2025 Full-Time and Green Dot Linebackers: Week 18
What did Week 18 teach us about the state of the green dot LBs for 2025?
As the late, great Frank Sinatra said, “And now, the end is near. And so I face the final curtain.” Week 18 is the end of the line for the 2025 Green Dot article. But don’t worry, friends, it will be back in 2026.
If you had Championship Week in Week 18, then you had quite a bit to navigate, and unfortunately, most of it was out of your control.
What is the green dot?
Think of him as the quarterback of the defense. He has the comms helmet with the green helmet sticker, relays play calls from the defense coordinator to the rest of the defense, and is responsible for getting everyone aligned before the snap. Most of the time, it’s a linebacker wearing the dot, but we’ve seen safeties take on that role, too.
Here’s how the snaps and usage played out in Week 18.
*-Injured
Arizona Cardinals
Mack Wilson ended up missing the final 9 games of the season, so Cody Simon got the start and wore the dot in Week 18. Will the Cardinals move on from Wilson during the offseason? His dead cap is only $1.2 million. Simon held his own with the playcalling duties and was on the field for all but 6 snaps in this game. Akeem Davis-Gaither saw a full-time role in Week 18 with an 85% snap rate.
Arizona was a nickel/2-LB defense for most of the season, but the team’s defense could look different in 2026 with Jonathan Gannon’s firing today, and I’m intrigued by Simon’s dynasty value if they move on from Mack.
Week 18 Green Dot: Cody Simon
Atlanta Falcons
There were no major changes with Atlanta’s defense this week; however, a coaching change could impact things going into 2026, as the team fired Raheem Morris. Kaden Elliss and Divine Deablo were both on the field for 100% of the snaps, as the Falcons were mostly in their nickel/2-LB defense. Elliss is going to be a UFA, and while Deablo signed a two-year deal, there’s an out at the end of this year. Atlanta’s defense could look different in 2026.
Week 18 Green Dot: Kaden Elliss
Baltimore Ravens
I doubt the Ravens move on from John Harbaugh. Roquan Smith was the lone full-time LB for the Ravens this week, as he saw 100% of the snaps with the dot. Smith finished the season with 130 tackles. The Ravens were in dime/single-LB for 24 snaps, as Trenton Simpson saw just 65% of the snaps. Teddye Buchanan should be returning from his injury during the offseason, and I hope Jay Higgins gets a chance to compete.
Week 18 Green Dot: Roquan Smith
Buffalo Bills
Buffalo ended up resting most of their key guys, so Joe Andreessen got the start and wore the dot for the Bills in Week 18. Andreessen and Dorian Williams were both on the field for 100% of the snaps. The Bills were in their nickel/2-LB defense for 24 snaps and their base for 22 snaps. We’ll have to wait and see what Buffalo does with their defense over the offseason, as Terrel Bernard has proven to be injury-prone and Matt Milano has a void year in 2026 and looks to be a FA.
Week 18 Green Dot: Joe Andreessen
Carolina Panthers
The Panthers were mostly in their dime/single-LB defense, as they used a 5 DL/1 LB/5 DB formation for 25 snaps. Christian Rozeboom was the lone full-time LB, as he was on for 100% of the snaps with the dot. Krys Barnes was the LB2 in Carolina’s nickel defense, but was on for just 37% of the snaps.
Week 18 Green Dot: Christian Rozeboom
Chicago Bears
There were no major changes with Chicago’s defense, as they were in their nickel/2-LB defense for 57 snaps. They had a few base/3-LB snaps (11), and TJ Edwards and Tremaine Edmunds were both three-down LBs, as they were both on the field for all but 2 snaps. Edwards wore the dot in Week 18.
