Getting after opposing quarterbacks is important in today’s NFL as quarterbacks and pass-catchers continue to put up big numbers.
At the same time, having a versatile linebacker who can slow down opposing ground games, drop into coverage and provide the occasional sack is just as vital.
Listed below are five performers who will be difference makers with their new teams.
Ranking the 5 best offseason moves at linebacker
5. Arvell Reese (New York Giants)
Only the Bengals allowed more rushing yards per game in the NFL in 2025 than Big Blue, so using the fifth overall pick on the former Ohio State Buckeye was a no-brainer. The 6’4”, 241-pound defender comes off a season in which he totaled 69 tackles (10 for losses) and 6.5 sacks. The rookie will get a big boost from veteran linebacking addition Tremaine Edmunds.
4. Devin Bush (Chicago Bears)
The one-time first-round pick of the Pittsburgh Steelers (2019) comes off a career campaign, in what was his second season in Cleveland. He finished second on the team with a personal-best 124 defensive tackles, to go along with a team-high three interceptions (for 164 yards)—two returned for touchdowns. The eventual NFC North champion Bears ranked 27th in the league in rushing defense this past season.
3. Zaire Franklin (Green Bay Packers)
Matt LaFleur’s club has a new defensive coordinator (Jonathan Gannon), as well as a new face at linebacker. Franklin joins the Pack after eight seasons with the Colts. In exchange, Green Bay sent defensive tackle Colby Wooden to Indianapolis and he failed to make the team. Meanwhile, Franklin has racked up 125-plus tackles in each of the past four seasons and was named to the Pro Bowl in 2024.
2. Kaden Elliss (New Orleans Saints)
The former seventh-round pick from the University of Idaho began his career in the Big Easy, spent the past three seasons with rival Atlanta, and is now back with the Saints. Ellis started every game for the Falcons during his time with the team, and totaled 100-plus tackles each year in Atlanta. He also amassed a combined 12.5 sacks, 12 passes defensed, a pair of forced fumbles, and a total of three takeaways.
1. Devin Lloyd (Carolina Panthers)
The Jacksonville Jaguars won the AFC South in 2025, led by an improved defense that was the best in the league against the run. The versatile Lloyd was a big part of that unit’s success and was named to his first Pro Bowl. The Panthers have been making strides on this side of the ball following a horrific showing in 2024. The team also just added seven-year veteran Bobby Okereke, who spent the past three seasons with the Giants.
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