Washington Offseason: Free Agent Linebackers

Posted on by

February 20, 2026

by David Earl

Linebackers

Aside from Bobby Wagner being the tackling machine and more effective against the run than the pass, Washington’s linebacker group must be top priority in free agency. Now, 3rd year player Jordan Magee gives great potential and he showed flashes late in the season. He has the side line to side line burst you look for in a linebacker but his speed can be a detriment as he will over pursue at times too. Magee is certainly a foundational piece to build with but is not a Fred Warner type game to game impact player too. Here is where the defense finished in a few major categories which the linebacker play (or lack thereof) contributed to:

  • Ranked 22nd in points per game at 24.9
  • Ranked 26th in yards per play at 5.7
  • Ranked 32nd in total yards per game at 384
  • Ranked 23rd in first down percentage allowed at 41.31%
  • Ranked 31st in yards per rush at 5.0
  • Ranked 6th in completion percentage at 62.74%
  • Ranked 18th in quarterback rating at 93.4
  • Ranked 8th in sack rate at 7.58%

There are a few deceiving numbers here in Washington’s ranking, such as allowing a 62.74% completion rate and a 7.58% sack rate. When Dan Quinn took over defensive calling duties, he did well, adjusting within these games to mitigate some of the passing attack against this defense down the stretch. Even with that they still finished 23rd in 4th down conversion rate against at 62.50% and ranked 28th in time of possession against. This defense struggled all year getting off the field, which was aided by an ineffective offense for the majority of the season. While there are linebackers like Demario Davis (37yrs old), Alex Anzalone (32yrs old), and Matt Milano (32yrs old) available who would contribute immediately, Washington needs to focus on more longer-term plans at this position. They have neglected this group long enough and there are available free agents who could provide both immediate and longer-term solutions. As Washington prepares for the draft there are some free agent targets that could very well flip this defense’s performance almost immediately.

Devin lloyd (27yrs old):

  • Assessment: Highly physical and athletic linebacker whose biggest attribute is his ability to cover in open space. As an off-ball linebacker, he has a total of 26 pass defenses in his 4 year career and a 99-yard interception return last season for a touchdown. He is also a productive downhill player, averaging 118 total tackles per season (81 total last season) and will cover the run sideline to sideline against the run exceptionally well. Pairing him with Jordan Magee over the next few years while grooming another through the draft is potentially an advantageous position for Washington.
  • Projected Average Annual Salary: $20 Million

Quay Walker (26yrs old)

  • Assessment: Walker, coming off his rookie deal, has averaged 117 total tackles every year totaling 9 sacks over that time frame. He did not exhibit elite athletic movement sideline to sideline but was very capable and he was highly effective in the box against the run. Inconsistent with his vision and reaction timing in the passing game but excellent recovery speed to limit breakdown mistakes. He could be a key piece to help plug in the middle of the defense alongside one of these top end linebackers in the draft.
  • Projected Average Annual Salary: $8.3 Million

Devin Bush (27yrs old)

  • Assessment: After falling short of his rookie season performance over the last 5 seasons for the Cleveland Browns last season was a resurgence. Bush finished the 2025 season with 125 total tackles, 2 sacks and 3 interceptions with 2 returned for touchdowns plus an additional 8 pass defenses and 2 forced fumbles. There is a lot of hype around Bush this off-season so Washington will have to determine if last season was an aberration or if Bush has finally taken that next step. He had one of the highest overall grades as a rookie entering the draft so this could be a high risk signing that pays big dividends but is his low floor too risky of a move?
  • Projected Average Annual Salary: $8.9 Million

Nakobe Dean (25yrs old)

  • Assessment: Dean’s scouting report described him as highly instinctive, athletic off-ball linebacker known for elite speed, sideline-to-sideline range, and elite level blitzing ability which you saw flashes of over the last 2 seasons. While he was remarkably durable during his college career at the University of Georgia, playing in 36 games over three seasons without any major injuries that has not been the case in his NFL career. Missed all of his rookie season due to a pectoral tear and missed majority of his 2023 season due to two separate stints on injured reserve for Lisfranc foot injuries. It’s simple roll the dice on a healthy Nakobe Dean at 25-years old and Washington gets a Pro-Bowl caliber player but is his injury history worth the risk?
  • Projected Average Annual Salary: $7.9 Million