Bengals Reportedly Eyeing Blockbuster Trade for Dolphins LB Jordyn Brooks

The Bengals could bolster their defense by acquiring the All-Pro linebacker in exchange for a 3rd and 7th round pick.

Apr. 13, 2026 at 10:52am

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A fragmented, geometric painting depicting the forceful motion of a linebacker making a tackle, with sharp planes of deep blue, forest green, and burnt orange colors creating a dynamic, multi-angled visual representation of the play.A cubist interpretation of an All-Pro linebacker's game-changing impact on the Bengals' defense.Cleveland Today

The Cincinnati Bengals are reportedly considering a blockbuster trade that would send them Miami Dolphins All-Pro linebacker Jordyn Brooks in exchange for a 2026 3rd round pick (72nd overall) and a 2026 7th round pick (221st overall). The Bengals' linebacker corps is seen as one of the weakest units on their roster, and Brooks would provide a major upgrade with his tackling ability and production after earning first-team All-Pro honors last season.

Why it matters

The Bengals' defense was one of the worst in the NFL last season, and upgrading the linebacker position is a key priority this offseason. Acquiring a proven playmaker like Jordyn Brooks could significantly bolster Cincinnati's defense and help them contend for a playoff spot in 2026.

The details

According to the report, the Bengals could look to acquire Jordyn Brooks from the rebuilding Dolphins, who may be willing to trade the 28-year-old linebacker with just one year left on his contract. Brooks is coming off an All-Pro season in which he recorded 183 tackles, 99 of them solo, making him an ideal fit to shore up the Bengals' linebacker corps.

  • The proposed trade would likely happen before or during the 2026 NFL Draft.

The players

Jordyn Brooks

A 28-year-old linebacker for the Miami Dolphins who was a first-team All-Pro in 2025 after recording 183 tackles, 99 of them solo.

Duke Tobin

The general manager of the Cincinnati Bengals who is tasked with improving the team's defense this offseason.

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What they’re saying

“It remains to be seen if they've done enough to boost their defensive line in the wake of Trey Hendrickson's departure, but there's no doubt the Bengals need help at linebacker regardless. The 28-year-old Brooks is a tackle machine, coming off an All-Pro season and heading into the last year of his contract. That last part is reason enough for the rebuilding Dolphins to trade him, especially if they could get the Bengals' third-round pick, and a little more, in return.”

— Ralph Vacchiano, FOX Sports Reporter

What’s next

The Bengals will need to negotiate a trade with the Dolphins before or during the 2026 NFL Draft in order to acquire Jordyn Brooks and bolster their linebacker corps.

The takeaway

This proposed trade would be a significant move for the Bengals, as acquiring an All-Pro linebacker like Jordyn Brooks could be a game-changer for their defense. While trades are notoriously difficult to predict, this deal would address a major need for Cincinnati and provide them with a proven playmaker to help them contend in 2026.