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. He’s a six-time First-Team All-Pro and a five-time Second-Team All-Pro, complete with 10 Pro Bowl nominations.
Even though he’s up there in age, Wagner was still productive for Washington last season. He racked up 162 total tackles, two interceptions, and eight tackles for loss. He also recorded the fourth-lowest missed tackle rate of his career in 2025, coming in at under 4%.
Cincinnati keeps its stance of firm belief in both Knight and Carter, but the young group could use the talent and veteran leadership of Wagner. With the head coach valuing high character and leadership in the locker room, Wagner bringing a Walter Payton Man of the Year Award and a Super Bowl ring to the Bengals would be welcomed.
We will see if the Bengals scour free agency for extra help in the form of Wagner or others.