Best NFL free agent linebackers available for Bengals following NFL Draft
One of these guys could solidify the linebacker group.
Jan 12, 2025; Tampa, Florida, USA; Washington Commanders linebacker Bobby Wagner (54) celebrates after winning a NFC wild card playoff against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Raymond James Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Nathan Ray Seebeck-Imagn Images | Nathan Ray Seebeck-Imagn Images The Cincinnati Bengals have focused on improving one of the worst defenses in the NFL from last season. They have brought in a number of players to fix every level of the defense.
Well, except for one. The Bengals have essentially ignored the linebacker position this whole offseason, despite Barrett Carter and Demetrius Knight ranking as two of the worst starting linebackers last season. They were both rookies on a struggling defense, but for them not to even bring in competition is reminiscent of Cedric Ogbuehi at left tackle.
Of course, we are rooting for these young guys to take that step, but they are banking an awful lot on it, with no other clear-cut options if it fails. One simple way to hedge their bets is to bring in a veteran linebacker, if for no other reason than to help these young guys along. Here are some of the best options left after the draft.
Bobby Wagner: Wagner had a couple of productive seasons for the Washington Commanders. He played almost every defensive snap and posted 132 tackles in 2024 and 162 tackles in 2025. He will be 36 when the season starts, but this team needs experience there and not another long-term solution.