Top 5 Linebacker Free Agents to Watch

1. Devin Lloyd

The player that will be a top of every fan base’s wish list to bolster their linebacking corps will be Devin Lloyd of the Jaguars. Lloyd has battled through some adversity early in his career and finally had a breakout season in 2025 with the Jags. The timing was perfect for him as he is set to be the highest paid free agent linebacker this year.

Lloyd was drafted in the first round of the 2022 NFL Draft by the Jaguars. Through the first few years of his career, Lloyd started 61 of 63 games in which he appeared. He consistently totaled over 100 combined tackles in the first three years of his career. However, while he was filling up the stat sheet, the Jaguars were not entirely impressed with his performance on the field. there were discussions of him being benched in 2024 and ultimately, the team decided not to pick up his fifth-year option prior to the 2025 season.

The decision that made him an impending free agent and a new defensive coordinator seemed to light a fire under Devin Lloyd. Lloyd had his best season in the NFL in 2025. His tackle numbers might have dipped but his impact was felt in other ways. He quickly gained a reputation for turnovers. He had 5 interceptions, including one pick-6 for a 99-yard touchdown. He ultimately earned a Pro Bowl roster spot and was voted to be Second-team All-Pro.

As free agency looms, many have Lloyd as the top free agent available, regardless of position. He is poised to earned over $20 million per year according to Spotrac. Plenty of teams will be reaching out to try and bring Lloyd to their cities. He is represented by Athletes First which typically chases the highest contract values available. Wherever he ends up, it will most likely be the team that makes the highest offer. Should he leave Jacksonville, I could see him landing in Los Angeles with the Chargers or with the Raiders, both who have plenty of cap space and could always use help on the defensive side of the ball.

Prediction: Signs with Raiders

2. Quincy Williams

The Jets are set to become a “Williams Brothers” free team as Quincy Williams is set to hit the open market. Last year, his brother, Quinnen Williams, was traded to Dallas mid-season. As the Jets overhaul their roster, they seem to be letting talent walk out the door. Quincy Williams is known as an athletic, downhill linebacker who uses his speed and physicality to set himself apart. He brings some versatility as he is capable of dropping in coverage but excels in blitzing and stopping the run.

Williams was drafted by the Jaguars in the third round of the 2019 NFL Draft. He started immediately but faced some struggles early on. He missed 17 games over his first two years with injuries and was ultimately waived by the Jaguars in 2021. He was claimed by the Jets where he started to thrive as a starter. He has accounted for over 100 combined tackles in each of his first four years with the Jets. His best season was in 2023 when he was named to First-team All-Pro. That season established him as one of the best linebackers in the league.

The 2025 season could be seen as a rough year for Williams. In reality, it was most likely a product of being a member of the Jets organization. He also suffered a shoulder injury early on that caused him to miss the first quarter of the year. Upon his return, he finished the season with 13 appearances and 83 totaled tackles, adding 3.5 sacks. While he had a down year as part of a sinking ship, he was still viewed as a key piece on the defensive side of the ball.

Now with the prospect of being a free agent, Williams should have an opportunity for a fresh start. Much like when he left Jacksonville and joined the Jets, a change of scenery could do wonders for him. He has shown the ability to be one of the best tackling linebackers in the league and has the pedigree that comes with being named an All-Pro. Teams like the Cardinals, Panthers, or Raiders could be in the mix for his services.

Prediction: Signs with Panthers

3. Quay Walker

Quay Walker is a 6’4″ 240 lbs linebacker that brings a level of physicality and explosiveness that any team would be lucky to have on their defense. As a member of the Packers, he has worked himself into conversations around the league as one of the more interesting athletic linebackers in the game.

Walker was drafted by the Packers in the first round of the 2022 NFL Draft. He entered his rookie season as an immediate starter, starting 16 of 17 games in 2022. He also accounted for 121 total tackles that year. He showed flashes of athleticism and production early on but also needed to develop into a more well-rounded player. By 2024, he established himself as just that. He was a focal point for the Jeff Hefley coached Packers defense and continued to grow into a leader for this defense.

Walker benefited from continued growth and coaching stability in 2025 as he maintained his streak of 100+ total tackles. He also benefitted from the addition of Micah Parsons and was able capitalize when opponents shifted their focus to Parsons. He did suffer an injury that forced him to miss 3 games. The Packers made the decision to not pick up his fifth-year option and now he is set to hit the open market.

Walker should have plenty of suitors who are looking for an athletic linebacker that sures up the middle of their defense. Given that he is only 25 years old, he should be able to land a longer-term contract with a team that is hoping to make him a pillar of their defense. He has been linked to teams like the Titans, Raiders, Cowboys, and Bills.

Prediction: Signs with Bills

4. Kaden Elliss

Elliss is a versatile linebacker known for his pass-rush ability and his run stopping instincts. He is a 6’2″ 238 lbs. linebacker that makes up for his “lack of speed” by relying on his positioning and anticipation. The Falcons are going through several changes this offseason so they might not have Elliss slotted as part of their new vision, so they are potentially going to lose a solid piece of their linebacking corps.

Elliss was a seventh-round draft pick by the Saints in 2019. Early on, he struggled to get on the field as he dealt with injuries and being buried on the depth chart. However, he slowly earned his way into a starting position by 2022. He started 11 games and recorded 7 sacks and 43 total tackles. This effort allowed him to sign a three-year, $21.5 million contract with the Falcons in 2023. He was a full-time starter for Atlanta and consistently produced over 100 tackles. He was able to be used as in different positions on the field as well. He was used on the edge as well as off the ball which should be appealing to many teams moving forward.

The 2025 season was business as usual for Elliss. He thrived as a versatile chess piece on the field. He once again accounted for over 100 total tackles and added 3.5 sacks. The season for the Falcons was a bit of a roller coaster, resulting in the firings of the head coach and general manager but Elliss was a steady hand on the team. If he lands in the right spot, he should continue to be a consistent contributor.

Spotrac is projecting that Elliss will command around a $9 million AAV. His play style and production should draw the interest of defensive coordinators who are able to utilize his versatility. Some coaches that come to mind are Brian Flores of the Vikings, Vance Joseph of the Broncos, and Jesse Minter of the Ravens.

Prediction: Signs with Ravens

5. Alex Anzalone

Alex Anzalone is a veteran linebacker that has emerged as a key leader for the Detroit Lions. He is a 6’3″ 238 lbs. linebacker who brings a wealth of experience and reliability to the defensive side of the ball. He has proven to be a reliable player on this squad and would be a huge loss should he leave.

Anzalone was drafted in the third round of the 2017 NFL Draft by the Saints. He was not a well-known player outside of New Orleans during his four-year stint there. He struggled with injuries during his tenure but established himself as starter in 2020. His production on the field led him to being signed by the Lions as free agent in 2021. What he started in New Orleans, he continued to build on in Detroit. He was a key piece to the rebuild led by Dan Campbell and by 2023, he was a full-time starter and signal caller.

In 2025, he continued to produce under a new defensive play caller. He started in 16 games and recorded 95 total tackles and 2.5 sacks. He also continued to be a menace at the line of scrimmage and had 9 pass deflections. The season didn’t go the way that the Lions wanted but it certainly was not because of Anzalone.

As he hits the market and looks to sign elsewhere Spotrac is projecting that he will earn around $8 million AAV. Looking at some landing spots, he would make sense in Denver who likes smart and versatile pass rushers. His former defensive coordinator is once again calling defensive plays as the head coach of the Jets so it would make sense if he heads to New York.

Prediction: Signs with Broncos