With the release of Tahir Whitehead, the Raiders now have a need at every single linebacker spot. So, you can figure they will be busy at the position this offseason. But they won’t be alone. They will have some competition from a few other teams who have some coin to drop at the position.

1. Bengals

Cap space: $44.9M

Vontaze Burfict was the enforcer for a while in Cincinnati, though he spent plenty of time off the field as well. Time to stop bungling and get a dependable middle linebacker. They will get their quarterback with the first overall pick. Getting their quarterback of the defense would be a good idea too. But they must spend their money wisely because they have a lot of holes to fill.

Prediction: Blake Martinez

2. Browns

Cap space: $67.7M

There is absolutely no reason why a team with as much money as the Browns have to spend should let Joe Schobert leave in free agency. But the Browns are gonna Brown, so we can’t rule out the possibility they will. And if they do, they will just have to find his replacement.

Prediction: Joe Schobert

3. Lions

Cap space: $47.7M

The Lions have a need at edge rusher as well as off the ball linebacker. Though it seems more likely they would lean to edge rusher to make a splash.

Prediction: Kyle Van Noy

4. Eagles

Cap space: $41.9M

Nigel Bradham is being released and the Eagles need to replace the 30-year-old linebacker.

Prediction: De’Vondre Campbell

5. Panthers

Cap space: $33.9M

With Luke Kuechly’s sudden early retirement, the Panthers are left with a gaping hole in the middle of their defense. However, they are in the throes of a rebuild and probably aren’t looking for a long term answer at the position.

Prediction: Danny Trevathan

Raiders

Cap Space: $56M

We have all been fooled more times than we can count by thinking the Raiders would make this position a priority. I guess I just never learn.

Prediction: Cory Littleton, Nick Vigil

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