All articles tagged with #linebackers
Detroit Lions All-Pro linebacker Jack Campbell signed a four-year extension worth $81 million ($51.5 million guaranteed) through 2030, averaging about $20.3 million per year. The deal slots Campbell second in total value behind Roquan Smith and third in guaranteed money, all while Campbell is younger (26 in August) than most high-paid peers, marking a significant win for Detroit.
Arrowhead Pride’s post-draft mailbag analyzes the Chiefs’ 2026 class and asks how the mix will fit: Mason Thomas could redefine the edge rotation under Spagnuolo, Peter Woods strengthens interior rush, but DT depth behind Tonga remains a question; on the back end, Mansoor Delane vs. Caleb Downs shapes the secondary with Alohi Gilman added; WR strategy hinges on internal development and potential veteran additions; and replacement for Leo Chenal is eyed in Jeffrey Bassa, Cooper McDonald, and possibly a veteran SAM, emphasizing versatile, matchup-driven roles over traditional starters.
Cincinnati’s 2026 draft prioritized depth and competition over immediate starters, headlined by trading for Dexter Lawrence to anchor the defensive line. The biggest impact is on the linebackers Barrett Carter and Demetrius Knight, who will be asked to lift the unit, while the remaining picks are aimed at pressuring the depth chart rather than filling holes.
The Browns drafted Alabama LB Justin Jefferson with the 149th overall pick in the 2026 NFL Draft, a fast, versatile defender who started 15 games in 2025 after 41 college appearances. Cleveland envisions him contributing on defense and special teams alongside a revamped linebacker room led by Carson Schwesinger and Quincy Williams; Jefferson said he’s excited to learn and grow in the scheme.
Chicago selected Arizona State linebacker Keyshaun Elliott with the 166th overall pick in the 2026 NFL Draft, acquiring him in a trade with the Panthers. The 6-foot-2, 231-pound defender appeared in 52 college games (25 at ASU, 27 at New Mexico State), totaling 301 tackles, 18 tackles for loss and nine sacks; his senior season led ASU with 98 tackles, 14.0 TFL and seven sacks, earning second-team All-Big 12 honors. Elliott contributed on all phases in high school as a multi-position player.
Buffalo used a flurry of trades to move back into the second round (No. 35, plus a later No. 66) and now faces Day 2 with a plan to add value at edge/OLB, off-ball linebacker and nose tackle to shore up a suspect run defense behind Rousseau, Chubb and Hoecht. Targets discussed include Cashius Howell, Jacob Rodriguez, CJ Allen, Kayden McDonald, and Anthony Hill.
Tim Twentyman outlines 10 Day 2 targets for the Lions after selecting Blake Miller, covering linebackers, edge rushers, a safety/CB, a guard, and versatile defensive pieces to bolster Detroit’s roster for the rest of the 2026 NFL Draft.
New England is rebuilding its linebacker room after offseason turnover, with Spillane and Elliss as the top options. Wolf says Day 3 is a solid source of depth and the Patriots could target Day 3 linebackers such as Kaleb Elarms-Orr, Taurean York, Bryce Boettcher, Jimmy Rolder, Red Murdock, and Khalil Jacobs, depending on the draft board and internal evaluations.
Patriots EVP of Player Personnel Eliot Wolf used his pre-draft press conference to stress the 2026 class’ strength in the trenches, say the team will max out its 30 pre-draft visits, want faster edge rushers, consider day three the sweet spot for off-ball linebackers, and foresee Tommy DeVito as Drake Maye’s top backup as they evaluate other QB options.
Detroit’s 2026 draft preview highlights five linebackers who could fit the Lions’ need for a WILL starter and sub-package speed: Sonny Styles (Ohio State), Jacob Rodriguez (Texas Tech), CJ Allen (Georgia), Anthony Hill Jr. (Texas), and Jake Golday (Cincinnati). With All-Pro Jack Campbell anchoring the unit and veterans like Derrick Barnes, Malcolm Rodriguez, and Damone Clark in the mix, Detroit may target a young, fast, versatile LB who can contribute on defense and special teams, likely adding depth beyond Day 1.
Sonny Styles is projected to go fifth to the New York Giants, threatening the Cowboys’ plan to draft him at 12; DraftKings odds and Daniel Jeremiah's mock drafts favor the Giants, who recently added Tremaine Edmunds and have shown a willingness to draft elite prospects, potentially forcing Dallas to trade up or watch Styles come off the board to a division rival.
After the first wave of 2026 NFL free agency, several teams still face notable roster holes: Cincinnati’s inexperienced linebackers need a veteran upgrade; New York Jets’ receiver group remains underwhelming after losses; Washington’s cornerbacks are a weakness; and Miami’s secondary is thin despite some additions. Teams are likely to pursue veterans or rely on the 2026 draft to patch these gaps.
The 49ers re-signed Dre Greenlaw to a one-year, $7.5 million contract after the Broncos released him with a post-June 1 designation following an injury-plagued season. The move reunites Greenlaw with star linebacker Fred Warner and coach Kyle Shanahan, though health questions remain after his Achilles tear in 2024 and limited action in the most recent season.
The 49ers bring back linebacker Dre Greenlaw on a one-year, $7.5 million deal after his stint with the Broncos, adding veteran depth at a position hit by injuries and reuniting with a defense that will operate under new coordinator Raheem Morris.
The San Francisco 49ers re-signed Dre Greenlaw to a one-year, $7.5 million contract after his stint with Denver, reuniting him with Fred Warner and the team’s linebacking corps. Greenlaw’s injury-plagued recent seasons and the short-term deal raise durability questions, but his familiar culture and playmaking fit add depth as cap space could improve after Bryce Huff’s retirement.