7 free-agent inside linebackers the Vikings could sign in 2022
By Luke Parrish
Anthony Walker
2021 Team: Cleveland Browns
If you want a linebacker that is going to stuff the stat sheet each and every week, Anthony Walker is the player for you. Walker spent four seasons with the Colts before heading to the Browns in 2021 where he remained a volume tackler.
In five seasons, Walker has 60 starts under his belt and has recorded at least 92 tackles in each season as a starter. Since taking a starting role in his second season, Walker has racked up 434 tackles (21 for a loss) and 4.5 sacks.
Going after a player like Walker, who has starting experience and has been around the ball at all costs, is an investment that can pay off down the line. He should not be expected to take over for Eric Kendricks or challenge him for his starting job, but Walker would be an excellent option for the third linebacker on the field.
Rather than throwing out Blake Lynch and Chazz Surratt again next year, Anthony Walker would make an impact whenever he is on the field.
The challenge with getting Walker in free agency, though, is his experience and production that will entice other teams to make an offer. Given the Vikings cannot guarantee a starting job to him immediately, Walker would sign elsewhere if that opportunity arises. There will be a team out there that pays him starter money, and rightfully so.
Should the Vikings go for a massive swing at linebacker or use what little money they have to go after some of the cheaper depth options that will hang around?