Week 18 Green Dot: TJ Edwards
Cincinnati Bengals
The Bengals were in their nickel/2-LB defense for most of the game against Cleveland’s personnel. Barrett Carter was on the field for 100% of the snaps with the dot. Demetrius Knight Jr. was on for 88% of the snaps as the LB2 in their nickel defense. The rookies were thrown into the fire in 2025. Knight showed flashes and Carter cleaned up his tackling toward the end of the season, missing on 4 tackles over the final seven games. Unless the Bengals address the position in FA, I’d look for Carter and Knight to be their off-ball LBs in 2026.
Week 18 Green Dot: Barrett Carter
Cleveland Browns
After playing on one leg in Week 17, the Browns held out their star LB in Week 18, as Carson Schwesinger was inactive this week. Mohamoud Diabate got most of the time with the dot, as Jerome Baker also saw snaps in their nickel/2-LB defense. Devin Bush maintained his role, as he was on the field for 82% of the snaps and had a big pick-six and added 14 tackles. Make no mistake, this is Schwesinger’s defense and he’ll be an LB1 in 2026.
Week 18 Green Dot: Mohamoud Diabate
Dallas Cowboys
The green dot rotation returned in Week 18, as Kenneth Murray and Logan Wilson both wore the dot this week. I don’t see how Murray or Wilson will be in the Cowboys’ plans in 2026. Shemar James saw a full-time role as he was on the field for 96% of the snaps. Demarvion Overshown is probably the only one to key in on, but his injury history is starting to become a concern.
Week 18 Green Dot: Kenneth Murray/Logan Wilson
Denver Broncos
Dre Greenlaw was inactive in Week 18, but the Broncos limited the playing time for some of their key guys. Alex Singleton saw just 76% of the snaps, as he was taken out mid-way through the 4th quarter. Justin Strand saw 72% of the snaps, while Jordan Turner and Levelle Bailey got snaps in garbage time.
Week 18 Green Dot: Alex Singleton
Detroit Lions
The Lions went with their base/3-LB defense for most of the game (37 snaps) with Jack Campbell, Derrick Barnes, and Malcolm Rodriguez. Barnes played mostly on the edge, but was also lined up in the slot for 16 snaps. Jack Campbell wore the dot and was on the field for 100% of the snaps with Barnes. Rodriguez saw just 72% of the snaps with Alex Anzalone out this week.
Week 18 Green Dot: Jack Campbell
Green Bay Packers
The Packers rested some key starters, with Quay Walker and Edgerrin Cooper both being inactive for Week 18. This gave the Packers a chance to look at Ty’Ron Hopper. Well, early returns aren’t great, as he had two missed tackles and struggled with some of his run fits. Hopper saw 100% of the snaps with the dot. What was interesting was who the LB2 ended up being. It was Jamon Johnson, with Isaiah McDuffie getting the snaps in their base/3-LB. Maybe they know what they have in McDuffie and wanted to see Johnson and Hopper with the snaps.
The Packers have a decision to make on Quay Walker this offseason.
Week 18 Green Dot: Ty’Ron Hopper
Houston Texans
Azeez Al-Shaair started the game with the dot, but played just the first half and was taken out at the end of the 2nd quarter. Henry To’oTo’o took over the dot in the second half and ended up playing 69% of the snaps. It was Damone Clark who took over in the 4th. With Houston’s playoff fate wrapped up, this was an ugly Week 18 rotation. There were no major changes with their defense, as Houston was in their nickel/2-LB defense for the majority of the game and was in their 3-LB defense for just 15 snaps.
Week 18 Green Dot: Azeez Al-Shaair. Henry To’oTo’o took over after the Texans sat Al-Shaair.
Indianapolis Colts
There were no major changes with the Colts’ defense this week, even in a meaningless game. Zaire Franklin and Germaine Pratt handled the off-ball LB duties this week. Franklin saw 100% of the snaps with the dot. His production came just a week too late, however. The Colts were in nickel for 85% of the game, and if the Colts retain Lou Anarumo, I’d expect that to carry over to 2026.
