Fred Warner Named NFL's Top Linebacker for 2025

Fred Warner of the San Francisco 49ers has been overwhelmingly named the NFL's top off-ball linebacker for the 2025 season, earning more than 80% of first-place votes in both ESPN and AP rankings. Warner was praised for his durability, versatility, and elite production, having played the 2024 season with a broken ankle. Despite his performance, the 49ers finished at the bottom of the NFC West, in part due to the absence of linebacker Dre Greenlaw, who has since left the team. Baltimore's Roquan Smith and Philadelphia's Zack Baun were also recognized for their leadership and defensive impact. New York Jets linebackers Quincy Williams and Jamien Sherwood were highlighted as emerging talents. Warner remains the consensus gold standard at his position, consistently earning All-Pro honors and serving as the foundation of the 49ers' defense.