Bengals’ vote of confidence reaffirmed in linebackers Barrett Carter and Demetrius Knight
These two linebackers could make or break the whole season.
Dec 28, 2025; Cincinnati, Ohio, USA; Cincinnati Bengals linebacker Demetrius Knight Jr. (44) and Cincinnati Bengals linebacker Barrett Carter (49) react after a play during the second half against the Arizona Cardinals at Paycor Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Joseph Maiorana-Imagn Images | Joseph Maiorana-Imagn Images The book isn’t closed yet on Barrett Carter and Demetrius Knight Jr.
Not in the slightest. The two backers have each played only one season in the NFL. While their play last year may make it easy to give up on them, I’m here to tell you that I will not be.
Carter and Knight playing well will make the 2026 Bengals that much better. You obviously want to see players do well if you’re a Bengals fan. Germaine Pratt was questionable with his performance as a rookie in 2019, and he eventually became a fan favorite from that point on.
The same can happen for Carter and Knight. “There’s a ton of talk, but we don’t (listen) to it because it can be hit or miss. ” Bengals linebacker Demetrius Knight Jr.