Free Agency Watch (Part 3: Linebackers)

   The Bills were really bad at a lot of positions last year.  Nowhere was that more glaring than at linebacker.  
   Switching from the 4-3 to a 3-4 scheme forced a lot of players to learn new positions, and unfortunately most were not up to the task.  When the dust cleared, Buffalo had given up almost 170 yards rushing per game (worst in the NFL), while managing only 27 sacks.  More than a year after the switch, the team is still filled with undersized inside linebackers and outside rushers more suited as down linemen.

Current Roster:
(Outside): Shawne Merriman, Chris Kelsay, Arthur Moats, Aaron Maybin, Reggie Torbor, Danny Batten, (Inside): Paul Posluzny, Andra Davis, Kelvin Sheppard, Chris White, Akin Ayodele, Keith Ellison

   Although an upgrade is absolutely necessary, the team must first decide whether it's worth re-signing Paul Posluszny.  He might not be a perennial Pro Bowler, but letting him go would be disastrous for an already weak unit.  A lot is also riding on whether Shawne Merriman can return to his pre-steroids/injury form.
   The Bills could get a big boost by the development of youngsters like Arthur Moats, Kelvin Sheppard and pending-bust Aaron Maybin.  But at this point, there are no promises any will become an impact player.
  If the Bills are truly going to run a hybrid defense, it opens up a lot of possibilities for free agent signings.  But the front office can't just look for bodies to rotate.  They need impact players that will get to the quarterback and make plays in the run game.  With guys like David Harris, Tamba Hali, LaMarr Woodley and Chad Greenway already getting the franchise tag from their current teams, that's going to be very hard to find.

Matt Roth, Cleveland
   Out of all the defenders on the market, Roth is probably the best fit for the Bills.  The 28 year old has played 3-4 linebacker and 4-3 defensive end in the NFL, and done both effectively.  He's known for contantly bringing pressure from the edge (20 career sacks) and is more than solid in the run game.

James Anderson, Carolina
   In his fifth season, Anderson had a breakout campaign, racking up 130 tackles. 3.5 sacks and two forced fumbles. He's mostly played on as a strongside 4-3 linebacker, but could likely flourish in a hybrid attack. The Bills could definitely use the 27-year-old's run-stopping  and playmaking skills.

Stephen Tulloch, Tennessee
   When a guy racks up over 280 tackles in two seasons, he deserves some consideration for a team that ranked dead-last in run defense.  If he could adapt to a 3-4 scheme (he is a little undersized), he would pair very nicely with Poz in the middle.

Barrett Ruud, Tampa Bay
   Another 4-3 middle linebacker, there is a good chance the Buccaneers will end up slapping Ruud, 28, with the franchise tag.  If they don't, teams will have a chance to sign a guy with four straight 100-plus tackle seasons.  Despite his impact play ability, Ruud is a very similar player as Posluszny, making a lot of his stops downfield.

Manny Lawson, San Francisco
   As a former first round pick (2006), Lawson has been a bit of a disappointment, never fully developing the pass rushing skills he had in college.  He's still a young (27) and solid 3-4 outside linebacker with great talent.  He might benefit from a change in scenary.

Takeo Spikes, San Francisco
   Bills fans probably have fond memories of T.K.O. from back in 2003-2004, before injuries took their toll.  Now 34 and healthy, Spikes is having a resurgence (109 tackles in 2010).  Age is obviously a factor, but it would be nice to see him back in a Buffalo jersey.

Quincy Black, Tampa Bay
   He doesn't put up big numbers, but he's an important cog of the Buccaneers defense.  As a strongside 4-3 backer, Black, 27, has proved to be an excellent run stopper and even good in coverage.