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49ers Linebackers: NFL's Best Unit in 2026?
3 Apr
Summary
- Fred Warner leads the 49ers' linebacker unit, ranked best in the NFL.
- Dee Winters and Tatum Bethune provide solid depth and tackle numbers.
- Linebacker flexibility is a key advantage in the competitive NFC West.

The San Francisco 49ers are set to field the NFL's premier linebacker unit in 2026. This assessment highlights the continued strength of the team's defensive core, even with the recent season-ending ankle injury sustained by starting linebacker Fred Warner.
Warner, expected to be at full strength, anchors a group that includes talented players like Dre Greenlaw. Adding to the unit's depth are Dee Winters and Tatum Bethune, who recorded 101 and 94 combined tackles respectively.
This formidable foursome offers the 49ers significant rotational flexibility. Defensive coordinator Raheem Morris can utilize this depth to his advantage, particularly within the challenging NFC West division.
The 49ers face stiff competition in 2026 from the Super Bowl champion Seattle Seahawks and the NFC runner-up Los Angeles Rams.