2026 NFL Free Agents: Inside Linebacker

Devin Lloyd was one of the best linebackers in the NFL last year, thriving both in run support and coverage.

Matt Milano is usually a superb linebacker, but he had a poor 2025 season because of a lingering injury. He could bounce back in 2026, but he tends to get hurt a lot.

Alex Anzalone has been a stud three-down linebacker for the Lions, but at 31, he could regress soon.

Devin Bush has experienced a roller coaster career. He’s coming off an amazing season in which he’s thrived in both coverage and run support.

Demario Davis is 37, but he’s still one of the better linebackers in the NFL. Still, regression must be coming soon.

Malcolm Rodriguez was a stout linebacker in 2024, particularly in run support, but he missed most of 2025 with an injury.

Bobby Okereke had two great years with the Giants before regressing last year. He’s just 30 (as of July), so perhaps he has a couple strong seasons remaining in his career.

Dre Greenlaw has been injured a lot since he got hurt in the Super Bowl, but he’s still just 29, so he could rebound with a strong season or two.

Nakobe Dean wasn’t quite himself last year coming off an injury, but perhaps he’ll rebound with a solid season because he’ll be healthier heading into 2026.

Quincy Williams was one of the best linebackers in the NFL in 2023, but has regressed since. Age is now becoming an issue.

Germaine Pratt tends to struggle in coverage, but he played very well against the run last year.

Alex Singleton is great in run support, but isn’t as good in coverage. At 32, he could regress soon.

Leon Chenal No. 54 is a stout linebacker in run support, but doesn’t do as well in coverage.

Despite his age, Denzel Perryman is still an incredibly stout run defender, though he struggles in coverage.

Tremaine Edmunds is a quality run-stopping linebacker, but he’s had issues in coverage.

Micah McFadden was missed last year when he suffered a foot injury in Week 1.

Bobby Wagner is still a force against the run, but is totally lost in coverage.

Shaq Thompson is past his prime, but was still able to play some effective snaps in coverage last year.

Jack Gibbens followed Mike Vrabel to New England, where he continued to serve as a solid two-down run defender.

Quay Walker has regressed since his great rookie year. He’s coming off his worst season.

Eric Wilson is a two-down linebacker who is capable against the run, but struggles in coverage.

Cole Holcomb is a two-down linebacker who plays well against the run.

Lavonte David has been a phenomenal player for the Buccaneers for a very long time, but he’s coming off his worst season as a pro.