Bold take: Devin Lloyd should be Cincinnati’s top linebacker target this offseason. The Bengals desperately need a linebacker who can do it all, and they sit on ample cap space, making a move for the standout free agent almost a no-brainer.
Bleacher Report’s Alex Kay has identified Lloyd as the most logical landfall for a team’s top free-agent prize, and he بالنotes that Lloyd’s performance in a contract year makes him an ideal fit for the Bengals. Lloyd helped guide a stout Jacksonville Jaguars defense to the playoffs, showcasing a sideline-to-sideline presence. In the 2025 season, he recorded 81 tackles, seven passes defended, 1.5 sacks, and a fumble recovery, along with five interceptions, one of which he returned for a 99-yard TD. His instincts and playmaking ability stood out, underscoring his versatility.
What Cincinnati needs now is a true playmaker at linebacker who can handle both coverage and run defense. Last season, the Bengals struggled to generate meaningful production at the position, often relying on rookies Barrett Carter and Demetrius Knight Jr. to take on significant roles. Lloyd’s proven ability to impact both passing lanes and the run game points to him as exactly the kind of upgrade the defense has been seeking.
Kay’s projection places Lloyd’s contract at four years and $59 million with Cincinnati. If Duke Tobin and the front office are serious about contending, pursuing Lloyd makes clear sense from a strategic and financial standpoint.
Would you prioritize adding a do-it-all linebacker like Lloyd over other needs, or would you prefer to address different areas first? Share your thoughts in the comments.
