Brinkley is currently considered the frontrunner to start at middle linebacker despite the offseason addition of Keenan Robinson, the Giants' official site reports.

EDGE Analysis

Last season, Brinkley assumed the starting MLB role in early November after Jon Beason landed on IR, and ultimately finished third on the team in tackles (67) and first in forced fumbles (4). However, the Giants signed fellow MLB Keenan Robinson to a richer contract than that of Brinkley in March, which left many to quickly assume the starting MLB job was all Robinson's. However, the Giants rotated first team linebackers throughout their offseason program, but, unlike Robinson, Brinkley was the player who aligned exclusively at middle linebacker. Meanwhile, Robinson was moved around and experimented with at OLB. Training camp will further illuminate the Giants' plans for their new-look defensive front.

Brinkley is in the conversation for starting MLB for the Giants, Ralph Vacchiano of Daily News reports.

EDGE Analysis

Brinkley is entering his seventh NFL season and second with the Giants. New York has sought to upgrade at the MLB position, signing Keenan Robinson, who is the frontrunner for the starting role, in free agency. Despite competition at the position, the team was not unhappy with Brinkley's production last year (67 tackles, four forced fumbles, one sack), and he could see an increase in playing time if he shows improvement during his second campaign in the Giants' defensive system. An advantage he does have over Robinson is that Brinkley's missed just two games in his six years, as opposed to Robinson's 28 games missed in four seasons. Brinkley will be competing against Robinson, BJ Goodson, and Kelvin Sheppard for the starting spot.

The Giants and Brinkley have agreed to a one-year contract, Dan Salomone of the team's official site reports.

EDGE Analysis

Jettisoned from the Cowboys out of training camp 2015, Brinkley landed with the rival Giants just four days before the regular season opener at Dallas, but his first significant action didn't occur until Week 8. As the infirmary in New York continued to fill up, he took on a larger role and finished the year with third-most tackles (67) on the team. In addition to that mark, he tallied four forced fumbles, one fumble recovery, and one sack. Upon his return to the Giants, he'll compete with offseason addition Keenan Robinson for reps at middle linebacker.

Brinkley had 12 tackles and a sack Sunday against the Patriots.

EDGE Analysis

Ever since taking over the middle linebacker role two weeks ago, Brinkley's been a force. He's worth a look in IDP leagues when the Giants face the Redskins in Week 12 after their bye.

Brinkley will sign with the Cowboys, Todd Archer of ESPN reports. Brinkley started in 11 games for the Vikings last season, registering 74 total tackles over the 16 games he played in. Even though free agency is still ongoing, Brinkley has a chance to start alongside Sean Lee if the Cowboys shift one of the two players to weakside linebacker.

Brinkley had his first career sack and seven total tackles in Sunday's loss to Detroit. Brinkley was sent on a blitz which has been rare in his career. Brinkley isn't usually used to rush the passer and typically doesn't stay on the field in nickel packages as he played about half the snaps on defense against he Lions.

Brinkley started at middle linebacker and had 11 total tackles in Sunday's loss to New England. Despite the high tackle totals, Brinkley was on the field for 38 snaps - about half the defensive plays - as he comes off the field during nickel and dime packages. His fantasy upside may be limited as a result.

Brinkley started at middle linebacker and had five total tackles. Brinkley was only on the field for 28 of 67 plays on offense as he came off the field during nickle and dime configurations. His fantasy upside is limited as a result.

Brinkley has officially been named the starter at middle linebacker, the St. Paul Pioneer Press reports. Even though he's the starter, Brinkley's upside for fantasy purposes may be limited as the middle linebacker will come out of the game during nickel and dime packages with Chad Greenway staying on the field.

While Brinkley is listed first on the depth chart at middle linebacker, head coach Mike Zimmer may not officially announce a starter until later in the week, ESPN 1500 am Twin Cities. The Minnesota middle linebacker role may not be great for fantasy purposes whoever wins the job, as the middle linebacker will come out of the game during nickel and dime packages with Chad Greenway staying on the field.