Curtis Lofton — There’s no getting around the fact that 2015 was a bad year for Lofton. The 30-year-old graded as one of the four worst linebackers in the entire league, according to PFF, and was benched late in the season. However, Lofton recently admitted that he’d undergone offseason knee and ankle surgeries, so it’s fair to wonder if injuries limited him during the season. He’s always been an above-average force against the run, and he’s expressed a desire to continue his career in 2016.

Joe Mays — Having bounced around the league for the duration of his career, Mays has never seemed to be any club’s first option. But he’s always filled in when needed, and he’s never been abysmal when doing so. Mays is a run-stuffer, and probably shouldn’t be on the field for passing downs, but he also adds special teams value, and would certainly sign for the veteran’s minimum.

DeMeco Ryans — Ryans is probably the player on this list about whom I’m the least confident. Physically, he could be nearing the end — after suffering two ruptured Achilles during his career, Ryans struggled against both the run and the pass last year,
and with 10 NFL seasons in his rearview mirror, he has quite a bit of tread on his tires. But Ryans has always been viewed as a cerebral player, so adding a veteran with his level of mental acumen could be an appealing option for the Cowboys. Ryans, for what’s it worth, has said that he’d like to continue playing.

Stephen Tulloch — Tulloch might be the most high-profile name on this list, at least at the moment, given that he was finally released by the Lions this week after months of speculation. Detroit waited so long to execute the move to avoid paying an injury guarantee, as Tulloch had undergone surgery earlier this year. Clearly, that could give some clubs pause as they inquire on Tulloch’s health, but he was evidently able to pass a physical prior to his release, and he managed to hold up for 15 games last season.

Veterans on roster bubbles:

Jon Bostic, Lions — Due to a variety of factors, Bostic might not be leaving Detroit any time soon. First, Lions general manger Bob Quinn was formerly the Patriots’ director of scouting, so the fact that he acquired Bostic from New England could mean he has an affinity for the former Florida Gator. Second, Detroit recently released veteran linebacker Stephen Tulloch, meaning there could be room for Bostic on the Lions’ roster. But if he were to be cut loose during the next few months, I’d imagine the Cowboys would show some level of interest. Or perhaps Bostic, who’s already been dealt twice during his career, could be had via trade once again.

Arthur Brown, Ravens — A former second-round pick, Brown has completely fallen out of favor in Baltimore, as he’s played only 10 defensive snaps during the past two seasons combined. But with Daryl Smith no longer on the Ravens’ roster, there could be room for Brown to earn playing time, if he can finally put it all together. Brown is entering the final year of his rookie deal, and doesn’t look to have a real future with Baltimore, so it’s conceivable the club finally cuts bait this summer.

Bruce Carter, Jets — Entering his age-28 season, Carter evidently didn’t attract much free agent interest after being released by the Buccaneers earlier this year, as he settled for a one-year, minimum salary benefit contract with the Jets. New York, however, has not only re-signed Erin Henderson to play opposite David Harris at inside linebacker, but spent a first-round pick on Ohio State’s Darron Lee, who would likely be the next man up if either Harris or Henderson suffered an injury. Carter, then, could potentially be available in the next few months, and could be especially attractive to the Cowboys given that he spent 2011-14 in Dallas.

Christian Jones, Bears — In just his second NFL campaign, Jones, a former undrafted free agent, started 13 games on the inside, leading all Bears linebackers in snaps. And though he graded as the league’s No. 38 linebacker per PFF, Chicago sought to replace him this offseason, inking both Danny Trevathan and Jerrell Freeman to multi-year deals. Jones has since been moved to outside ‘backer, but Jeff Dickerson of ESPN.com recently projected that he would be a surprise cut. Given that Jones is only 25 years old, the Bears could conceivably get something in return via trade.

Nate Palmer, Titans — It’s not a good sign that the Packers, who have a lengthy history of inside linebacker problems, waived Palmer earlier this year. Tennessee evidently saw something they liked and claimed Palmer, but it’s unclear if he’ll be able to earn a role on the team. The Titans are projected to start Wesley Woodyard and Avery Williamson at middle linebacker in their 3-4 scheme, according to Roster Resource, while free agent signee Sean Spence — who has a history with defensive coordinator Dick LeBeau — is the top reserve on the inside, meaning Palmer could be the odd man out.

Perry Riley, Redskins — The 28-year-old Riley is the only veteran on this subsection of the list who is making serious money, and Washington could save $4MM by releasing him this summer. And given that he’s not expected to be a starter, Perry could certainly be in danger of losing his roster spot. Will Compton will start at inside linebacker next to Mason Foster, whom the Redskins re-signed to a two-year deal. Riley will compete for a role with former Steelers special teams ace Terence Garvin, who was handed a $75K guarantee over the offseason.

Photos courtesy of USA Today Sports Images.