Along with Gregg Rosenthal and Evan Silva, I will be producing free agency primers throughout the week. This edition will feature linebackers. Players that have been released can sign elsewhere immediately. Impending free agents must wait until Feb. 27.

Unrestricted Free Agent Linebackers

Franchised: Karlos Dansby, LeRoy Hill, Terrell Suggs

Best Available: Ray Lewis

Perhaps the best team leader in professional sports over the last decade, Lewis turns 34 years old in May. Though he wore down a bit late in the season, Ray-Ray earned his Pro Bowl spot with a truly outstanding first couple of months. The Jets, with the Rex Ryan connection, and the Cowboys, star crazy and in dire need of strong leadership, are possibilities, but it's tough to picture Lewis in a uniform other than the Ravens. He's likely to solidify that statue next to Johnny U by staying in Baltimore.

Prediction: Ravens

Building Block: Jonathan Vilma

New Saints coordinator Gregg Williams' defense relies on pre-snap checks and audibles with the middle linebacker playing a pivotal role. Vilma, 27, did not miss a single snap in 2008 and is a top priority as the Saints' defensive building block. The former Jet would have been re-signed already were the Saints not faced with giving up their first-round pick for doing so before March.

Prediction: Saints (UPDATE: Re-signed with Saints)

Class Clown: Bart Scott

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Any football player with an alter ego is a candidate for class clown status, and the "Mad Backer" is always good for a colorful quote. A 3-4 inside linebacker, Scott is made to order for his former defensive boss Rex Ryan and the Jets. Scott is a terrific blitzer and would fit in alongside David Harris to give the Jets a dynamic duo on the inside.

Prediction: Jets (UPDATE: Signed with Jets)

Bang for the Buck: Michael Boley

Boley was a disruptive, often dominant player on the rise until coach Mike Smith arrived with a scheme unfriendly to the strong-side linebacker. He received a first-round tender just a year ago, but his perceived value has dropped after getting benched in favor of Coy Wire against the run late in 2008. The Rams, where GM Billy Devaney is familiar with Boley and new coach Steve Spagnuolo knows how to utilize a strong-side backer who can blitz, are a good fit. (UPDATE: Signed with Giants)

Prediction: Rams

Bust Alert: Channing Crowder

The Dolphins' leading tackler has been low-balled in contract negotiations because the team is targeting a bulkier, pure run-stopping inside backer. The impressive 2008 stats may land him a nice payday, but Crowder's history of knee problems and lack of big play ability don't bode well for the future.

Prediction: Cowboys (UPDATE: Crowder re-signed with Dolphins)

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