All articles tagged with #linebackers
In the 49ers’ final preseason game ahead of their Melbourne trip, Eddy Pineiro edged Matt Gay in the kicking battle as San Francisco evaluated roster spots 23-53, with Kaelon Black and Jordan James showing burst in the backfield, Carver Willis stabilizing the left guard position, and rookies Jaden Dugger and Tatum Bethune delivering standout performances at linebacker, signaling deeper depth at RB, OL, and LB.
The Washington Commanders are signing veteran linebacker Boogie Basham after he worked out for the team on Monday. Basham appeared in three Panthers games last season with four tackles, then played for the DC Defenders in the 2026 UFL season (24 tackles, 3 sacks, 2 forced fumbles). A 2021 second-round pick by the Bills, Basham also spent time with the Giants, and his career totals include 61 tackles, 4.5 sacks, an interception, two forced fumbles, and a fumble recovery.
Texas dismissed linebacker Ty’Anthony Smith for conduct detrimental to the team, with Sarkisian saying the move was in the program’s best interest; Smith, who battled a shoulder issue and reportedly clashed with defensive coordinator Will Muschamp, has two years of eligibility remaining and is expected to continue his career elsewhere. Texas will lean on transfers Rasheem Biles and Justin Cryer and develop younger linebackers as it prepares for No. 1 Ohio State in Week 2.
Texas dismissed linebacker Ty’Anthony Smith after a turbulent fall camp that included reports of internal tensions and a mental-health classification; he returned to action briefly but ultimately left the program, finishing with 28 games played (75 tackles, 2.5 sacks, 3 interceptions, 2 forced fumbles) and two years of eligibility, as Texas reloads at linebacker with Rasheem Biles and Justin Cryer set to anchor the 2026 squad.
Philadelphia’s 24-7 preseason defeat to Baltimore underscored a stalled backup-QB competition between Andy Dalton and Tanner McKee, with neither separating themselves after the two teams’ drives. The showcase also featured notable NFL debuts for international players Uar Bernard (Nigeria) and Joshua Weru (Kenya), who flashed but are clearly still developing. Jihaad Campbell was the lone starter on defense with Marcus Epps out, while the linebackers—Trotter Jr., Lawson, and Mondon—look deeper than in recent years. With joint practices against the Patriots looming, coach Nick Sirianni said real evaluations will come in practices rather than this game.
Jets fell to the Buccaneers 24-16 in their preseason opener, but Cade Klubnik impressed in first-team reps as QB2 while Bailey Zappe struggled, leaving Klubnik and a veteran as the likely backup options. Linebacker depth at the third spot remains unsettled, with Mykal Walker, Marcelino McCrary-Ball, and Francisco Mauigoa making cases; Mauigoa and Walker show potential as rotational players, while McCrary-Ball must prove he’s more than a special-teamer.
Jets host the Buccaneers in a preseason opener with three less-obvious storylines: a competitive LB3 battle between Kiko Mauigoa, Marcelino McCrary-Ball and Mykal Walker that could push a third linebacker into significant snaps; a backup offensive line depth test as players like Max Mitchell, Chukwuma Okorafor, Xavier Newman, Anez Cooper, and Landon Young vie to solidify the second unit; and unheralded camp standouts such as Chase Curtis, Samuel Womack and Jamaal Pritchett getting a chance on a big stage to earn roster or practice-squad spots.
Washington opens its preseason against the Miami Dolphins with most starters likely rested, creating opportunities for fringe players. The piece spotlights Kain Medrano, a second-year linebacker whose athleticism stands out but who must sharpen technique and positional sense; with Nick Bellore retired, Medrano could surface in a bigger role on special teams or earn more defensive snaps depending on his preseason showing, as GM Adam Peters scrutinizes performances ahead of final cuts.
Nebraska linebacker Vincent Shavers Jr. praises the Huskers’ new defensive scheme under coordinator Rob Aurich, emphasizing a fast, violent, turnover-focused approach that relies on blitzing and countering to sack the quarterback. He also highlights the impact of new linebackers Owen Chambliss and Dexter Foster, notes his return from a thumb injury, and expresses optimism for a more aggressive, cohesive defense under coach Rhule.
Georgia Tech's fall camp enters Week 2 with key defensive battles underway, highlighted by linebackers Kyle Efford, CJ Gamble, and Braylon Outlaw as the Jackets install pads and refine their lineup.
The piece argues the Cowboys could counter Washington's Stefon Diggs signing by adding veteran linebacker Bobby Wagner to bolster Dallas' defense, leveraging his leadership and experience behind a strong defensive line and alongside a trio of speedy young LBs, while noting he’s not the game-wrecker he once was and mentioning other targets as alternatives.
San Francisco’s training camp is already revealing strengths and weaknesses: the cornerback room has depth and energy under Raheem Morris, with newcomers and veterans pushing a feisty, versatile unit; the linebacker corps looks solid behind Fred Warner and Dre Greenlaw, with Nick Martin flashing as a potential starter; however, the defensive end spot is thin due to injuries, even as Nick Bosa begins ramping up; offensively, Christian McCaffrey remains explosive into his 30s, with Deebo Samuel expected to help shoulder the load while backups recover, and several roster battles (QB, punter) are ongoing as practice continues.
Day 2 of Bengals training camp featured competitive drills with no repeat incidents. Jonathan Allen is poised to boost the interior rush after Dexter Lawrence's addition, while rookie linebackers Demetrius Knight Jr. and Barrett Carter show early promise; Boye Mafe is being used in coverage by Al Golden's scheme, and Andrei Iosivas appears poised to push into a larger WR role in a contract year.
Day 1 of Dolphins training camp featured a defensive showcase led by Willie Gay Jr., whose one-handed interception highlighted a linebacker competition among a rookie-heavy group, with rookies Jacob Rodriguez, Trey Moore, and Kyle Louis pushing for starting roles while veterans showed mixed early form as the team begins sorting roles ahead of the season.
Detroit Lions enter 2026 training camp with eight linebackers as they pivot to more nickel subpackages, reducing base three-LB usage. With the loss of Alex Anzalone and other veterans, they re-signed Malcolm Rodriguez and Trevor Nowaske, added Damone Clark and Joe Bachie, drafted Jimmy Rolder and UDFA Erick Hunter, and will rely on Campbell at MIKE and Barnes at SAM while Rodriguez competes for LB3. Rolder offers developmental upside and could push into LB3 later, but early snaps may be limited; the group will decide whether to keep five or six linebackers, with special-teams value helping determine the final roster.