Week 18 Green Dot: Zaire Franklin
Jacksonville Jaguars
With the game in hand, Foyesade Oluokun and Devin Lloyd saw their snaps scaled back a bit. Oluokun sat out the final drive of the game, as did Lloyd. Anthony Campanile got the most out of these guys in his first year as DC. Oluokun saw 78% of the snaps while Lloyd saw 67%.
Week 18 Green Dot: Foyesade Oluokun
Kansas City Chiefs
Nick Bolton was the lone full-time LB for the Chiefs in Week 18. He saw 100% of the snaps with the dot. Drue Tranquill was in rotation at the LB2 spot with Jeffrey Bassa. Bassa saw 23 snaps, and the Chiefs have a decision to make on Tranquill. He has an out this year with a $1.5 million dead cap hit. Bassa was decent in his run fits with limited work.
Week 18 Green Dot: Nick Bolton
Las Vegas Raiders
Devin White did not finish the season with 100% of the snaps after playing 89% of the snaps in Week 18. He was off the field on their third series. White is the poster boy of tackles not equaling a good player. White would finish with a 53.8 PFF grade and 42.3 coverage grade. He finished the season with a 39.4 PFF defense grade. If you can, I’d sell high this offseason and take what you can. A name I’m intrigued with this offseason is Cody Lindenberg. With Pete Carroll’s firing, no current roster spot is safe.
Week 18 Green Dot: Devin White
Los Angeles Chargers
The Chargers held out most of their starters in Week 18 with a playoff spot and seeding wrapped up. The Chargers were mostly in their nickel/2-LB defense this week and De’Shawn Phillips started with the dot. Marlowe Wax got an extended look this week, not only in the defense, but with the dot, as well. Troy Dye ended up seeing 77% of the snaps. Keep an eye on Jessie Minter. His name is circulating as a head coach candidate. A new DC in LA could mean a new alignment.
Week 18 Green Dot: Del’Shawn Phillips/Marlowe Wx
Los Angeles Rams
The Rams played their starters, but not for long, as they handled the Cardinals. Nate Landman was on for 73% of the snaps, but he looks to be the anchor of the defense for the next three years. Omar Speights saw 55% of the snaps and Troy Reeder got 10 garbage-time snaps. The Rams have quite the logjam at LB with the above players, plus Chris Paul Jr. and Shaun Dolac. I might sell high on Landman in dynasty.
Week 18 Green Dot: Nate Landman
Miami Dolphins
The Dolphins got blown out, and the starters’ snaps were limited. Tyrel Dodson sat out the final three defensive series, and Jordyn Brooks left near the end of the 3rd quarter. He finished the season as the NFL’s leading tackler (183). We’ll see how Miami’s defense looks this offseason, but I’m not expecting too many changes. I would imagine they keep both Dodson and Brooks.
Week 18 Green Dot: Tyrel Dodson
Minnesota Vikings
Eric Wilson and Blake Cashman were both on the field all but 6 snaps, with Cashman wearing the dot. The Vikings played dime/single-LB near the end of the game with Ivan Pace Jr. getting those snaps. Brian Flores is going to be a hot name for a head coach during this cycle, so the Vikings’ defense could see some changes next season. Cashman might be a nice sell-high candidate right now.
Week 18 Green Dot: Blake Cashman
New England Patriots
Jack Gibbens wore the dot for the inactive Robert Spillane and was the lone full-time LB for the Patriots in Week 18. Jahlani Tavai, Christian Elliss, Marte Mapu, and Chad Muma all saw snaps in New England’s base and nickel defense. There were no real takeaways from this one. Robert Spillane remains the leader of the defense.
Week 18 Green Dot: Jack Gibbens
New Orleans Saints
Demario Davis was the lone full-time LB for the Saints in Week 18. Davis saw 100% of the snaps with the dot. Danny Stutsman and Pete Werner rotated at the LB2 spot opposite Davis, with Stutsman edging out Werner in snaps (31-30). Stutsman is an interesting dynasty add. If Davis doesn’t return to New Orleans, he could be the next man up for the dot in 2026.
