The main waves of free agency have passed, and the Cincinnati Bengals still have a glaring need at the linebacker position. Rookies Demetrius Knight Jr. and Barrett Carter showed some flashes in 2025, but they also left a lot to be desired. Oren Burks is also still under contract for 2026, but the Bengals could stand to upgrade nonetheless.
The Bengals were reportedly in the running for two of the top linebackers on the market, but Devin Lloyd signed with the Carolina Panthers. Many fans wanted the Bengals to pivot
to Leo Chenal, only to see him sign with the Washington Commanders.
Assuming the Bengals are still interested in adding a linebacker, here are the Top 5 players they should target:
Bobby Okereke
Okereke was released by the New York Giants ahead of the new league year after being a captain on their defense. He played his best football in 2023, but had a solid season in 2025. Okereke logged 143 tackles, one sack, six passes defended, and two interceptions last season. A fresh start in Cincinnati could do him some good and, at the very least, bring some competition in for Knight and Carter.
Bobby Wagner
Wagner isn’t the player he once was, specifically in coverage, but he could still bring plenty of value to Cincinnati’s defense. Wagner is still very solid against the run, is still a sure tackler, and could provide a ton of knowledge to the young linebacker core that defensive coordinator Al Golden clearly believes in. Adding Wagner would likely come relatively cheap and could pay dividends, even if he only wore stripes for a season.
Akeem Davis-Gaither
The former Bengals fourth-round pick in 2020 is back on the market after signing with the Arizona Cardinals ahead of last season. Davis-Gaither logged a career-high 117 tackles last season before becoming a cap casualty for Arizona. Davis-Gaither brings plenty of athleticism with him, as well as familiarity. Golden was the Bengals’ linebackers coach for Davis-Gaither’s first two seasons. We all know how much the Bengals like players they know well.
Matt Milano
When Milano is healthy, he has the ability to play well against the run, pressure the quarterback, and be effective in coverage. Milano is 32 and has battled injuries over the last three seasons, so signing him would be a bit of a risk, but likely not expensive. He would be another veteran who could serve as an extension of the coaching staff, at the very least, and could provide value on the field as well.
Devin White
When in doubt, look for available players from LSU, right? White was teammates with Joe Burrow and Ja’Marr Chase in Baton Rouge for a season before heading to the NFL. With the Las Vegas Raiders last season, White recorded 95 tackles, 2.5 sacks, and an interception. Bringing in White could be a sneaky good signing at the back end of his career, but he does appear to have lost a step.
