Bengals linked to free-agent, future Hall of Fame 2,000-tackle LB to fill veteran need

The Cincinnati Bengals have orchestrated a massive defensive overhaul this offseason, adding veterans Dexter Lawrence, Bryan Cook, Boye Mafe, and Jonathan Allen to drastically improve their defense.

But, after all of those moves, and some nice picks during the 2026 NFL Draft, the Bengals still have one clear need left on the roster: a veteran linebacker to pair with second-year LBs Barrett Carter and Demtrius Knight Jr.

CBS Sports' Bryan DeArdo linked the Bengals to one option to fill that need in the form of 2,000-tackle, future Hall of Fame linebacker Bobby Wagner. The ex-Washington Commanders and Seattle Seahawks veteran would make a lot of sense for the Bengals.

Bengals linked to Bobby Wagner to fill veteran LB need

"LB Bobby Wagner: Bengals. ...Cincinnati made headlines this offseason when it added defensive veterans Dexter Lawrence, Jonathan Allen, Boye Mafe, and Bryan Cook," DeArdo writes. "But it could still use a veteran linebacker who can help youngsters Demtrius Knight Jr. and Barrett Carter."

With the Bengals' need for a veteran linebacker, there are some interesting options worth considering out in free agency right now. Wagner, however, might be the most interesting.

The 14-year veteran has 2,000 career tackles, 39.5 sacks, 111 quarterback hits, 107 tackles for loss, seven forced fumbles, and 15 interceptions in his Hall of Fame career.

MORE: Commanders sign former Eagles Super Bowl champion CB Rasul Douglas to free agent deal

This past season for the Commanders, Wagner played in all 17 games, recording two interceptions, four passes defended, 4.5 sacks, 162 tackles, and eight tackles for loss.

That's the kind of season any team would love to have from a veteran linebacker, though his pass coverage, with an 89.5 passer rating allowed, does leave a bit to be desired.

But, for the Bengals' purposes, Wagner would be a great veteran presence for the defense alongside young linebackers Knight and Carter.

The 10-time Pro Bowler and six-time first-team All-Pro would make a lot of sense for the Bengals. DeArdo named Wagner as a fit for the Bengals, and it's the kind of move that would make a ton of sense for Cincinnati this offseason.

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