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Who is the Best Current NFL Outside Linebacker?

The Top 10 best outside linebackers in the NFL for the 2025 season showcase a mix of established stars and rising impact defenders, each excelling in their own unique fashion. From dynamic edge rushers turning games on their own, to versatile athletes built for the modern game, the position has never been deeper—or more critical to defensive success. Outside linebackers are often tasked with being both the pass-rush specialists and rangy athletes capable of shutting down screens, tracking tight ends, and disrupting run games—a combination that makes these players indispensable to their teams.

This season, the storylines abound. Some, like Brian Burns in New York, are rewriting what it means to be a franchise centerpiece, while veterans such as T.J. Watt continues to build their Hall-of-Fame legacies. Meanwhile, young talents are crashing into the scene, creating fierce competition and forcing offensive coordinators to develop game plans specifically designed to counter their relentless pursuit. Whether you’re talking about established veterans or surprising new stars, the outside linebacker group in 2025 has set a new standard for production and versatility.​

What sets the best apart in this league isn’t just the gaudy sack numbers or highlight-reel tackles. It’s the consistency, selflessness, and ability to raise the performance of those around them. The NFL’s best outside linebackers don’t just fill the stat sheet; they embody tenacity, leadership, and football IQ at every snap. Let’s break down the top outside linebackers in the NFL this season—ranking the very best while acknowledging two outstanding honorable mentions for their impact and value.

Here is a look at the Top 10 NFL Outside Linebackers 2025-2026 Rankings list:

Honorable Mention

Nick Herbig

Team: Pittsburgh Steelers

One talented outside linebacker who might get overshadowed by one of the game’s best overall defensive players is Nick Herbig of the Pittsburgh Steelers.

Herbig, who plays alongside TJ Watt, has been tremendous all season while just missing the Top 10 Best Outside Linebackers in NFL 2025 rankings list. In his third season, the talented Steelers pass rusher has posted 17 tackles, 4.5 sacks, two forced fumbles and his first career interception in just seven games played. Pittsburgh’s defensive scheme thrives on depth, allowing Herbig to deploy his quickness on third downs and obvious passing situations.

His relentless motor and ability to chase down ball carriers from the backside have made him a valuable asset, hinting at a future where he will be a regular starter and playmaker for the Black and Yellow..

Von Miller

Team: Washington Commanders

Von Miller’s 2025 season has been a testament to his enduring greatness and football IQ.

Despite being in his mid-30s, Miller continues to play key snaps for the Washington Commanders, contributing both as a situational pass rusher and a mentor to Washington’s young defensive core while posting four sacks on the season.  Miller’s timeless arsenal of moves and his ability to diagnose plays pre-snap has yielded multiple sacks, six tackles for loss, and several quarterback pressures through ten games.

Even with a reduced snap count, Miller’s impact remains profound. In critical moments, his veteran presence elevates the defense’s confidence, turning him into a reliable finisher and guiding light for a franchise striving to recapture defensive dominance.

Top 10 NFL Outside Linebackers 2025 Rankings

10. Harold Landry III

Team: New England Patriots

Rounding out the Top 10 Best Outside Linebackers in NFL 2025 rankings list is another talented New England Patriots star Harold Landry III.

Another new face to the Patriots defense, Landry III has rewarded his new team while being a force on the defensive side of the football. After posting 19.5 sacks over the two previous seasons, Landry III is on his way to a second career double digit sack season while also helping the Patriots reach the NFL Playoffs.

Landry consistently generates pressure with a refined mix of speed and hand technique, drawing double teams that open lanes for teammates to attack. He’s also displayed discipline setting the edge against the run, routinely forcing backs to cut back inside for minimal gains.

9. Uchenna Nwosu

Team: Seattle Seahawks

The veteran outside linebacker continues to play at a high level week in and week out for the Seattle Seahawks.

Uchenna Nwosu’s first-step burst and relentless pursuit make him a constant factor for opposing QBs and run games helping him post a 5.5 sacks to start the season. He’s continued to impress under Seattle’s new defensive system, regularly lining up in multiple spots and successfully defending the perimeter against stretch plays and screens.

His ability to finish plays and generate turnovers magnifies his value as a true cornerstone for the Seahawks defense.

8. K’Lavon Chaisson

Team: New England Patriots

Through the first nine weeks of the 2025 NFL season, the New England Patriots might be the biggest surprise while leading the AFC East division.

One of those surprises has been the team’s defense that has allowed just 169 points through their first nine games of the season. On the defensive side of the ball one of those game changers helping the high level of play is K’Lavon Chaisson. Chaisson, who is in his first season with the Patriots is off to the best start of his career while setting a career high with 5.5 sacks through eight games played while also forcing one fumble.

His improved play recognition has enabled him to shut down screens and outside runs, creating lost-yardage plays for opponents. As his instincts and physical gifts converge, Chaisson’s value to the Patriots’ multi-front system grows game by game.

