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Cory Littleton is one of the biggest names headed to NFL free agency. Linebacker happens to be one of the biggest positions of need for the Cincinnati Bengals.
So…off we go.
Other free-agent profiles: Derek Wolfe, Joe Schobert, Joe Thuney, Bryan Bulaga, Nick Kwiatkoski, Logan Ryan, Graham Glasgow.
Background
Littleton is a 26-year-old linebacker who went undrafted in 2016 out of Washington but quickly made a name for himself as one of the league’s best coverage players at his position. He hasn’t missed a game over four seasons.
Notes
Littleton puts up the sexy numbers. He has 125 or more total tackles in each of his last two seasons and 7.5 sacks and five interceptions over that span. He’s played 94 percent or more of the defense’s snaps over the last two years. But in coverage, where Littleton is said to be best, he’s allowed seven scores over those last two seasons. Granted, he’s been targeted 64 times or more both times but has allowed a completion percentage of more than 70 percent both times. Even so, his all-around game has him sitting on a 78.9 Pro Football Focus grade last year.
Pros
While some of Littleton’s allowances in coverage might seem alarming, there’s no question he’s one of the best linebackers in coverage. His fluid play there and ball-hawking ability makes him incredibly unique and a player someone like Lou Anarumo would love to have in his multiple scheme. Starting Littleton and Germaine Pratt would probably end the linebacker conversation in Cincinnati for a long time, provided they add smart depth. It would free up other assets to aggressively attack premium spots for the next few years. As an aside, it would also be a big-name add to get fans excited.
Cons
Good luck paying for Littleton. Before a reported second-round tender assigned by the Rams, Spotrac had his average annual salary at $12.2 million over four years. And one has to wonder if it’s worth it. Good as he can be in coverage, Littleton is a sour point against the run and PFF ranks him 103 out of 126 over the last two years at his position in this area. Linebacker coverage has been a big problem for the Bengals, but it could be swapping out one big weakness for another. And if the report of a second-round tender is right, it’ll cost the Bengals a second-round pick to get him. As always, a big contract here would mean less money elsewhere for free agents and long-term deals on a player like Joe Mixon.
Verdict
While the topic of Littleton has to be covered before the market opens, this is a no. He’s very good at an area of need but presents some red flags in other ways. Going for a cheaper route might scream of past mistakes the Bengals have made, yes, but there are plenty of teams that will shrug off his asking price and look elsewhere. The investment cost is simply too steep, even if the Zac Taylor connection might have him lobbying for the move.
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