Behind Patrick Queen and Payton Wilson, the Steelers could use some linebacking depth in 2026, a campaign that will be led by a non-Mike Tomlin coach for the first time in almost 20 years. Pittsburgh general manager Omar Khan has shown no hesitation in employing “short” linebackers as of late, evidenced by roster spots for players like Devin Bush and Elandon Roberts.
Pace Jr. could join Mike McCarthy in Pittsburgh on a modest contract.
5. Dallas Cowboys
There’s not a totally direct link between the two, but Vikings defensive line coach Marcus Dixon just left Minnesota to lead the Cowboys’ defensive linemen in 2026. Dixon knows Pace Jr.
Starting linebaker Kenneth Murray is on tap for free agency, and if he leaves, Pace Jr. could theoretically swoop in and grab his spot. Dallas’ defense ranked 32nd in the NFL in EPA per play in 2025; it needs all the help it can get. Pace Jr. could take off with a fresh start on Jerry Jones’s team.
4. Cincinnati Bengals
There’s one connection here, and it’s often meaningful: Pace Jr. grew up in Cincinnati and [checks notes] played college ball at Cincinnati. He’s a Bearcat.
Signing with the Bengals would be a homecoming for the free-agent-to-be. Pace Jr. could serve as immediate depth to young LBs Demetrius Knight Jr. and Barrett Carter in Cincinnati.
The Bengals have about $55 million in cap space at the moment. Because Pace Jr. was benched in 2025, his next contract won’t break the bank.
3. Jacksonville Jaguars
LBs Devin Lloyd and Dennis Gardneck are free agents, leaving IDP fantasy football god Foysade Oluokun as a last man standing of sorts this offseason in the Jaguars’ LB room.
The Patriots will play in the Super Bowl on Sunday, so the last thing on their minds is free-agent linebackers in March.
Still, Robert Spillane battled injuries in 2025, while former Viking Christian Elliss may not be a long-term solution for a New England team that hopes to compete for the Super Bowl indefinitely.
A man named Mike Smith is the Patriots’ outside linebackers coach. Guess where he came from? The Vikings. Smith served as the outside linebackers/pass-rush specialist in Minnesota from 2023 to 2024, which were also known as the golden years for Pace Jr.
1. Washington Commanders
The logic here is elementary, and it makes the case for Pace Jr. to Washington his top landing spot in free agency.
The Commanders hired Daronte Jones last week as the new defensive coordinator, a promotion for the man who previously worked as the Vikings’ defensive passing game coordinator under Brian Flores. Jones is ultra-familiar with Pace Jr.’s game and might believe he can restore him to 2023 and 2024 form.
Meanwhile, the Commanders’ linebackers are not young: Bobby Wagner (35) and Frankie Luvu (29). Wagner is also a free agent.
