NFL free agent linebackers ranking: Devin Lloyd, Devin Bush among top options

With NFL free company contract negotiation window opening March 9 at midday ET, CBS Sports is offering a position-by-position have a look at the free agent panorama. Although the normal “middle” or “off-ball” linebacker position has declined in utilization as groups flip to extra hybrid linebacker/security/slot appears to be like, having a standout participant within the center to direct the protection remains to be useful. This offseason, two such gamers of their mid-20s hit the market.

Top 5 free agent linebackers

2025 stats: 81 tackles, 1.5 sacks, 5 interceptions, PFF’s No. 3 linebacker (eleventh in run protection, third in go rush, fifth in protection)

A former first-round decide, Devin Lloyd broke out in 2025, together with his most memorable contribution being a 99-yard decide six in Jacksonville’s assertion win over the Chiefs. Lloyd had a troublesome rookie yr, then confirmed vital enchancment in 2023 and 2024, and made one other leap in 2025. He strikes properly and may convey it within the run recreation — a real three-down participant. He’ll be extremely wanted.

2025 stats: 125 tackles, 2 sacks, 3 interceptions, PFF’s No. 4 linebacker (ninth in run protection, 4th in protection)

Devin Bush was one of many NFL’s finest under-the-radar bounce-back tales in 2025. He was the one participant within the NFL with a number of interceptions returned for touchdowns, and his 164 interception return yards have been additionally probably the most within the league. Bush went from top-three finisher in Defensive Rookie of the Year voting in 2019 to barely taking part in in 2023, however the final two years with the Browns present he has the athleticism and pace to get it carried out within the center.

2025 stats: 58 sacks, 2 sacks, 1 interception, PFF’s No. 19 linebacker (twenty third in run protection, thirty second in go rush)

Leo Chenal bounces throughout the formation and has been a strong contributor for the Chiefs the previous three years. He’s at his finest towards the run, and he is a strong tackler, too. Chenal is barely 25 and ought to be in line for a multi-year deal. He’s finest served in a protection the place his athleticism and shutting pace are on show.

2025 stats: 55 tackles, 4 sacks, PFF’s No. 43 linebacker (89th in run protection, twenty eighth in protection)

Pass speeding represents Nakobe Dean’s greatest energy. A dynamite blitzer who brings the growth towards working backs attempting to select him up, Dean has seven sacks over the previous two seasons, and he had an NFL-best 36% stress price final yr. The protection will be up-and-down, and the run protection was poor in 2025, however he’s simply 25 years outdated. Medicals are essential right here. He has handled a bevy of accidents.

2025 stats: 128 tackles, 2.5 sacks, PFF’s No. 76 linebacker (eightieth in run protection, twenty sixth in go rush, 69th in protection)

Quay Walker’s free company shall be fascinating. A speedy, athletic former first-round decide, Walker will get downhill in a rush and wraps up properly. But he is even in go protection and towards the run. His capability to cowl sideline-to-sideline is spectacular. The instruments are very a lot there, although, and maybe a brand new residence would convey out one of the best in him.

One extra to regulate

2025 stats: 107 tackles, 3.5 sacks, 1 interception, PFF’s No. 31 linebacker (73rd in run protection, 2nd in go rush, twenty fifth in protection)

For my cash one of the underrated linebackers within the sport, Kaden Elliss become a gradual linebacker with excellent pass-rushing capability. After hardly taking part in any protection in his first three seasons, he performed each recreation within the final 4 years, and his 98 pressures over that span are probably the most of any off-ball linebacker. He’s not pretty much as good in protection, however he ought to nonetheless maintain excessive worth to a staff wanting to make use of his blitzing chops.

Remember, this class additionally options mid-30s options like Bobby Wagner and Demario Davis. Where will they land? How a lot have they got left?

Five groups to observe

• Should the Commanders lose Bobby Wagner, they need to look to interchange him. Washington wants upgrades throughout its protection.
• The Jaguars shall be a staff to observe ought to they lose Lloyd.
• The Jets improved the inside of their defensive position and will look to fill the opening behind that group with a veteran who can head the protection.
• The Broncos have each Alex Singleton and Justin Strand set to enter free company. If they can not maintain no less than one, they’re a candidate so as to add a linebacker behind their large defensive position and EDGE group.
• Lavonte David is 36 and set to hit free company. He has been an excellent participant for a very long time, and consequently, the Buccaneers have not needed to look to fill that spot. That might change this offseason.

One huge query

What occurs with Devin Lloyd?

Lloyd is clearly one of the best linebacker on this class, coming off Pro Bowl and second-team All-Pro choices. He’s one of many few off-ball linebackers who can be utilized as a weapon and really stand out on the protection. He’s not Fred Warnerhowever he may be within the tier under him. The final free agent at this place to fetch a contract of over $15 million per yr was Tremaine Edmunds ($18 million per yr) in 2023. Lloyd might very properly threaten that quantity, if not surpass it.