The Cincinnati Bengals have spent the offseason reshaping parts of their roster, but one position group still feels unfinished as June arrives: linebacker.
Despite all of the new faces on defense this year, the linebacker position remains one of Cincinnati’s most unsettled units. Coverage responsibilities, especially where tight ends and running backs are concerned, pre-snap communication, and reliable downhill run support remain areas of concern.
Perhaps part of why the reason why the Bengals haven’t
made a move at this point is the lack of cap space due to the Dexter Lawrence trade. However, after restructuring Joe Burrow’s contract on Wednesday, the Bengals have freed up an additional $10 million in cap space, some of which could potentially be used on a new linebacker.
And fortunately, help is still available. Several experienced linebackers remain unsigned, and a few would immediately raise the floor of Cincinnati’s defense.
Best Available Free Agent Linebackers
Bobby Wagner stands out as the most accomplished name. Even late in his career, he remains one of the best diagnostic linebackers in football. His ability to read offenses, align teammates, and eliminate mistakes could instantly stabilize the middle of the defense. It’s no surprise he has been loosely connected to Cincinnati throughout the offseason.
Matt Milano offers a very different appeal. When healthy, he is among the NFL’s best coverage linebackers, exactly the type of player the Bengals have lacked in key moments. The issue is durability, but the upside in sub-packages against tight ends and running backs is undeniable.
Bobby Okereke may be the cleanest overall fit. He is still in his prime, productive against the run, and capable in coverage. His name continues to surface because he checks nearly every box the Bengals are missing.
Jerome Baker brings something Cincinnati noticeably lacks: speed. His sideline-to-sideline range would be especially valuable in nickel and passing situations, where the Bengals have struggled to match up with quicker offenses.
Shaq Thompson profiles more as a veteran stabilizer at this stage of his career. He would not transform the defense, but his communication skills and experience would help solidify the rotation.
Kyle Van Noy is one of the more interesting names for Cincinnati. He has openly mentioned the Bengals as a potential fit, and his versatility as both a pass rusher and linebacker, combined with playoff experience, makes him a logical addition.
Then there’s Devin White, the ultimate boom-or-bust option. His athletic traits are still elite, but questions about instincts and coverage reliability persist. For a team willing to bet on upside, he represents a potential reclamation project.
Beyond free agency, there are several linebackers who could become available via trade or the waiver wire as teams trim rosters later this summer.
Willie Gay Jr. remains an intriguing upside play in Miami. At 28, his athleticism and blitz ability fit well with what defensive coordinator Al Golden could look to implement, even if his consistency has been uneven. And with the Dolphins drafting several promising backers this year, Gay could easily be cut or dealt in the coming months.
Cole Holcomb is coming off an injury, but Pittsburgh’s depth could make him expendable if younger players emerge. Alex Singleton has been highly productive in Denver, though his contract could become a factor if the Broncos opt to get younger or free up cap space.
Alex Anzalone is another name to watch. Detroit has invested heavily in youth on defense, and a veteran could become movable depending on how camp unfolds.
And then there is a familiar name: Germaine Pratt. Despite his history in Cincinnati, he continues to appear on “best available” lists after his market never fully developed. A reunion would not be out of the question if injuries strike or if the Bengals grow dissatisfied with their current group.
Ultimately, the Bengals’ biggest need remains clear: a linebacker who can hold up in coverage while also serving as the defense’s on-field organizer. Until that role is definitively filled, this position group will continue to feel like a work in progress, and one that could still see a meaningful addition before the season begins.
