A.J. Klein

A.J. Klein

32-Year-Old LinebackerLB
 Free Agent  
Free Agent
2023 Fantasy Outlook
Klein provides savvy and veteran depth for the Buffalo Linebacker room. Don't expect him to get a ton of playing time, but he knows what to do when he's plugged in. In ten years in the NFL he's amassed 465 career tackles. Read Past Outlooks
RANKS
#Subscriber-Only
IDP
$Released by the Bills in August of 2023.
Back with Buffalo
LBFree Agent
September 21, 2023
Klein was signed to the practice squad Thursday, Alec White of the Bills' official site reports.
ANALYSIS
Considering how inexperienced the Bills are at linebacker following the free-agency departure of Tremaine Edmunds, it was a bit of a surprise the veteran Klein -- who is also a good special teams player -- was cut ahead of the season. We wouldn't be surprised to see him suiting up for Buffalo before the end of the season.
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NFL Stats
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2021
2020
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2022 NFL Game Log
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2021 NFL Game Log
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2020 NFL Game Log
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2019 NFL Game Log
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2018 NFL Game Log
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2017 NFL Game Log
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2016 NFL Game Log
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2023 A.J. Klein Split Stats
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Measurables Review
How do A.J. Klein's measurables compare to other linebackers?
This section compares his draft workout metrics with players at the same position. The bar represents the player's percentile rank. For example, if the bar is halfway across, then the player falls into the 50th percentile for that metric and it would be considered average.
Height
6' 1"
 
Weight
245 lbs
 
40-Yard Dash
4.66 sec
 
Broad Jump
113 in
 
Bench Press
20 reps
 
Recent RotoWire Articles Featuring A.J. Klein See More
2022 NFL Offseason Guide: AFC East
February 23, 2022
Patriots fans have every reason to be excited about Mac Jones and Bill Belichick working together for years to come, but the team first has a tricky offseason ahead.
Gameday Injuries: Week 14
Gameday Injuries: Week 14
December 11, 2021
December 11, 2021
Juan Carlos Blanco breaks down a busy Week 14 injury report that features several notable returns but multiple potential fantasy-relevant absences as well.
IDP Analysis: Dynamite Wilson
December 1, 2020
The Dallas defense isn't any good, but it might have found itself a good starter in second-year safety Donovan Wilson, who's been a DB1 since entering the starting lineup.
IDP Analysis: Baker Breakout
IDP Analysis: Baker Breakout
September 15, 2020
September 15, 2020
The Dolphins linebacker position appeared crowded earlier this offseason, but after Week 1 it's clear that Jerome Baker is the Miami IDP to own.
2020 NFL Team Previews: Buffalo Bills
May 31, 2020
With Tom Brady on to Tampa Bay, the Bills will take aim at the AFC East title. Their chances rest largely on the trajectory of QB Josh Allen.
Past Fantasy Outlooks
2019
2018
2016
2015
2014
2013
During his first four years with the Saints, Klein only started in 38.3 percent of the games he appeared in, but he's steadily grown into an IDP consideration because of his ability to make statistical contributions in a myriad of different ways. He has developed into a full-time contributor for New Orleans over the past two years, making 28 starts out of a possible 32, while collecting a combined 124 tackles, 13 tackles for loss, seven QB hits, four sacks and two fumble recoveries during that span.
In his first season in New Orleans, Klein appeared in 12 games -- all starts -- before suffering a season-ending groin injury in Week 14. As the Saints’ starting middle linebacker, Klein recorded 54 tackles (37 solo), two sacks, four pass breakups and a forced fumble. The Saints, however, signed middle linebacker standout Demario Davis this offseason. While Klein should continue to be a solid albeit unspectacular option in IDP leagues, the offseason acquisition of Davis could shift Klein to outside linebacker, which may suppress his fantasy stock.
In his third season, Klein started six games last year, partially as a result to injuries to Luke Kuechly, but finished with 55 stops, one sack and one interception. In doing so, he proved to be a capable fill-in player, which suits him for the Panthers' No. 4 linebacker role this season while Kuechly, Thomas Davis and Shaq Thompson form Carolina's starting trio.
Klein registered 39 tackles and two forced fumbles last season and is expected to compete with rookie first-rounder Shaq Thompson for the Panthers' third starting linebacker position next to Luke Kuechly and Thomas Davis this season.
Klein excelled on special teams last season and also started two games at weakside linebacker, finishing his rookie year with 21 tackles and two sacks. He'll compete with Chase Blackburn for the Panthers' starting weakside position, while also backing up Luke Kuechly at middle linebacker this season.
The rookie from Iowa State will serve as a reserve linebacker this season.
More Fantasy News
Sticking with Buffalo
LBBuffalo Bills
April 17, 2023
The Bills signed Klein to a one-year contract Monday, Grace Heidinger of the team's official site reports.
ANALYSIS
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Makes nine stops
LBBuffalo Bills
November 25, 2022
Klein recorded nine tackles in Thursday's 28-25 win over the Lions.
ANALYSIS
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Claimed by Bills
LBBuffalo Bills
November 17, 2022
The Bills claimed Klein off waivers from the Bears on Thursday.
ANALYSIS
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Packing bags for Chicago
LBChicago Bears
October 31, 2022
Baltimore traded Klein along with second and fifth-round draft picks to the Bears in exchange for Roquan Smith on Monday, Josina Anderson of CBS Sports reports.
ANALYSIS
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Inks deal with Baltimore
LBBaltimore Ravens
October 6, 2022
The Ravens signed Klein off the Giants' practice squad Thursday, Ryan Mink of the team's official site reports.
ANALYSIS
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