Next in line: The linebackers who might top Fred Warner’s record contract

The San Francisco 49ers made Fred Warner the highest-paid linebacker in NFL history by annual salary this week, marking the second time in his seven-year career that he's reset the market.

With the salary cap rising each year and contracts growing ever larger, Warner's deal raises the question: how long can he remain the highest-paid linebacker?

DAZN News explores which linebacker will most likely challenge Warner for the top spot on the earner's list, along with a few rising stars who could soon enter the conversation.

Next in line

Roquan Smith, Baltimore Ravens

Roquan Smith joined the Baltimore Ravens in a midseason trade from the Chicago Bears in 2022 and quickly became the NFL's highest-paid linebacker, signing a five-year, $100 million extension just months later.

Since arriving in Baltimore, the 28-year-old has led the team in tackles each season and earned All-Pro honors every year. He is also one of only four players in history to win the Dick Butkus Award at both the college and professional levels. In 2024, he was the Ravens' Walter Payton Man of the Year nominee.

Legendary former Carolina Panthers linebacker Luke Kuechly weighed in on what Smith brings to the table.

With two years remaining on his current deal and no clear successor behind him, the Ravens will likely look to extend their defensive centerpiece before he tests free agency. Whether he remains in Baltimore or tests free agency, Smith's next contract could see him reclaim the title of the NFL's highest-paid linebacker.

Youngsters who could challenge if they continue to ascend

Jack Campbell, Detroit Lions

Expectations were high for Campbell when the Lions made him the 18th pick in the first round of the 2023 NFL Draft. However, his emergence was slow, as it took him a season and a half to unseat veteran stalwart Alex Anzalone in the pecking order.

2024 will be remembered as Campbell's breakout year. It may have taken an injury to Anzalone, but Campbell led the team with 121 tackles, earning PFF's 11th-best overall grade in a field of 129 linebackers.

At only 24 years old, Campbell's best years are ahead of him. If he continues to develop at his current rate, his next deal - due in 2026 at the latest - could challenge Warner's.

Edgerrin Cooper, Green Bay Packers

Cooper started his rookie year as the fourth-choice linebacker and ended it as the Packers' No.1 choice. His rapid rise followed a series of incredible performances, which helped him to earn a spot on the PFWA All-Rookie Team.

It's still early, but Cooper's rise has been hard to ignore. If he can sustain—or surpass—his current level, he may one day force his way into the top tier of linebacker paydays.

However, it may be several years before we know what Cooper's next deal looks like. He is currently playing on his rookie deal, which runs through 2027.

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