Bengals urged to sign ex-Giants, Colts linebacker instead of Bobby Wagner

The Cincinnati Bengals are heading into the 2026 NFL season with a revamped defense that has more optimism than the team has had in recent years.

But, while the Bengals have added a ton of help along the defensive line in Dexter Lawrence II, Boye Mafe, Cashius Howell, and Jonathan Allen, the linebacker room is still in need of a veteran presence.

While free agent Bobby Wagner might be a popular name, ESPN's Aaron Schatz is urging the Bengals to instead sign a free-agent linebacker formerly with the New York Giants and the Indianapolis Colts,  Bobby Okereke, to bolster their LB room this season.

Bengals urged to sign Bobbye Okereke instead of Bobby Wagner

"Sign linebacker Bobby Okereke," Schatz writes. "... A lot of Bengals fans are interested in Bobby Wagner, but it's hard to say how much he still has in the tank at age 36. A better choice might be Okereke, formerly of the Giants."

While the Bengals would still be signing a veteran linebacker named "Bobby," Schatz believes Okereke would make more sense for the Bengals.

He's soon to be 30 years old, and the former third-round pick would be a nice veteran compliment to second-year linebackers Demetrius Knight Jr. and Barrett Carter.

MORE: Bengals fans should worry about second-year linebackers in 2026

Last season for the Giants, Okereke had 143 tackles with one sack, two tackles for loss, one quarterback hit, and two interceptions with six passes defended.

This Bengals defense needs to add a veteran to its linebacker room, and while Wagner might be the more eye-catching name available in free agency, Okereke might make more sense for the Bengals.

He would have a familiar face in Lawrence on the defensive side of the ball to help assimilate quickly, and he would also be a nice boost to the young linebacker room without costing a fortune.

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