Are the Cincinnati Bengals doomed to repeat history in their search for a reliable linebacker? The Bengals are once again in need of bolstering their linebacker corps for the upcoming season. But history has shown that signing free-agent linebackers can be a gamble. Let's dive into some potential targets and the cautionary tales that inform this year's decisions.
Back in 2020, the Bengals were eyeing linebackers, and the names that floated around were Joe Schobert, Blake Martinez, and Cory Littleton.
- Joe Schobert, at age 27, landed a hefty $53.75 million deal with the Jaguars. However, he was traded to the Steelers a year later and became a salary cap casualty at 29. His career fizzled out soon after.
- Blake Martinez, 26, signed a $30 million contract with the New York Giants. Despite a strong start with 151 tackles, injuries plagued him, and he was out of the league by 30.
- Cory Littleton secured a $35 million deal with the Raiders at 27. His performance declined, and he bounced around before exiting the league at 30.
Instead, the Bengals opted for Josh Bynes, then 31, for a modest $1.6 million, with a plan to develop Logan Wilson.
With players like Devin Bush and Devin Lloyd coming off strong seasons and seeking big contracts at 27, the Bengals must tread carefully.
Considering these past experiences, here are some linebackers the Bengals should consider. Some are younger, while others are older, but they may not be seeking massive, long-term contracts.
Leo Chenal
The 25-year-old Chenal is an exceptional athlete. He had a solid year for the Chiefs before a shoulder injury cut his season short in Week 15. He recorded 58 tackles in just 440 snaps this season.
Chenal ran a 4.53 40-yard dash at the NFL Combine and has been a consistent contributor for the Chiefs' defense, making 44 starts in four seasons.
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Nakobe Dean
Oren Burks got an opportunity in Philadelphia because the 25-year-old Nakobe Dean was injured, but could Dean be the right fit in Cincinnati?
Dean tore his patellar tendon during the Eagles’ Super Bowl run a year ago, causing him to miss the beginning of this season. His play has definitely dropped off since then, which could be permanent, or it could just mean he is still recovering.
Dean might be looking for a 1-year “prove it” deal to show that he is still the same guy he was in 2024, and he could be a steal if he is.
This would be a low-risk, low-reward signing for the Bengals.
Bobby Wagner
Now let’s look at the opposite end of the spectrum. Obviously, not all linebackers decline and fade away before their 30th birthday. Some stick around for quite some time.
Bobby Wagner was a part of the Legion of Boom, but at 35, he is still out there killing it.
Wagner posted 107 tackles and 5 snaps for Washington last season. This is an All-Pro who has been one of the stars on a Super Bowl Champion defense and has been the league’s most productive tackler in multiple seasons.
Wagner’s experience could be invaluable to this young linebacker group, as could his leadership for the entire defense.
Demario Davis
Demario Davis posted 99 tackles for the Saints a year ago, but at age 36, is he going to want to wait for that team to develop, or would he rather come play with one of the best quarterbacks in the league? After all, Davis has not won a Super Bowl, and his time may be running out.
Davis played for Bengals linebackers coach Mike Hodges previously, so there is already a relationship there. This in could be just the thing to lure Davis up north.
It also makes him a perfect leader for that young room. If there is one guy who knows what Hodges expects, it is Davis.
Justin Strnad
Justin Strnad may be as close to Josh Bynes as we get.
Strnad is 29 and started about eight games for Denver in each of the past two seasons and has been very solid. He could be just the guy to supplement Barrett Carter and Demetrius Knight.
Providing veteran leadership, he could lock down the LB3 role, while being a suitable replacement if either Carter or Barrett gets hurt or stops progressing.
But here's where it gets controversial... Do you think the Bengals should prioritize youth and potential, or veteran leadership and experience? Which of these linebackers do you think would be the best fit for the Bengals, and why? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
