The top five AFC North linebackers entering the 2026 NFL season features a combination of elite inside linebackers and outside linebackers. For this ranking, all linebackers are considered regardless of alignment, meaning traditional inside linebackers and outside linebackers are both eligible. The AFC North continues to boast one of the deepest linebacker groups in football with several players capable of taking over games every Sunday.
Top Five AFC North Linebackers for 2026
5. Carson Schwesinger, Cleveland Browns
Carson Schwesinger burst onto the scene as a rookie and immediately established himself as one of the league’s brightest young superstars. His instincts, football IQ, and ability to diagnose plays make him one of the most exciting linebackers in football. Schwesinger consistently flies to the football and rarely finds himself out of position. Cleveland appears to have found its defensive centerpiece for years to come, and his ceiling remains incredibly high entering his second NFL season.
2025 Stats: 156 total tackles, 67 solo tackles, 89 assists, 2.5 sacks, two interceptions.
4. Alex Highsmith, Pittsburgh Steelers
Alex Highsmith continues to be one of the NFL’s most underrated outside linebackers despite lining up opposite T.J. Watt. His ability to pressure quarterbacks while remaining disciplined against the run makes him one of the league’s most complete edge defenders. Highsmith plays with relentless effort every snap and continues to produce at a high level. He is known for his signature spin move which makes many offensive tackles miss when trying to block him. Pittsburgh’s defense remains one of the NFL’s best because of the outstanding linebacker duo leading the front seven.
2025 Stats: 64 total tackles, 36 solo tackles, 28 assists, 9.5 sacks, one forced fumble.
3. Trey Hendrickson, Baltimore Ravens
Trey Hendrickson remains one of the NFL’s most dominant pass rushers. Although he spent much of his career playing defensive end, he is currently listed as an outside linebacker on the Ravens current depth chart, making him eligible for this ranking. Hendrickson’s relentless motor, polished pass rushing moves, and ability to consistently pressure quarterbacks make him one of the AFC North’s most dangerous defenders. Even while appearing in only seven games last season due to a core muscle injury, he still showed flashes of making game changing plays. A fully healthy Hendrickson will be a problem for AFC north quarterbacks.
2025 Stats: 4 sacks and 1 forced fumble in just seven games.
2. Roquan Smith, Baltimore Ravens
Roquan Smith is arguably the best linebacker in all of football. Baltimore’s defensive leader controls the middle of the field with elite instincts, outstanding leadership, and sideline to sideline range. Smith rarely misses tackles and consistently puts teammates in position to succeed. What also stands out is the fact that he plays as an old-school type linebacker and hits hard. Every championship caliber defense needs a player capable of running the entire unit, and Smith continues to be one of the NFL’s premier defensive captains.
2025 Stats: 130 total tackles, 76 solo tackles, 54 assists, 1 fumble recovery.
1. T.J. Watt, Pittsburgh Steelers
T.J. Watt claims the top spot despite having a down year by his own incredibly high standards. Most players would gladly take the production Watt delivered in 2025, but expectations are simply different for a future Hall of Famer. His ability to force turnovers, create pressure, and completely change the outcome of games remains unmatched within the division. Watt is a true game changer and has single handedly won the Steelers games in the past and its expected he will do the same in the upcoming season. Expect Watt to bounce back in 2026 and remind everyone why he has long been considered one of football’s most dominant defensive players.
2025 Stats: 55 total tackles, 23 solo tackles, 32 assists, 7 sacks, 3 forced fumbles, 2 interceptions.
Final Outlook
The Top Five AFC North Linebackers showcases just how talented this division has become. T.J. Watt remains the standard despite a quieter season, while Trey Hendrickson gives Baltimore an elite outside linebacker after joining the Ravens. Roquan Smith continues to anchor the middle of Baltimore’s defense as arguably the best linebacker in football. Alex Highsmith remains one of the league’s most underrated outside linebackers, and Carson Schwesinger has already developed into one of the NFL’s brightest young stars after an incredible rookie campaign. Not many divisions feature a deeper collection of linebacker talent than the AFC North heading into the 2026 season.
Main Image: Jeff Hanisch-Imagn Images
