The Cincinnati Bengals made sweeping changes to their defense with their 2026 NFL Draft picks. Could they sign a veteran linebacker to put the finishing touches on the defense?
Dec 8, 2022; Inglewood, California, USA; Los Angeles Rams linebacker Bobby Wagner celebrates a sack in the first quarter of the NFL Week 15 game between the Cincinnati Bengals and the Baltimore Ravens at Paycor Stadium in Cincinnati on Sunday, Dec. 14, 2025.
| Sam Greene/The Enquirer / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images "As it stands, Cincinnati appears content going into the season with Demetrius Knight Jr. and Barrett Carter, despite both struggling this season," Sullivan wrote.
"If the Bengals were to dip their toes into the free agent market and attempt to add to that room, there are some intriguing names out there. " One name Sullivan linked to Cincinnati was veteran linebacker Bobby Wagner, who spent the past two seasons with the Washington Commanders. The soon-to-be 36-year-old linebacker has recorded 14 straight 100-tackle seasons, including 162 tackles and five sacks last season on 1,132 snaps. He also hasn't missed a game since 2020.
Wagner, who remains unsigned, would certainly be an option for a Bengals team that could use another veteran presence in the heart of its defense. He holds a projected market value of $7.7 million on a one-year contract, according todecide to continue with Knight and Carter, they are two players with elite athleticism who could channel their potential into real NFL-level talent.
Relying on one of the two young players to handle the "green dot" responsibilities during a Super Bowl window could be a gamble, though. Both Knight and Carter were rookies in 2025 — if they can take a sophomore leap, the Bengals could leap into the top-five defensive ranks.
However, if they'd like a veteran with gap discipline who won't miss coverage assignments, Wagner could be an option. Sign Up For Our DAILY Newsletter for More Free Coverage of the Cincinnati Bengals Delivered to You Directly For more on the Bengals, subscribe to our YouTube Channel and be sure to check us out on your favorite audio platforms, includingArye Pulli is an NFL-credentialed journalist and a member of the Pro Football Writers of America.
Since 2020, he has provided on-site coverage of the NFL Scouting Combine, the Senior Bowl, and Super Bowl Media Week. He currently serves as a contributing writer for USA Today’s SaintsWire and Bengals on SI, while also acting as the Philadelphia Eagles Content Curator for Sleeper. He is the co-founder of The Sports Place, a digital media brand that has grown to nearly 200,000 followers. Bengals Receive Head-Scratching Defensive Ranking After Successful Offseason
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