The Super Bowl wrapped up with the Seattle Seahawks triumphing over the New England Patriots. This sets the stage for the impending NFL free agency period for the 2026 season. Teams are diligently strategizing for their rosters while keeping an eye on the free agents available this offseason. Today, we’ll explore the projected free agent linebackers for 2026, trying to assess how these players might be valued by NFL teams.
The linebacker class looks promising overall, featuring a couple of talented young players at the forefront, alongside a blend of experienced starters and emerging talents. In fact, this could be one of the more robust groups in this year’s free agent pool. Of course, things could shift quickly if teams decide to re-sign some of these players, but let’s see where it goes! Here are my picks for the top linebacker free agents heading into 2026.
2025 Stats: 15 games played | 81 total tackles, 35 solo, 6 TFL, 6.9% missed tackle percentage, 1 FF | 1.5 sacks, 15 total pressures | 5 INT, 7 PD, 57.1 passer rating allowed
Devin Lloyd has shown consistent improvement since his first-round selection in the 2022 NFL Draft, enjoying his best season yet in 2025. Standing at 6’3″ and weighing 235 pounds, this former edge rusher can handle various linebacker roles. He’s become one of the NFL’s top coverage linebackers, racking up five interceptions and allowing a passer rating of just 57.1. Lloyd’s abilities as both a blitzer and tackler make him a formidable asset for any defense.
2025 Stats: 17 games played | 125 total tackles, 63 solo, 7 TFL, 6.7% missed tackle percentage, 2 FF | 2.0 sacks, 6 total pressures | 3 INT, 8 PD, 64.2 passer rating possible
Devin Bush Jr. had a year as a reserve with the Seahawks before moving to Cleveland in 2024, following some unmet expectations as a top-10 pick in Pittsburgh. He turned it around with two solid seasons, including a breakout year in 2025. Bush is a versatile linebacker who, like Lloyd, has significantly improved in coverage this season. While he may not possess the same pass-rushing prowess or size as Lloyd—standing at only 5’11” and 235 pounds—he remains one of the league’s standout young linebackers.
2025 Stats: Played in 12 games | 58 total tackles, 25 solo, 2 TFL, 4.9% missed tackle percentage | 2.0 sacks, 6 total pressures | 1 INT, 2 PD, 88.4 passer rating possible
Leo Chenal, one of the most athletic players from the 2022 NFL Draft, has been a key player for the Chiefs’ robust defense recently. Approaching his 26th birthday, he stands ready to take on a larger role elsewhere. Despite a challenging 2025 due to injuries, Chenal’s size (6’3″, 250 pounds) and athleticism make him adaptable to various defensive schemes.
2025 Stats: 8 games played | 58 total tackles, 23 solo, 5 TFL, 6.5% missed tackle percentage | 4.5 sacks, 10 total pressures | 1 INT, 3 PD, 65.6 passer rating allowed
Justin Strnad, somewhat under the radar within Denver’s impressive defense, has been a valuable rotational player. He played just over 55% of the snaps and was very productive in multiple areas. As an efficient pass rusher and coverage player, he also holds his ground against the run. Strnad could attract significant interest in free agency as he seeks a starting position.
2025 Stats: 17 games played | 162 total tackles, 79 solo, 8 TFL, 4.1% missed tackle percentage | 4.5 sacks, 11 total pressures | 2 INT, 4 PD, 89.5 passer rating possible
Bobby Wagner, a potential Hall of Famer, remains a free agent at 36 years old. While he might not be the coverage force he once was, he’s still effective in various situations. Wagner continues to excel as a run defender and can make an impact as a blitzer. Although his performance may gradually decline, he could still be a valuable starter in the league.
2025 Stats: 8 games played | 55 total tackles, 30 solo, 7 TFL, 9.8% missed tackle percentage, 2 FF | 4.0 sacks, 9 total pressures | 1 PD, 80.7 passer rating allowed
Nakobe Dean stands out as one of the most productive linebackers on a snap-by-snap basis. Unfortunately, his injury struggles have hindered his rise to the top of the linebacker ranks. In his four years, he has only managed one full season, with his strongest showing in 2024, though he played just 10 games in 2025. When healthy, Dean’s performance is impressive; he’s an elite run defender and a strong blitzer with great coverage skills. His size (5’11”, 231 pounds) and injury history might deter some teams, but he’ll only be 26 in 2026. He might need to settle for a short-term contract, but I expect him to draw considerable interest in free agency.
2025 Stats: 14 games played | 128 total tackles, 58 solo, 8 TFL, 3.8% missed tackle percentage | 2.5 sacks, 10 total pressures | 5 PD, 108.3 passer rating allowed
Quay Walker, a first-round pick in the 2022 NFL Draft by the Packers, remains an intriguing athlete. At 6’2″, he possesses the physique akin to an edge rusher, with a slender build. Walker has become a solid run defender and effective blitzer, although he still struggles with coverage. As he approaches age 26 in 2026, he presents an interesting mix of attributes and production that could lead to future growth as a high-level NFL linebacker, even if he hasn’t fully lived up to his first-round potential.
2025 Stats: Played in 16 games | 95 total tackles, 52 solo, 4 TFL, 5.0% missed tackle percentage | 2.5 sacks, 11 total pressures | 1 INT, 9 PD, 78.6 passer rating possible
Alex Anzalone has bounced back after facing injury woes during his rookie contract with the Saints, becoming a reliable starter for the Lions in recent years. In 2025, he had his best season, making significant contributions as a versatile defender against the run, as a pass rusher, and in coverage. Now entering his 32nd year, Anzalone is a dependable option that could benefit various defenses.
2025 Stats: 17 games played | 143 total tackles, 64 solo, 6 TFL, 8.9% missed tackle percentage, 2 FF | 0.5 sacks, 5 total pressures | 3 PD, 109.9 passer rating allowed
Demario Davis, now in his 14th NFL season, remains a solid run defender for the Saints, even as a 37-year-old free agent. He is undeniably in a career decline, but still possesses a strong physical presence. However, his effectiveness in coverage and as a blitzer has waned. While he could still play or start for another team if he chooses, it seems his legendary career is nearing its conclusion.
2025 Stats: 16 games played | 135 total tackles, 54 solo, 3 TFL, 8.2% missed tackle percentage, 1 FF | 1.0 sack, 11 total pressures | 4 PD, 122.9 passer rating allowed
Alex Singleton has made a notable comeback since joining the Broncos in 2022, quickly securing a starting position and becoming one of the league’s most reliable run defenders. He combines good size (6’2″, 240 pounds) with ample experience and a touch of excitement on the field. Although his coverage skills may be declining and he’s set to turn 33 in 2026, he still has the potential to excel as a top run defender in the right system.
