The Cincinnati Bengals are on the verge of solidifying their defense as they contemplate adding veteran linebacker Bobby Wagner, aiming to bolster their roster ahead of a championship push.
Why it matters: The Bengals have made strides in improving their defense this offseason but still face uncertainties at linebacker. Adding Wagner could provide the experience and stability needed to contend for the 2027 Super Bowl.
The Bengals addressed several defensive needs this offseason, yet linebacker remains a major question mark.
Director of Player Personnel Duke Tobin and the coaching staff believe in second-year players Demetrius Knight Jr. and Barrett Carter, but both struggled as rookies.
According to Pro Football Focus, Knight ranked 83rd and Carter 85th among qualifying linebackers last season.
Driving the news: Wagner, a 10-time Pro Bowler and six-time First-Team All-Pro, is available after the Washington Commanders signed Leo Chenal. His addition could be the final piece the Bengals need.
In 2025, Wagner logged 79 solo tackles, ranking tied for fifth in the NFL, along with 4.5 sacks and two interceptions.
At 35, Wagner continues to produce at a high level, offering leadership and versatility that the Bengals' young defense needs.
His presence could help develop Knight and Carter, allowing them to learn from one of the most instinctive linebackers in NFL history.
State of play: The Bengals have limited salary cap space after accounting for their draft class, complicating any potential move for Wagner.
Any signing would likely require roster cuts or a contract restructure, potentially involving quarterback Joe Burrow.
Burrow's contract runs through the 2029 season, with void years in 2030, 2031, and 2032 already in place.
Bobby Okereke is considered too expensive at a market value of $12.13 million per year, narrowing the linebacker options.
The big picture: The Bengals' offseason has been historic, with key additions aimed at addressing weaknesses. Wagner could be the finishing touch.
Wagner's experience could stabilize the middle of the defense, which struggled with communication and consistency last season.
With a strong supporting cast, the Bengals could become serious contenders for the 2027 Super Bowl.
Bringing in Wagner would improve the immediate prospects and help develop the next generation of linebackers.
What they're saying: Analysts believe Wagner's addition makes sense for both parties, providing a chance for him to compete for another title.
“It’d make sense for the Bengals to pounce,” CBS Sports' Tyler Sullivan said about Wagner possibly joining Cincinnati.
“This pairing would give him a good shot at a deep playoff run with Joe Burrow as his quarterback.”
Experts agree that Wagner's leadership could make an immediate impact, helping younger players grow.
By the numbers: Wagner's statistics highlight his continued effectiveness as a linebacker.
He recorded 107 solo tackles and 162 total tackles in 2025, alongside 20 quarterback pressures and only eight missed tackles.
His Pro Football Focus grade was 78.6, ranking him ninth among 88 qualifying linebackers.
Wagner's Spotrac valuation for 2026 stands at $7.68 million, with a 2025 salary cap hit of $9 million.
Between the lines: The Bengals' linebacker situation is precarious, relying heavily on untested players.
Behind Knight and Carter, the depth chart includes Oren Burks, who ranked last among qualifiers, and other inexperienced players like Shaka Heyward and Joe Giles-Harris.
Heyward participated in only 48 defensive snaps throughout his career, indicating a lack of experience.
Giles-Harris has seen limited action since entering the league in 2019, playing only 204 of his 257 career defensive snaps in 2020.
Yes, but: Some analysts caution against solely relying on Wagner to solve the Bengals' linebacker dilemma.
Wagner, though productive, is nearing the end of his career, and questions remain about his long-term impact.
Other potential signings, like Elandon Roberts and Shaq Thompson, offer different skill sets but may not provide the same level of experience.
Thompson, who played just six games combined in 2023 and 2024 due to injuries, raises concerns about reliability.
What's next: The Bengals must navigate their salary cap constraints to make a move for Wagner feasible.
Any signing will likely involve restructuring contracts or making difficult roster decisions.
As the offseason progresses, the Bengals will need to finalize their roster before training camp begins.
With the right moves, Cincinnati could emerge as a top contender in the upcoming season and beyond.