7. Tui Tuipulotu

Team: Los Angeles Chargers

Entering his third season in the NFL, Tuli Tuipulotu continues to showcase his physical abilities and strong football IQ each week on the field.

After a strong 8.5 sack season last season, the talented Los Angeles Chargers linebacker is off to an even hotter start posting seven sacks over his first nine games of the season. Through nine games, Tuipuloto has also tied a career high with two forced fumbles while also posting two passes defensed.

His motor is relentless, making him one of the league’s top young edge defenders. Coaches have leveraged his versatility, using him inside and outside, and he has responded by consistently pressuring QBs and stuffing the run—establishing himself as a centerpiece for the Chargers defense.

6. Josh Sweat

Team: Arizona Cardinals

After a strong seven seasons with the Philadelphia Eagles, Josh Sweat is making the most of his move to the Arizona Cardinals this season.

The talented outside linebacker is on pace to set a new career high in sacks after starting the season with seven sacks over his first eight games of the season. The versatile linebacker has added two passes defensed, posted 17 total tackles, and forced two fumbles on the season.

Sweat’s get-off and closing speed have overwhelmed offensive tackles, and his playmaking in both pass-rush and run support has elevated Arizona’s defense. Sweat’s ability to disengage blockers and pursue plays sideline to sideline makes him one of the most well-rounded outside linebackers in the NFC this season.

5. Jonathan Cooper

Team: Denver Broncos

Joining his teammate Nik Bonitto among the Top 10 Best Outside Linebackers in NFL 2025 rankings list is Jontahan Cooper.

Over the past three seasons, Cooper has developed into one of the best all around linebackers in the NFL and one that wrecks havoc on opposing quarterbacks. Through nine games this season, Cooper has posted seven sacks to go along with 27 tackles, four passes defensed, and five stuffs. His physical style of play, ability to shed blocks, and keen play diagnosis have allowed Cooper to disrupt timing and rhythm for opposing offenses.

Cooper is equally effective setting the edge and attacking downhill, making him a constant threat across all downs. Week after week, he fuels Denver’s aggressive defensive identity with consistent impact plays.

4. Nik Bonitto

Team: Denver Broncos

The Denver Broncos have jumped to the tops of the AFC West division to start the 2025 NFL season while playing great football on both sides of the ball.

One of those stars contributing to the team’s success on defense is the fourth year standout Nik Bonitto. Bonitto, who landed a long term deal in the off-season from the Broncos after posting a career high 13.5 sacks last season, has posted eight sacks through his first nine games this season. His aggressiveness and anticipation stand out, as he reads play action and bootlegs efficiently.

Combined with Jonathan Cooper, Bonitto gives Denver a formidable one-two punch on defense.

3. Byron Young

Team: Los Angeles Rams

A fresh young face landing among the best outside linebackers through the first half of the 2025 NFL season is the Los Angeles Rams third round pick from the 2023 NFL Draft Byron Young.

Young, who has racked up nine sacks over his first eight games has surpassed his first two year totals of eight and 7.5 sacks. The talented pass rusher has quickly developed into one of the best edge rushers in the league while also being strong against both the pass and run.

He’s a nightmare for linemen in one-on-one matchups and has become the fulcrum for the Rams’ defense, often demanding extra blockers. Young’s ability to chase down plays, rush from multiple angles, and produce turnovers is propelling him into legitimate All-Pro territory.

2. TJ Watt

Team: Pittsburgh Steelers 

As you start to look around at the top two outside linebackers, the case could be made for both to land atop the list.

Despite falling to two, TJ Watt is still one of the most feared defenders in the NFL and one that opposing offensive coordinators’ game plan for each meeting. The nine year veteran is on pace for his third straight double digit sack total and seventh total of his career after picking up five over his first eight games of the season.

Watt has also shown up all over the field registering his eighth career interception while also forcing two fumbles and posting four passes defensed. His knack for timing blitzes, reading quarterbacks, and generating takeaways provides Pittsburgh’s defense with a game-changing dimension, year after year.

No matter the situation, Watt’s leadership and disruptive ability are the hallmark of Steelers football.

1. Brian Burns

Team: New York Giants

The New York Giants defensive standout Brian Burns sits atop the Top 10 Best Outside Linebackers in NFL 2025 rankings with a dominant stat line to open up the season.

A stat line loaded with dominant numbers including an NFL league leading 11 sacks through the first nine weeks of the season. Since being acquired by the Giants before last season, Burns has been an anchor of the Giants defense while ranking among the best outside linebackers in the game. In addition to leading the league, Burns has posted 42 tackles, two forced fumbles and five passes defensed to start the first half of the season.

He executes splash plays in big moments, making him one of the league’s most feared and valuable edge defenders.

Entering the second half of the 2025 NFL Season, who do you have as the best outside linebackers in the NFL?

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