All articles tagged with #outside linebacker
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.
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.
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.
The Carolina Panthers have agreed to terms with former Minnesota Vikings outside linebacker DJ Wonnum, who had 8.0 sacks and a touchdown last season. The 6-foot-5, 258-pound player with local ties and pass-rush credentials becomes the Panthers' first addition at the outside linebacker position, addressing a position of need for the team.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Alex Highsmith, outside linebacker for the Pittsburgh Steelers, had a standout performance against the Cleveland Browns, recording a touchdown, 7 tackles, a sack, 2 hits on the quarterback, and a forced fumble. His performance earned him the title of Steelers Digest Player of the Week, although T.J. Watt's historic sack also garnered consideration.
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.
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.
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.
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.
The Baltimore Ravens waived outside linebacker Daelin Hayes, a fifth-round pick out of Notre Dame in 2021, who played just one game in parts of two seasons with the team due to injuries. The move is a surprise given the Ravens’ lack of established depth at the edge rusher spot behind Tyus Bowser, Odafe Oweh, and David Ojabo, and could foreshadow a potential signing of a veteran outside linebacker now that an extra roster spot is open.