Who are the highest-paid linebackers in the NFL for the 2026 season?
The position's highest-paid players in the league don't earn as much as some other positions, but 27 linebackers are currently set to make at least $10 million per season in average annual salary, led by a linebacker who is earning an average of $25 million per season.
There are 10 linebackers making at least $15 million a season.
Here's a look at the top 10 highest paid linebackers in the league for 2026, ranked by average annual salary, per overthecap.com, a site that tracks NFL player contracts (through Aug. 30, 2026).
Who is the highest-paid linebacker in the NFL?
The Pittsburgh Steelers' Nick Herbig is currently the highest-paid linebacker in the NFL, with an average annual salary of $25 million.
His current contract has
a total value of $100 million, with a total guaranteed amount of $42 million.
Which NFL linebackers will make the most in 2026?
Herbig has company on the list of the top-paid linebackers in the NFL.
The San Francisco 49ers' Fred Warner is second among the highest-paid NFL LBs with an average salary of $21 million per year. He's followed by the Detroit Lions' Jack Campbell, at $20.25 million.
The Baltimore Ravens' Roquan Smith is fourth on the list with an average annual salary of $20 million.
Azeez Al-Shaair of the Houston Texans is fifth with a salary of $18 million per season each.
NFL's highest-paid linebackers in 2026 (average salary per year):
- 1. Pittsburgh Steelers LB Nick Herbig: $25 million
- 2. San Francisco 49ers LB Fred Warner: $21 million
- 3. Detroit Lions LB Jack Campbell: $20.25 million
- 4. Baltimore Ravens LB Roquan Smith: $20 million
- 5. Houston Texans LB Azeez Al-Shaair: $18 million
- 6. Philadelphia Eagles LB Zack Baun: $17 million
- 7. Miami Dolphins LB Jordyn Brooks: $16 million
- 8. Carolina Panthers LB Devin Lloyd: $15 million
- 8. Kansas City Chiefs LB Nick Bolton: $15 million
- 8. New York Jets LB Jamien Sherwood: $15 million
- Source: overthecap.com
Reach Jeremy Cluff at jeremy.cluff@arizonarepublic.com. Follow him on X, formerly Twitter @Jeremy_Cluff.
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This article originally appeared on Arizona Republic: NFL's highest paid linebackers for 2026 season led by Nick Herbig