Week 18 Green Dot: Demario Davis
New York Giants
Joe Schoen will remain as GM, and the Giants will have a new head coach in 2026, and potentially a new defense. However, for Week 18, Bobby Okereke was the lone three-down LB, as he was on for 100% of the snaps with the dot. He enters the final year of his contract and has a $14 million cap hit and a $5.5 million dead cap hit. The Giants’ defense will be one to watch over the offseason.
Week 18 Green Dot: Bobby Okereke
New York Jets
There were no major changes with the Jets’ defense this week, as they were primarily in their nickel/2-LB defense. Quincy Williams suffered a hand injury that knocked him out mid-way through the 3rd. Mykal Walker would take over the LB2 spot opposite Jamien Sherwood. Sherwood saw 100% of the snaps with the dot. Heading into 2026, we could see some different personnel on defense; however, I do see Sherwood returning as the green dot in 2026.
Week 18 Green Dot: Jamien Sherwood
Philadelphia Eagles
The Eagles punted Week 18 and the 2-seed by resting their key starters, including Zack Baun. Jeremiah Trotter got the start for Baun and played 100% of the snaps with the dot. Jihaad Campbell saw all but 7 snaps in Week 18. It will be interesting to see what the Eagles do with Nakobe Dean, who is set to become a FA this season.
Week 18 Green Dot: Jeremiah Trotter
Pittsburgh Steelers
Patrick Queen was the lone full-time LB for Pittsburgh in Week 18. He was on for 100% of the snaps with the dot. Payton Wilson saw his lowest snaps of the season with 11 (22%) while Malik Harrison played 71% of the snaps against his former team. It will be interesting to see what Pittsburgh does with Queen this offseason. While he carries a $17 million cap, he has just a $3.8 million dead cap number, which makes him much easier to offload. Queen finished with a 44 PFF grade and 31 missed tackles.
Week 18 Green Dot: Patrick Queen
San Francisco 49ers
The 49ers received some good news on Fred Warner, as he could return for the playoffs. In the meantime, Tatum Bethune and Dee Winters were the off-ball LBs for the 49ers this week. Bethune got dinged up a few times and played 77% of the snaps. When Bethune was off the field, Eric Kendricks got time with the dot and played 52% of the snaps. Winters also got dinged up, and Garrett Wallow got some time as his replacement.
Week 18 Green Dot: Tatum Bethune
Seattle Seahawks
The Seahawks limited the 49ers to just 42 snaps. Ernest Jones was on for 100% of the snaps with the dot, while Drake Thomas was on for 71% of the snaps as the LB2. The Seahawks were in their nickel/2-LB defense for 71% of the snaps.
Week 18 Green Dot: Ernest Jones
Tampa Bay Buccaneers
There were no major changes with Tampa’s defense, as they were in their nickel/2-LB defense for 46 snaps, and were in dime for just 3 snaps. Lavonte David was on the field for 100% of the snaps with the dot, while SirVocea Dennis was on the field for all but 3 snaps. David is set to hit FA in 2026, and Dennis has one year left, but doesn’t take up a lot of money. The Buccaneers could have some new personnel at LB next season.
Week 18 Green Dot: Lavonte David
Tennessee Titans
There were no major changes with Tennessee’s defense, as they were in nickel/2-LB for 70% of the snaps. Cody Barton was on the field for 100% of the snaps, while Cedric Gray was on for all but 2 snaps. Gray finished the 2025 season 5th in tackles with 160.
Week 18 Green Dot: Cody Barton
Washington Commanders
Will Washington bring back the ageless wonder? Bobby Wagner finished his season with a 5-tackle game, which puts him over 2,000 for his career. I’m sure his HOF bust is already polished and ready to go. Wagner was on the field for 100% of the snaps alongside Frankie Luvu. Jordan Magee is going to be an interesting name if the Commanders do move on from Wagner. Magee saw 44% of the snaps in their base/3-LB defense.
Week 18 Green Dot: Bobby Wagner
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