Bengals' Top Need Is Position Group Picked Clean in Free Agency

Cincinnati's options at linebacker are limited after missing out on top free agents.

Mar. 14, 2026 at 9:05pm

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The Cincinnati Bengals have been active in free agency, adding defensive talent like safety Bryan Cook, defensive tackle Jonathan Allen, and edge rusher Boye Mafe. However, their top need remains at linebacker, a position that has been largely picked clean in the free agent market. With several top linebackers signing elsewhere, the Bengals are left with a limited pool of flawed second- and third-tier options to choose from.

Why it matters

The Bengals' inability to address the linebacker position in free agency could come back to haunt them. With young players like Demetrius Knight Jr. and Barrett Carter struggling as rookies, the team would benefit from adding a veteran presence to help lead the position group. However, the lack of top-tier free agent options makes it challenging for the Bengals to fill this critical need.

The details

According to reports, the Bengals failed to add any new linebackers despite 11 players at the position changing teams for between $6 million and $15 million per year. Their options are now limited to "flawed second- and third-tier" free agents, as top targets like Devin Lloyd, Quay Walker, Nakobe Dean, and Tremaine Edmunds have already signed elsewhere.

  • The Bengals have been active in free agency since the start of the new league year on March 15, 2026.

The players

Dalton Risner

An offensive lineman the Bengals have brought back for the 2026 season.

Josh Johnson

A quarterback the Bengals have added to their roster.

Bryan Cook

A safety the Bengals have signed in free agency.

Jonathan Allen

A defensive tackle the Bengals have added in free agency.

Boye Mafe

An edge rusher the Bengals have signed to a three-year, $60 million contract.

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What they’re saying

“Somehow, they failed to add anyone despite 11 linebackers changing teams for between $6 million and $15 million per year. There are flawed second- and third-tier options still available, but the position remains top of the list in the defensive rebuild.”

— Paul Dehner Jr., Reporter, The Athletic

What’s next

The Bengals will likely need to turn to the upcoming NFL Draft to address their linebacker needs, as the free agent market has been largely depleted at the position.

The takeaway

The Bengals' inability to add a veteran linebacker in free agency is a significant setback, as the position remains a top need heading into the draft. The team will have to hope they can find an impact player at linebacker through the draft, as the remaining free agent options are limited and flawed.