The Cincinnati Bengals will, without a doubt, attack the defensive side of the ball next offseason in free agency, the draft, on the waiver wire and through trades.
Any avenue, truly, to correct what is currently on pace to be the worst defense in NFL history.
When it comes to free agency, the Bengals have already been listed as fits for some of the top linebackers set to hit the open market.
Jacksonville Jaguars standout Devin Lloyd, the 27th pick in 2022, is the fifth-best projected free agent in 2026 by Bleacher Report’s Kristopher Knox, who lists the Bengals as the top fit:
“The 27-year-old has been all over the field this season, making impact plays as a run-stopper and coverage-backer. The elite athleticism that made him a first-round prospect has been on full display.”
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The Bengals also slot as the very top fit for Kansas City Chiefs linebacker Leo Chenal, the ninth-overall player on the free-agent board:
“Because he hasn’t been an every-down linebacker—even if the potential is there—Chenal may have a limited market and isn’t likely to land a top-of-the-market contract. His deal will probably come in significantly lower than teammate Nick Bolton’s recent three-year, $45 million deal. However, he will interest teams that need to improve their run defense.”
The Bengals have a glaring need at linebacker despite going all-in on rookies Demetrius Knight and Barrett Carter. They didn’t reinforce the spot with proper veteran depth and, paired with Logan Wilson asking his way out of town, have suffered the consequences.
There’s no guarantee Knight and Carter pan out over time, either. This all illustrates a problem, too: Chenal has played in the league for four seasons and is 25 years old. Knight just turned 25 years old as a rookie. He hasn’t been as pro-ready as the Bengals perhaps expected, so free agency adds will be a must.
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