Linebackers are critical for any defense to succeed, and thirty-one linebackers are enshrined in the Pro Football Hall of Fame. From Butkus to Nitschke to Taylor, linebackers have quarterbacked their defenses and put pressure on the quarterbacks. In 2026, the NFC West Linebackers stand out as a top position group for sure.
The top three in the NFC West are clearly head and shoulders above the rest. In fact, this group of five has a good chance of netting at least one future Hall of Famer. Read on to learn more about the Top NFC West Linebackers for 2026.
The Best NFC West Linebackers For 2026
NFC West Linebackers #5. Mack Wilson Sr., Arizona Cardinals
Wilson Sr. transitioned naturally into the Cardinals’ defensive quarterback this season, the play-calling inside linebacker that was on track for possible All-Pro honors before suffering a rib injury. Wilson was headed for a career-best season, nabbing 60 tackles in 8 games. The seven-year veteran is a solid leader in the clubhouse and is being counted on to return to being the leader on defense this season for Arizona. Hall of Fame chances: Marginal. Late bloomer.
NFC West Linebackers #4. Drake Thomas, Seattle Seahawks
Thomas raised his level of play last season, coming at the perfect time, as he combined with Ernest Jones IV to give Seattle a powerful 1-2 punch in the middle of the field. A reserve for his first two seasons in the league. Thomas burst onto the scene in 2026 with 96 tackles, 10 tackles for loss, and 3.5 sacks. Thomas and Jones complement each other very well and give Seattle a solid linebacking corps that will be tough for offenses to figure out. Hall of Fame chances: Marginal. Thomas is a late bloomer.
Friendly reminder the Raiders cut Seahawks Linebacker Drake Thomas pic.twitter.com/Ro5lztQipH
— ShifftttyyyQB1✞🏴☠️ (@raiders1022) January 4, 2026
NFC West Linebackers #3. Byron Young, Los Angeles Rams
Young has collected 27.5 sacks over his three seasons in the league, and in 2026, he recorded a career-high 12 sacks. Young has one Pro Bowl berth and another All-Pro selection, with more likely to come. The Rams’ acquisition of sack machine Myles Garrett will directly benefit Young more than any player. Teams will have nightmares about how to block Garrett and Young, with one of them receiving one-on-one matchups on every play.
Young would be the best linebacker in some other divisions if it weren’t for two of the game’s best at the top. Hall of Fame chances: TBD. Young’s career is just getting started, but the signs are looking good. 12 sacks in Young’s third season and 27.5 for his career have Young poised for a possible HOF berth down the road.
No. 84 on the NFL Top 100 Players of 2026…@RamsNFL LB Byron Young! @NFLFilms#TrustWithAPlus pic.twitter.com/bdcZKhcA6a
— シックス・コナー (@Conner6Jamal) July 8, 2026
NFC West Linebackers #2. Ernest Jones IV, Seattle Seahawks
Jones is so good, it might be more accurate to have him ranked as #1B, not number two. Jones came over in a trade with the Tennessee Titans two seasons ago, and then he blossomed in his fifth season in the league. Jones collected five interceptions and earned All-Pro honors, and was instrumental in returning Seattle’s defense to one of the league’s most dominant units. Jones once again is the leader of the vaunted Seahawks defense. He will give offensive coordinators reason to gameplan all week long for where he will be, a truly disruptive force. Hall of Fame chances: TBD. Jones bloomed late and would need many more seasons at the top.
Ernest Jones doing some off-field training with former Seahawks LB Bobby Wagner pic.twitter.com/z4rTplaNmI
— 12 AS ONE (@12ASONE24) July 8, 2026
NFC West Linebackers #1. Fred Warner, San Francisco 49ers
Warner enters his ninth season aiming to prove to the league he is still a top-25 talent. He was limited to just six games last season after suffering a broken and dislocated ankle, ending his season after just six games. Warner has four Pro Bowl berths and four All-Pro seasons to his name. Hall of Fame chances: Warner has the best chances of the group to someday earn a Canton berth. Recovering from his season-ending injury and returning to form will position Warner for a berth in the HOF someday.
An inside look at the NFL’s best with Fred Warner 💯
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