Bengals tabbed as best post-Draft free agency fit for Bobby Wagner

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 wrapped up an exciting class of draftees over the weekend, shoring up both the offense and defense. However, linebacker was the one glaring positional omission from the group.

While second-round selection Cashius Howell will reportedly play a variety of roles, a true off-ball linebacker was not in the eventual plans for Cincinnati this weekend. And, the lack of a move there shows their continued commitment to both second-year linebackers Demetrius Knight Jr. and Barrett Carter.

In the days and weeks after the NFL Draft, there is another late wave of free agency, wherein teams pluck veterans still on the open market to shore up positions they may not have been able to over the weekend. That’s where a guy like Bobby Wagner could make sense for Cincinnati. At least that’s what Tyler Sullivan at CBS Sports thinks as the next logical move for the Bengals.

Part of his reasoning states as follows: After the Commanders selected Sonny Styles in the first round, a return to Washington may not be in the cards for Bobby Wagner, and it’d make sense for the Bengals to pounce. For Wagner, this pairing would make sense not only from a need standpoint, but the linebacker would also give himself a good shot at a deep playoff run with Joe Burrow as his quarterback, giving him possibly one last kick at the can for another Super Bowl title. Wagner is going to be 36 years old before the start of the regular season and has had a Hall of Fame NFL career.