David Harris, Brandon Spikes lead 2015 class of free-agent linebackers

Projected to be a cellar dweller in the preseason, the Cowboys' defense surprised in 2014, finishing in the top 10 against the run and in the top half of the

Projected to be a cellar dweller in the preseason, the Cowboys' defense surprised in 2014, finishing in the top 10 against the run and in the top half of the league in points allowed. To maintain that standing, Dallas will have to open the checkbook this spring. The Cowboys have several free agents on the defensive side of the ball, including three at linebacker (Bruce Carter, Justin Durant and the surprising Rolando McClain). Who else is poised to hit the market this offseason?

• 2015 NFL free agents: Every position| 2015 NFL Mock Draft: Round 1, 2

Find all the notable unrestricted free-agent linebackers below. (Note, several outside linebackers are listed in our roundup of free-agent pass rushers.)

. Akeem Ayers

New England Patriots

'14 stats: 17 tackles, 4.0 sacks, 1 PD

. Lance Briggs

Chicago Bears

'14 stats: 24 tackles, 1 FF, 1 INT, 3 PD

. Bruce Carter

Dallas Cowboys

'14 stats: 48 tackles, 1.0 sacks, 5 INT, 8 PD

. Justin Durant

Dallas Cowboys

'14 stats: 31 tackles, 2 FF, 1 INT, 4 PD

. David Harris

New York Jets

'14 stats: 73 tackles, 6.0 sacks, 2 FF, 1 PD

. Nate Irving

Denver Broncos

'14 stats: 26 tackles, 1.0 sacks

. Rolando McClain

Dallas Cowboys

'14 stats: 65 tackles, 1.0 sacks, 1 FF, 2 INT, 3 PD

. Rey Maualuga

Cincinnati Bengals

'14 stats: 33 tackles, 1 INT, 4 PD

. Brandon Spikes

Buffalo Bills

'14 stats: 33 tackles, 1.0 sacks, 1 FF, 3 PD

. Sean Weatherspoon

Atlanta Falcons

'13 stats (7 games, missed '14 with injury): 26 tackles, 1 INT