NFL’s Highest-Paid Linebackers in 2026: Nick Herbig Leads Fred Warner and Roquan Smith.
NFL teams continue to invest heavily in defensive stars, but linebacker salaries remain below the league's top quarterback and edge rusher contracts.
Pittsburgh Steelers linebacker Nick Herbig leads all NFL linebackers in 2026 with an average annual salary of $25 million. His four-year contract is worth $100 million, including $42 million guaranteed.
San Francisco 49ers linebacker Fred Warner ranks second at $21 million per year, while Detroit Lions linebacker Jack Campbell is third at $20.25 million.
The linebacker market remains strong, with 27 players currently scheduled to earn at least $10 million per season based on average annual salary. Ten linebackers are set to make at least $15 million.
The salary figures come from OverTheCap.com and reflect data through August 30, 2026.
Who Is the Highest-Paid Linebacker in the NFL?
Nick Herbig of the Pittsburgh Steelers is the highest-paid linebacker in the NFL for the 2026 season.
Herbig has an average annual salary of $25 million.
His current contract has a total value of $100 million, with $42 million guaranteed.
That contract puts Herbig at the top of a linebacker market that includes several established defensive stars.
Top 10 Highest-Paid Linebackers in 2026
Here are the 10 highest-paid NFL linebackers based on average annual salary.
Nick Herbig, Pittsburgh Steelers, $25 million
Fred Warner, San Francisco 49ers, $21 million
Jack Campbell, Detroit Lions, $20.25 million
Roquan Smith, Baltimore Ravens, $20 million
Azeez Al-Shaair, Houston Texans, $18 million
Zack Baun, Philadelphia Eagles, $17 million
Jordyn Brooks, Miami Dolphins, $16 million
Devin Lloyd, Carolina Panthers, $15 million
Nick Bolton, Kansas City Chiefs, $15 million
Jamien Sherwood, New York Jets, $15 million
Nick Herbig Leads the Linebacker Salary Market
Nick Herbig sits at the top of the 2026 linebacker salary rankings.
His $25 million average annual salary gives him a $4 million advantage over Fred Warner, who ranks second at $21 million.
Herbig's $100 million contract includes $42 million in guaranteed money, making it one of the biggest financial commitments at the position.
Fred Warner Ranks Second
San Francisco 49ers linebacker Fred Warner ranks second among the NFL's highest-paid linebackers.
Warner has an average annual salary of $21 million.
He is one of four linebackers earning at least $20 million per season in the supplied rankings.
Three Linebackers Are Tied at $15 Million
The final three spots in the top 10 feature a three-way tie.
Carolina Panthers linebacker Devin Lloyd, Kansas City Chiefs linebacker Nick Bolton and New York Jets linebacker Jamien Sherwood each have an average annual salary of $15 million.
That means the 2026 top 10 contains 12 players because three players share eighth place.
How Many NFL Linebackers Make at Least $10 Million?
The linebacker market has grown considerably.
According to the supplied data, 27 linebackers are currently scheduled to make at least $10 million per season in average annual salary.
Ten linebackers are scheduled to earn at least $15 million.
The numbers show that teams continue to place significant value on reliable linebacker play, even though the position does not command the same salaries as quarterbacks or elite edge rushers.
How Does the Linebacker Market Compare With Other Positions?
Nick Herbig's $25 million average annual salary places him well below the NFL's highest-paid players at other positions.
For comparison, the highest-paid edge rusher in the supplied 2026 salary data, Will Anderson Jr., earns $50 million annually.
The highest-paid quarterback, Patrick Mahomes, earns $64 million.
The figures show the large differences in contract values across NFL positions.
NFL Highest-Paid Linebackers FAQ
Who is the highest-paid linebacker in the NFL in 2026?
Nick Herbig of the Pittsburgh Steelers is the highest-paid linebacker at $25 million per year.
How much is Nick Herbig's contract worth?
Herbig's current contract is worth $100 million in total, with $42 million guaranteed.
Who is the second-highest-paid linebacker?
San Francisco 49ers linebacker Fred Warner ranks second at $21 million per year.
How much does Jack Campbell make?
Detroit Lions linebacker Jack Campbell has an average annual salary of $20.25 million.
How much does Roquan Smith make?
Baltimore Ravens linebacker Roquan Smith earns an average annual salary of $20 million.
How many linebackers make at least $15 million?
Ten linebackers are currently listed at $15 million or more in average annual salary.
Which linebackers are tied at $15 million?
Devin Lloyd, Nick Bolton and Jamien Sherwood are all listed at $15 million per year.
Full List of NFL's highest paid players by Each Position in 2026 Season
Highest-Paid Quarterbacks | Highest-Paid Running backs |
Highest-Paid Wide receivers | Highest-Paid Tight ends |
Highest-Paid Cornerbacks | Highest-Paid Safeties |
Highest-Paid Linebackers | Highest-Paid Offensive-linemen |
Highest-Paid Defensive-linemen | Highest-Paid Edge rushers |
Highest paid Kickers | Highest-Paid Punters |
Highest paid Offensive Guards | Highest-Paid Centers |
Highest paid players: Overall Rankings
Highest-Paid Players By position | Highest-Paid Players By team
2026 NFL Linebacker Salary Rankings: Key Takeaways
Nick Herbig leads all linebackers at $25 million per year.
Fred Warner ranks second at $21 million.
Jack Campbell ranks third at $20.25 million.
Roquan Smith earns $20 million annually.
Azeez Al-Shaair earns $18 million.
Zack Baun earns $17 million.
Jordyn Brooks earns $16 million.
Devin Lloyd, Nick Bolton and Jamien Sherwood are tied at $15 million.
Twenty-seven linebackers are scheduled to make at least $10 million per year based on the supplied data.
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