NFL free agency rankings 2026: Best linebackers available

The Super Bowl has concluded, with the Seattle Seahawks dominating the New England Patriots. That means the start of NFL free agency for the 2026 season is close at hand. Teams are hard at work building out their plans for their own players, while keeping a close eye on the available free agents heading into the 2026 offseason. Today we’re going to take a look at the projected free agent linebackers in the 2026 class, as I give my best guess at how these players are likely to be ranked by NFL teams.

The linebacker class is strong throughout, with two elite young talents at the top of the class and a good mix of veteran starters and young players with upside mixed in. In all, this looks like one of the deepest groups in this year’s free agency class. Of course, that could change quickly if teams elect to re-sign many of these players, but we’ll see! Here are my top linebacker free agents entering 2026.

Devin Lloyd

2025 Stats: 15 starts | 81 total tackles, 35 solo, 6 TFL, 6.9% missed tackle rate, 1 FF | 1.5 sacks, 15 total pressures | 5 INT, 7 PD, 57.1 passer rating allowed

Devin Lloyd has steadily improved since being drafted in the first round of the 2022 NFL Draft, and pulled out his best season yet in 2025. The 6’3, 235 former edge rusher can do it all from the linebacker position, but emerged as one of the best coverage LBs in the NFL with five interceptions and just a 57.1 passer rating allowed. Lloyd is a strong blitzer and tackler who delivers the whole package for an NFL defense.

Devin Bush Jr.

2025 Stats: 17 starts | 125 total tackles, 63 solo, 7 TFL, 6.7% missed tackle rate, 2 FF | 2.0 sacks, 6 total pressures | 3 INT, 8 PD, 64.2 passer rating allowed

After failing to make the expected impact of a top-10 pick in Pittsburgh, Devin Bush Jr. spent a year as a reserve with the Seahawks before heading to Cleveland in 2024. What followed were two outstanding years, including a career year in 2025. Bush is a do-it-all linebacker who, much like Lloyd above, made major strides in coverage this season. Bush isn’t quite as good as a pass rusher and lacks Lloyd’s elite size–he’s just 5’11, 235–but he’s still one of the best young linebackers in the league.

Leo Chenal

2025 Stats: 12 starts | 58 total tackles, 25 solo, 2 TFL, 4.9% missed tackle rate | 2.0 sacks, 6 total pressures | 1 INT, 2 PD, 88.4 passer rating allowed

One of the most athletic prospects in the 202 NFL Draft, Leo Chenal has been a major contributor on a stacked Chiefs defense over the past few years. Heading into his age 26 season, Chenal is primed for a bigger role elsewhere. While he’s coming off an injury-plagued 2025, Chenal is clearly on the upswing and his size (6’3, 250) and incredible athleticism make him a fit in just about any system or role.

Justin Strnad

2025 Stats: 8 starts | 58 total tackles, 23 solo, 5 TFL, 6.5% missed tackle rate | 4.5 sacks, 10 total pressures | 1 INT, 3 PD, 65.6 passer rating allowed

One of the more unheralded linebackers in the NFL and seemingly a forgotten player on Denver’s elite defense, Justin Strnad has been one of the best rotational players in the league. Playing just over 55% of the snaps, Strnad has been incredibly productive in all phases. He’s an impactful pass rusher and coverage player, and is reliable against the run. Strnad could be a major contributor and is likely to generate significant interest as a starter.

Bobby Wagner

2025 Stats: 17 starts | 162 total tackles, 79 solo, 8 TFL, 4.1% missed tackle rate | 4.5 sacks, 11 total pressures | 2 INT, 4 PD, 89.5 passer rating allowed

One of several future Hall of Fame linebackers hitting free agency this year, Bobby Wagner has still got it. Now heading into his age 36 season, he’s not the coverage player he once was, but he’s still very effective in all phases. Wagner remains one of the best run defenders in the league and is a dangerous blitzer. He’s likely to continue a slow decline, but can still be a quality starter in the NFL.

Nakobe Dean

2025 Stats: 8 starts | 55 total tackles, 30 solo, 7 TFL, 9.8% missed tackle rate, 2 FF | 4.0 sacks, 9 total pressures | 1 PD, 80.7 passer rating allowed

Nakobe Dean has been one of the most productive linebackers in the NFL on a per-snap basis, but struggles with injuries have kept him from ascending to the ranks of the NFL’s best. Dean has played just one full season in four years, turning in his best performance in 2024 but only managing 10 games in 2025. Dean’s production when healthy is impossible to ignore, as he’s an elite run defender and blitzer with good coverage ability. His undersized frame (5’11, 231) and injury history could scare off teams, but Dean will be just 26 in 2026. I expect him to generate significant interest in free agency, though he may have to take a short-term deal at this stage.

Quay Walker

2025 Stats: 14 starts | 128 total tackles, 58 solo, 8 TFL, 3.8% missed tackle rate | 2.5 sacks, 10 total pressures | 5 PD, 108.3 passer rating allowed

Quay Walker was one of the most intriguing athletes in the 2022 NFL Draft class, going to the Packers in the first round. At 6’, 241, he’s built almost like an edge rusher with a long, lanky frame. Walker has developed into a very good run defender and effective blitzer, but still struggles a lot in coverage. He’ll be just 26 in 2026 and offers an intriguing package of traits and production against the run to build upon. Despite not quite living up to his first-round billing, Walker could continue to grow into a high-level NFL linebacker.

Alex Anzalone

2025 Stats: 16 starts | 95 total tackles, 52 solo, 4 TFL, 5.0% missed tackle rate | 2.5 sacks, 11 total pressures | 1 INT, 9 PD, 78.6 passer rating allowed

After struggling with injuries during his rookie contract with the Saints, Alex Anzalone emerged as a consistently good starter with the Lions over the past five seasons. Anzalone turned in his best year yet in 2025, making an impact as a versatile run defender, pass rusher, and coverage player. Heading into his age 32 season, Anzalone is a reliable starter who could help just about any defense.

Demario Davis

2025 Stats: 17 starts | 143 total tackles, 64 solo, 6 TFL, 8.9% missed tackle rate, 2 FF | 0.5 sacks, 5 total pressures | 3 PD, 109.9 passer rating allowed

Demario Davis feels eternal, and was still playing like a high level run defender for the Saints in his fourteenth season in the NFL. Now entering free agency at age 37, Davis is clearly on the downslope of his career. He’s still a great physical presence, but his ability in coverage and as a blitzer have both declined significantly. Davis will be able to play and start somewhere in the NFL if he desires, but he’s nearing the end of a storied career.

Alex Singleton

2025 Stats: 16 starts | 135 total tackles, 54 solo, 3 TFL, 8.2% missed tackle rate, 1 FF | 1.0 sacks, 11 total pressures | 4 PD, 122.9 passer rating allowed

Alex Singleton has had a late career renaissance since joining the Broncos in 2022, quickly taking over as a starter and emerging as one of the most consistent run stuffers in the NFL. Singleton has good size (6’2, 240) and tons of experience, and even offers a little blitzing ability. His coverage is beginning to slow down, and he’ll be entering his age 33 season in 2026, but Singleton can still be a top run defender in the right scheme.