Best LBs In The NFL: Has Fred Warner Been Dethroned As League's Best Linebacker?

Big question heading into 2026: can Fred Warner — a four-time first-team All‑Pro who missed most of 2025 with a dislocated/broken ankle — return as the NFL’s top linebacker?
Top contenders include Jack Campbell and Roquan Smith (both received first‑place votes); Campbell posted a monster 176‑tackle season, while Smith has eight straight 100+ tackle years and multiple All‑Pro/Pro Bowl honors.
Plenty of fuel for debate beyond Warner: Devin Lloyd signed a 3‑year, $42M deal with the Panthers after a Pro Bowl year, and Jordyn Brooks led the league with 183 tackles — the position has depth and fresh storylines.