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Fred Warner Named Top Off-Ball Linebacker After Injury Comeback

7/14/2026

Summary

Story summary

49ers linebacker Fred Warner was voted No. 1 off-ball linebacker in ESPN’s 2026 ranking, receiving about 70% of votes.
He missed 11 games in 2025 after a dislocated and fractured ankle, played six games and logged 51 tackles, three passes defensed, two forced fumbles and a fumble recovery.
Baltimore Ravens linebacker Roquan Smith placed second and Cleveland Browns linebacker Carson Schwesinger third, Schwesinger posted 156 tackles and two interceptions in 2025.

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Story summary

49ers linebacker Fred Warner was voted No. 1 off-ball linebacker in ESPN’s 2026 ranking, receiving about 70% of votes.
He missed 11 games in 2025 after a dislocated and fractured ankle, played six games and logged 51 tackles, three passes defensed, two forced fumbles and a fumble recovery.
Baltimore Ravens linebacker Roquan Smith placed second and Cleveland Browns linebacker Carson Schwesinger third, Schwesinger posted 156 tackles and two interceptions in 2025.