Cincinnati Bengals Call Out Linebacker Weakness Ahead of 2026 Season

Cincinnati Bengals entered the 2026 offseason under a cloud: the team sits 16th in the AFC with a 3-14 record and a two‑game losing streak, and analysts have singled out the off‑ball linebacker group as the biggest weakness.

Why are Bengals linebackers under fire?

Mike Clay of ESPN highlighted that the Bengals finished last in pass‑rush win rate (28.8%) and tackles for loss (56) last season. He noted that second‑year players Barrett Carter and Demetrius Knight Jr., along with veteran Oren Burks, posted PFF grades of 83rd, 85th and 88th among 88 qualified linebackers. All three struggled badly in 2025, prompting the criticism that the unit cannot anchor the defense.

How did the Bengals try to fix the defense?

During the 2025 free‑agency period, Cincinnati added Boye Mafe, Jonathan Allen and traded for three‑time Pro Bowl defensive end Dexter Lawrence. The front seven also swapped safety Geno Stone for former Chiefs starter Bryan Cook and re‑signed cornerback Jalen Davis while bringing in ex‑Steelers starter Kyle Dugger. Those moves were meant to shore up the line, giving rookie linebackers a better chance to succeed.

What do experts say about the rookie linebackers?

The Athletic’s Paul Dehner pointed out that Carter and Knight each logged over 700 snaps and 100 tackles as rookies—a rare feat for first‑year linebackers. Yet he argued they failed to meet expectations, noting only 19 rookie linebackers have reached those thresholds in the past decade. Dehner suggested the duo were set up to struggle because the defensive line could not generate pressure.

Could a veteran free‑agent change the outlook?

Analyst Chris Roling of Bengals Wire argued that adding All‑Pro veteran Bobby Wagner would bring mentorship and a proven 9.5 tackles‑per‑game average. Wagner’s experience could help the young corps avoid the mistakes of last year when the team lacked depth after the Logan Wilson trade request. If the Bengals pursue Wagner, they must ensure he’s comfortable with a reduced snap count.

What’s next for the Bengals?

The team’s next test arrives on September 13, 2026, when they travel to face the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. That game will be the first real gauge of whether the new defensive line pieces and any potential veteran linebacker addition can lift the struggling unit. Fans will be watching to see if Carter and Knight finally make the leap that analysts demanded.

How will the Bengals’ roster moves affect the 2026 outlook?

If Cincinnati can blend the fresh talent on the line with seasoned guidance at linebacker, the defense could improve its pass‑rush win rate and tackle‑for‑loss numbers. Otherwise, the off‑ball linebacker weakness may continue to haunt the squad, keeping the Bengals near the bottom of the AFC standings.