In 2014, the Eagles' inside linebacker corps got a little messy. With the pre-season injury to Najee Goode and in-season injuries to Mychal Kendricks, who missed four games, and DeMeco Ryans, who missed the final eight, it was a revolving door of the next man up. Even still, a lot of positives were learned about the players on the roster.
We learned that Kendricks is on track to be a Pro Bowl player. We learned that Emmanuel Acho, who is still on the roster, and Casey Matthews, who is slated to be an unrestricted free agent, were more than just passable replacements for injured players - they were substantive backups. And, of course, Ryans is the rock of the defense when he's healthy. All that said, preparing for possible derailment is still very important. With the addition of Brad Jones on March 2, the team added a good veteran presence and more depth on the roster in case of further injuries. But for a unit that endured its fair share of tumult in 2014, the inside linebacking group seems poised to take a collective step forward in 2015.
NFL.com's Top Free Agent Inside Linebackers
1. David Harris, Jets
2. Brandon Spikes, Bills
3. Sean Weatherspoon, Falcons
4. Rolando McClain, Cowboys
5. Mason Foster, Buccaneers
6. Bruce Carter, Cowboys
7. Rey Maualuga, Bengals
8. Akeem Ayers, Patriots
9. Lance Briggs, Bears
10. Malcolm Smith, Seahawks
The Top Inside Linebacker Contracts From 2014 Free Agency
1. LB Karlos Dansby, Browns (4 years, $12M guaranteed, $24M total)
2. LB Jon Beason, Giants (3 years, $6.03M guaranteed, $17M total)
3. LB Wesley Woodyard, Titans (3 years, $4.75M guaranteed, $15.75M total)
4. LB Daryl Smith, Ravens (4 years, $3.5M guaranteed, $13.6M total)
5. LB Joe Mays, Chiefs (2 years, $2M guaranteed, $6M total)
6. LB Dane Fletcher, Buccaneers (1 year, $1.1M guaranteed, $1.2M total)
7. LB Brandon Spikes, Bills (1 year, $900K guaranteed, $3M total)
8. LB Jameel McClain, Giants (2 years, $600K guaranteed, $4.525M total)
9. LB Reggie Walker, Chargers (2 years, $320K guaranteed, $2.05M total)
10. LB Ramon Humber, Saints (1 year, $300K guaranteed, $795K total)
*Contact data is according to Spotrac
