The Detroit Lions\u2019 linebacker crew was one of their best units in 2025, but that position could go through some major changes this offseason. And depending on what the Lions do, it could transform the entirety of the defense around them.<\/p>\n
Our 2026 Detroit Lions offseason preview continues today with a deep look at the linebacker situation, highlighted by the tough decision for Alex Anzalone.<\/p>\n
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Previously:<\/p>\n
Lions 2025 recap: Linebackers<\/p>\n
Jack Campbell stats (17 games, 17 starts): 176 tackles, 5.0 sacks, 4 passes defended, 3 forced fumbles, 9 tackles for loss<\/p>\n
90.2 PFF grade \u2014 2nd out of 88 qualifying LBs<\/p>\n
93.0 run defense grade \u2014 1st out of 93<\/p>\n
72.4 pass rush grade \u2014 8th out of 43<\/p>\n
71.4 coverage grade \u2014 12th out of 80<\/p>\n
Alex Anzalone (16 games, 16 starts): 95 tackles, 2.5 sacks, 9 passes defended, 1 INT, 4 tackles for loss<\/p>\n
67.5 PFF grade \u2014 33rd out of 88 qualifying LBs<\/p>\n
65.6 run defense grade \u2014 52nd out of 93<\/p>\n
65.2 pass rush grade \u2014 20th out of 43<\/p>\n
65.3 coverage grade \u2014 19th out of 80<\/p>\n
Derrick Barnes stats (17 games, 17 starts): 78 tackles, 4.0 sack, 3 pass defended, 1 INT, 6 tackles for loss<\/p>\n
61.5 PFF grade \u2014 46th out of 88 qualifying LBs<\/p>\n
69.1 run defense grade \u2014 40th out of 93<\/p>\n
54.0 pass rush grade \u2014 38th out of 43<\/p>\n
55.1 coverage grade \u2014 44th out of 80<\/p>\n
Jack Campbell\u2019s breakout season has arrived. Campbell became the all-around linebacker that the Lions were expecting this year, leading to a First-Team All-Pro season. His run defense was impeccable all season, and he also clearly grew as a pass rushing threat when blitzing. The last step in his growth will be coverage, and while I don\u2019t completely agree with his outstanding PFF grades in that aspect of his game, he is clearly improving there, too.<\/p>\n
Anzalone had another strong season. He remains Detroit\u2019s best coverage linebacker, and while he is no longer the \u201cgreen dot\u201d play-caller of the defense, he still brings incredibly reliable and steady play. You\u2019ll rarely find Anzalone in the wrong gap, and he\u2019s one of the most sound tacklers on the team. Anzalone even posted a career-high nine pass breakups last season.<\/p>\n
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Unfortunately, it wasn\u2019t the kind of season Derrick Barnes was likely hoping for himself. Detroit really seemed to have high hopes for Barnes in the SAM linebacker position, but Barnes\u2019 pass rushing skills in order to thrive in that role were missing most of the year. Per PFF, there were 29 off-ball linebackers who logged at least 75 pass rushing snaps. Of those 29, Barnes ranked 26th in pass rush grade, 24th in pass rush win rate, and 24th in pass rushing productivity. He was more average when it came to his run stop and coverage abilities, but that lack of pass rush was certainly felt.<\/p>\n
Detroit also got strong production out of Zach Cunningham as a short-yardage specialist before his injury, and Grant Stuard was solid on special teams. Malcolm Rodriguez\u2019s return from a torn ACL was delayed, and he struggled when he finally took the field.<\/p>\n
2026 for outlook<\/p>\n