Cory Littleton is arguably the best free agent linebacker in 2020 in a class that includes Blake Martinez and Joe Schobert. Littleton is one of the best coverage linebackers and has closing speed like no other. Watching his highlights will clearly show you why he was PFF’s highest grading tackler for 2019. He will get a respectable payday for his first non-rookie contract, but by what team? Here’s the 5 most likely teams to sign Cory Littleton.
#5: Jacksonville Jaguars
The Jaguars never really filled the hole left by Telvin Smith when he abruptly retired in 2019. Myles Jack is a good LB, but the Jaguars need another solid player to stop the run alongside him. Littleton would make perfect sense, if not for the Jaguars’ lack of cap space. They have just $23 million and many other needs to address, but if they can free up some more room, Littleton could easily land in Duval County.
#4: New York Giants
The Giants would love to land Littleton and can offer him $15 million annually. They just released starting MLB Alec Ogletree, who was awful in coverage and not much better against the run. MLB is the biggest hole for the Giants at the moment, but it can easily be filled by Littleton. He might want to play for a better team, but getting the big bucks and playing in the largest market is very desirable.
#3: Philadelphia Eagles
The Eagles’ situation is very comparable to that of the Giants, with a few differences. Philly just released starting LB Nigel Bradham after 4 years in the City of Brotherly Love, and will need somebody to fill the void. The Eagles have $45 million in cap, and can afford to pay Littleton as much as the Giants. They land above their division rival on this list due to their past success and potential for 2020, which always interests free agents.
#2: Los Angeles Rams
The Rams would love to resign Littleton, but there is one big problem. They only have $23 million in cap space and Dante Fowler Jr. is a free agent too. LAR will have to choose between Littleton and Fowler Jr., but I personally think they’ll prioritize the free agent linebacker. They will likely only offer $12 million to Littleton to save space for other free agents, but he could take a hometown discount to stay with the Rams.
#1: Green Bay Packers
Green Bay has just $22 million in cap space, but could easily free up some more. The Green and Gold are expected to not resign Blake Martinez in free agency, and they will need a linebacker of comparable quality to fill the hole. They were the most successful team on this list, and could offer Littleton just as much as any other team.