The last year has done a number on the Cincinnati Bengals’ linebacker room. Oren Burks was signed as veteran depth. Barrett Carter and Demetrius Knight Jr. were drafted to eventually start as rookies. Germaine Pratt was released, and Logan Wilson was traded.

Carter and Knight aren’t going anywhere, but another veteran is likely to be joining Burks, or replacing him entirely. The Athletic’s Paul Dehner Jr. expects Cincinnati to target a backer who can double as a stand-up OLB you’d see in a traditional 3-4 defense.

“The linebacker position was a disaster last season. The Bengals started rookies Demetrius Knight Jr. and Barrett Carter and teams exposed them weekly. A concern was Cincinnati would feel the growing pains endured proved beneficial for development in 2026 and stick with the duo without significant additions. That wasn’t the response. Both de facto GM Duke Tobin and defensive coordinator Al Golden stressed adding an impact veteran. Golden specifically mentioned needing a linebacker with ability to rush and line up on the edge so Knight doesn’t have to play there out of position as he did too often last year. Look for that role to be targeted early in free agency.” — The Athletic’s Paul Dehner Jr.

It’s always notable when you have alignment from the personnel department and the coaching staff. The Bengals clearly want a veteran LB with off-ball and EDGE versatility.

Leo Chenal

Leo Chenal has played 1,786 total snaps over the last four seasons and three postseasons for the Kansas City Chiefs. 584 of those snaps have seen him drop down to the line of scrimmage on the edge. He’s been a consistent presence in Steve Spagnuolo’s defense over the last three years specifically, and has generated 44 pressures on 313 pass rushing snaps in that timeframe. He’s just 25 years of age, and tested like an elite athlete a few years ago. He should be their top target for this role if Cincy is wanting to offer a multi-year deal to fill this role.

Demario Davis

On the other side of the age spectrum, Demario Davis just turned 37 this offseason but is still playing like he’s 27. He’s only lined up on the edge about 9% of the time over the last five years, but he’s done it well in his extensive career. The former two-time Pro Bowler for the New Orleans Saints has been a durable force ever since he crossed over into his 30s. He not only still wants to play, but he wants to assume a leadership role within a defense in need of his services. He’s also played many years under Bengals LB coach Mike Hodges. Pretty clear fit on paper for a one-year deal.

Kaden Elliss

Another backer Hodges coached for the Saints, Kaden Elliss is turning 31 this offseason and is coming off a productive three-year stretch with the Atlanta Falcons. 22.7% of his snaps over the last three seasons have come off the edge, and for good reason. He’s produced 99 pressures and 12.5 sacks on 432 pass rushing snaps with the Falcons. It’s a disservice to not line him up on the edge. It would take a multi-year deal to sign him and the Bengals are very hesitant to do that with players over 30, but Elliss would fit like a glove for what they need.

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