showed promise with the San Francisco 49ers last season. The move doesn't rule out the possibility of the Buccaneers drafting another player for the position.

Buccaneers to Part Ways with Pro Bowl OLB Shaquil Barrett
sports2 years ago

Buccaneers to Part Ways with Pro Bowl OLB Shaquil Barrett

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers plan to release veteran outside linebacker Shaquil Barrett, who holds the team’s single-season sack record and was a key player in their Super Bowl 55 win. The decision, a post-June 1 designation for release, is expected to save the Bucs about $5 million on the 2024 salary cap. Barrett struggled with injuries and personal tragedy in recent years, and his anticipated release comes after producing only a combined 7.5 sacks in the past two seasons.

"Dolphins Bolster Pass Rush with Irvin, Reed Signings Ahead of Playoff Showdown"
sports2 years ago

"Dolphins Bolster Pass Rush with Irvin, Reed Signings Ahead of Playoff Showdown"

The Miami Dolphins are adding Bruce Irvin to the 53-man roster and Malik Reed to the practice squad to bolster their depth at outside linebacker, following injuries to key players. Irvin, a veteran with 56.5 career sacks, was most recently with the Detroit Lions, while Reed has previous experience with the Pittsburgh Steelers and Las Vegas Raiders.

T.J. Watt and Alex Highsmith Placed in Concussion Protocol After Patriots Loss
sports2 years ago

T.J. Watt and Alex Highsmith Placed in Concussion Protocol After Patriots Loss

Pittsburgh Steelers outside linebacker T.J. Watt has entered the concussion protocol after suffering a foot to the face in the team's loss to the New England Patriots. Watt briefly left the game for evaluation but returned to finish the game. He will need to be cleared by an independent neurologist before the Steelers' next game. This injury adds to the team's woes after consecutive losses to struggling teams.

Recruit Jaylin Jones decommits from Purdue, JUCO OL Rod Green sets official visit
sports2 years ago

Recruit Jaylin Jones decommits from Purdue, JUCO OL Rod Green sets official visit

Three-star outside linebacker Jaylin Jones has decommitted from Purdue, leaving the Boilermakers with one remaining outside linebacker commitment in the class of 2024. Purdue is actively seeking to fill the void by offering other recruits and targeting former priority targets. National Signing Day is just over a month away.

Seahawks Bolster Defense with Signing of Pro Bowl Edge Rusher Frank Clark
sports2 years ago

Seahawks Bolster Defense with Signing of Pro Bowl Edge Rusher Frank Clark

The Seattle Seahawks have signed Frank Clark, a familiar face who spent his first four seasons with the team, to address their need at outside linebacker after Uchenna Nwosu suffered a season-ending pectoral injury. Clark, a three-time Pro-Bowler, is expected to quickly transition into the Seahawks' defense and potentially play in their upcoming game against the Cleveland Browns. While the Seahawks are excited to have Clark back, they will miss Nwosu's leadership and playmaking abilities.

Jadeveon Clowney joins Ravens on 1-year deal
sports2 years ago

Jadeveon Clowney joins Ravens on 1-year deal

Former No. 1 overall pick Jadeveon Clowney is set to sign with the Baltimore Ravens, providing experienced depth at outside linebacker. The Ravens had shown interest in other free-agent edge rushers but ultimately reached a deal with Clowney. With 43 career sacks, Clowney brings more experience than the current Ravens outside linebackers combined. The team is expected to rely on young edge rushers Odafe Oweh and David Ojabo this season but lacked proven backups. Clowney reunites with Ravens assistant head coach and defensive line coach Anthony Weaver, who previously worked with him during their time with the Houston Texans.

"OLB Nik Bonitto's Year 2: From Modest Rookie to Confident Player"
sports2 years ago

"OLB Nik Bonitto's Year 2: From Modest Rookie to Confident Player"

Denver Broncos outside linebacker Nik Bonitto is looking to build on a "decent" rookie season and become a more confident and productive player in his second year. Bonitto acknowledged the learning curve of transitioning from college to the NFL and the differences in offensive schemes. He aims to play more freely and improve his run defense, which he has showcased during training camp. Defensive Coordinator Vance Joseph plans to utilize Bonitto's quickness and bend off the line of scrimmage, allowing him to use his natural skill set. Bonitto is motivated to prove his potential and make an impact in the upcoming season.

Panthers Secure Justin Houston for Defensive Line
sports2 years ago

Panthers Secure Justin Houston for Defensive Line

The Carolina Panthers have agreed to terms with veteran outside linebacker Justin Houston, adding an experienced pass-rusher to their defense. Houston, who had 9.5 sacks for the Baltimore Ravens last year, brings 12 seasons of NFL experience and 111.5 career sacks. This signing provides the Panthers with a strong pass-rushing duo alongside Brian Burns and allows young players to develop. The team has yet to announce a corresponding move.

"Anelu Lafaele: Hawaii's Star OLB Commits to Wisconsin Football"
sports2 years ago

"Anelu Lafaele: Hawaii's Star OLB Commits to Wisconsin Football"

Wisconsin football has secured a commitment from Anelu Lafaele, a three-star outside linebacker from Hawaii. Lafaele, rated as the No. 37 edge rusher, brings pass-rushing ability and fluidity to the Badgers' defense. His commitment strengthens Wisconsin's outside linebacker room and continues the pipeline from St. Louis School in Hawaii, where previous players like Nick Herbig have joined the team. Lafaele is the 18th commitment in Wisconsin's 2024 class.