The landscape of elite NFL linebackers is shifting as the 2026 season approaches, with several players challenging for the title of the league's best. San Francisco 49ers star Fred Warner, a four-time first-team All-Pro, is recovering from a season-ending ankle injury sustained in 2025, leaving the door open for others to claim the top position.
Emerging Stars and Consistent Performers
Devin Lloyd, after a Pro Bowl year with the Jacksonville Jaguars in 2025 where he recorded five interceptions, has signed a three-year, $42 million deal with the Carolina Panthers. Lloyd's ability to generate takeaways, a key area for defensive improvement in Carolina, makes him a significant addition. His performance in 2025, helping Jacksonville achieve the second-most takeaways in the NFL, signals his potential to be a defensive sparkplug for the Panthers.
Nick Bolton of the Kansas City Chiefs continues to be a steady presence, recording over 100 tackles for the second consecutive season in 2025. His contributions include six pass breakups, an interception, and a forced fumble. According to Next Gen Stats, he ranked third in run stops and tenth in hustle stops among linebackers. As the Chiefs' secondary undergoes changes, Bolton is expected to take on a more prominent role.
Ernest Jones IV, at 26, earned second-team All-Pro honors in 2025, his first time receiving the recognition. Since being traded to Seattle during the 2024 season, Jones has been the defensive signal-caller and a leader for the Seahawks. In 2025, he set a franchise record for a linebacker with five interceptions and amassed 126 combined tackles. He has now achieved at least 100 tackles for four consecutive seasons.
Azeez Al-Shaair has emerged as a star linebacker for the Houston Texans, earning his first Pro Bowl selection in 2025. He registered his third 100-tackle season and set career-highs in interceptions and pass breakups. Al-Shaair is noted for his coverage skills, ranking high in metrics such as tight windows forced rate and coverage EPA.
Jordyn Brooks, who led the NFL with 183 total tackles in 2025 and earned first-team All-Pro honors, was re-signed by the Miami Dolphins to a three-year, $48 million deal. He has the third-most tackles in the league over the last five years and leads that group in tackles for loss. Brooks is a core piece for the Dolphins as they navigate a roster rebuild.
Zack Baun has become a crucial player for the Philadelphia Eagles since being signed in 2024. After a breakout season in 2024, he delivered a similar performance in 2025 with 123 tackles, 3.5 sacks, and two interceptions. Baun's versatility makes him a fit for Vic Fangio’s defensive scheme, offering speed for pass rushing and the ability to cover tight ends.
Carson Schweisinger, the 2025 Defensive Rookie of the Year, quickly established himself as a tackling machine for the Cleveland Browns. His instincts and range allow him to shrink the field for opponents, and as the team's green dot wearer, his intelligence and communication skills set him apart.
Jack Campbell of the Detroit Lions had a standout 2025 season, recording 176 tackles, nine tackles for loss, three forced fumbles, five sacks, and four pass breakups. His athleticism and awareness allow him to impact nearly every phase of the defense, justifying his status as an 18th overall draft pick.
Roquan Smith, a four-time Pro Bowler and three-time first-team All-Pro, has maintained his streak of over 100 tackles in all eight of his NFL seasons. Known for his sideline-to-sideline playmaking ability and elite tackling, Smith will be adapting to a new defensive system under new head coach Jesse Minter. He aims to increase takeaways in the upcoming season after finishing 2025 without any forced fumbles, sacks, or interceptions.
Fred Warner, despite missing significant time in 2025 due to an ankle injury, remains a prototypical linebacker. His combination of size, speed, intelligence, and physicality allows him to cover vast distances and make impactful plays against both the run and pass. Warner's ability to produce big plays in all facets of the game solidifies his reputation as a foundational defensive piece.