Off-ball linebacker is a tough position to figure out in free agency. If you look at tender values, it’s high on the list—but mostly because it’s mixed with edge-rushing outside linebackers.
The reality of the market is that only eight players at the position are making at least $10 million in yearly average, and only Baltimore Ravens’ Roquan Smith has reached the $20 million mark. Value-wise, the “running backs don’t matter” mantra serves for off-ball linebackers.
But we have seen players having a lot of impact for their defenses, including Zack Baun. A year ago, he wouldn’t be on this type of list for more than one reason. First, he was primarily an edge defender for the New Orleans Saints. Second, he wasn’t a top option. But the Philadelphia Eagles signed him to a short-term deal, moved him to the middle of the field, and Baun shined during the Super Bowl run.
This is our ninth installment of the series to list the top free agents in 2025.
Zack Baun, Philadelphia Eagles
Baun has always been a hybrid player, but on the Saints he was mostly an edge rusher. On the Eagles, he was a primary off-ball linebacker, and it unlocked his game. Now, the questions are how sustainable his performance is, and how much money he will make after one season of high-end play. His biggest calling card in 2024 was the ability to cover, allowing an 88.4 passer rating when targeted. But it’s hard to project the durability of this level, since he had barely had coverage snaps as an edge and wasn’t particularly good at it in New Orleans.
Dre Greenlaw, San Francisco 49ers
Greelaw tore his Achilles at the Super Bowl last postseason, which made him miss most of the 2024 season. And two games after his return, a calf injury ended his year. The risk here is obvious, because Achilles injuries can alter the player’s athleticism on a long-term basis.
On the other hand, Greenlaw’s upside is undeniable. He had elite stretches of play throughout his time in San Francisco and played well in 2024 in the two games he was available.
Bobby Wagner, Washington Commanders
Wagner has a strong case to make the Hall of Fame. And while he had a down year for the Seahawks in 2023, he came back to the old form helping the Commanders’ defense this past season. It’s important to know how to use him at this point, since he’s not a great coverage linebacker, but in run defense and to generate pressure, the veteran is still highly useful.
Oren Burks, Philadelphia Eagles
Burks was drafted in the third round by the Packers in 2018 based on his athleticism, but couldn’t play at a high level as a starter. Over the past three seasons, he’s been impressive as a backup for the 49ers and Eagles. The question is if he could take a bigger role and keep the good performance, and what circumstances would be necessary for that to happen. He’s particularly good to run fits, but coverage has massively improved since his early days in the NFL.
Ernest Jones IV, Seattle Seahawks
Jones was a good linebacker for the Rams, but his career took multiple turns over the last 12 months. He was traded from LA to the Titans because the Rams weren’t willing to pay him, and then moved again during the season to the Seahawks. A consistently good run defender, Jones has had ups and downs in coverage. He is a solid role player and helped the Seahawks’ defense improve after the trade—a deal that involved another linebacker, Jerome Baker, going from Seattle to Nashville.
Other options: Tyrel Dodson, Jamien Sherwood, Lavonte David, Devin White, Eric Wilson, Zach Cunningham, Willie Gay, Devin Bush, Denzel Perryman, Eric Kendricks, De’Vondre Campbell, Jerome Baker.
