Bengals Seen as Best Destination for Jaguars LB After 99-Yard Pick-Six vs. Mahomes

The 27-year-old Pro Bowler is set to hit free agency after a career year in Jacksonville.

Published on Feb. 26, 2026

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The Cincinnati Bengals are in need of defensive help this offseason, especially at linebacker. According to NFL analyst Mason Cameron, the Bengals would be the best landing spot for Jacksonville Jaguars linebacker Devin Lloyd, who is coming off a Pro Bowl season that included a 99-yard pick-six against Patrick Mahomes.

Why it matters

The Bengals' linebacker room and entire defense need an overhaul, and adding a 27-year-old Pro Bowler like Lloyd would provide a significant boost. Lloyd is set to hit free agency after four seasons in Jacksonville, where he emerged as one of the league's top linebackers in 2025.

The details

Lloyd posted the second-highest overall PFF grade (89.1) among qualifying linebackers in the 2025 regular season. He had five interceptions, including the 99-yard pick-six of Mahomes, seven passes defended, one fumble recovery, 1.5 sacks, 81 total tackles, six tackles for loss, and 10 quarterback hits. His 57.1 passer rating in coverage was also a career-best.

  • Lloyd was drafted 27th overall by the Jaguars in the 2022 NFL Draft.
  • He is set to hit free agency after the 2025 season.

The players

Devin Lloyd

A 27-year-old linebacker who made the Pro Bowl and was a second-team All-Pro for the Jacksonville Jaguars in 2025 after a standout season that included a 99-yard pick-six of Patrick Mahomes.

Patrick Mahomes

The star quarterback of the Kansas City Chiefs, who had a 99-yard interception returned for a touchdown by Devin Lloyd in 2025.

Al Golden

The defensive coordinator for the Cincinnati Bengals, who would be tasked with building the defense around a potential free agent signing of Devin Lloyd.

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What they’re saying

“Devin Lloyd fits the bill as the top free-agent linebacker this cycle, with a resume to back it up. The 27-year-old posted the second-highest PFF overall grade (89.1) among qualifying linebackers during the regular season.”

— Mason Cameron, NFL Analyst (PFF.com)

What’s next

The Bengals will need to make a strong push to sign Devin Lloyd in free agency, as he is expected to be one of the top linebacker targets on the market.

The takeaway

Adding a 27-year-old Pro Bowl linebacker like Devin Lloyd would be a major coup for the Bengals' defense, which needs an overhaul this offseason. Lloyd's playmaking ability, including his 99-yard pick-six of Patrick Mahomes, makes him an ideal fit to anchor the middle of Cincinnati's defense going forward.