The Cincinnati Bengals entered free agency interested in signing a linebacker, and their options are now rather limited as the two-day negotiating window comes to a close.

Not only are top options like Devin Lloyd and Devin Bush off the board, ideal fits such as Leo Chenal and Kaden Elliss have also found new teams. Chenal and Elliss specifically were pegged as players who fit what defensive coordinator Al Golden was looking for in a complementary backer next to Barrett Carter and Demetrius Knight Jr.

They’re no longer available, and the pivot should be made with haste. Here are the best LBs remaining for Cincinnati to sign.

Dre Greenlaw and Bobby Okereke are the cap casualties to note

Dre Greenlaw and Bobby Okereke aren’t yet available yet, but they are set to be released Wednesday afternoon at the official start of free agency. Greenlaw was a standout starter for the San Francisco 49ers for several years before a torn Achilles in Super Bowl LVIII. He also suffered a quad injury last year that took him out for the first half of his lone season with the Denver Broncos. If the Bengals are comfortable with his medical, a one-year deal makes sense.

Okereke has been a more durable player in his career that’s spanned the same number of years as Greenlaw’s, but experienced a drop-off in play last year for the New York Giants and is set to hit the market because of that. The past tape is at least promising, and at this stage of the game, that risk is an unfortunate norm to accept.

Lavonte David and Bobby Wagner are somehow still playing football

If the Bengals really want to go for name recognition (they rarely do), Lavonte David and Bobby Wagner would be the “splashes.” David took a notable step back last year and has missed tackles at an alarming rate since 2024. His best days are definitely behind him, and it may be difficult to find a suitable role for him at this stage in his career.

Wagner on the other hand was still very good in 2025 in all areas aside from coverage. He’s still a quality tackler and blitzer who can get home. I’m not sure how he’s still at this level at 35 years old, but Cincinnati could do far worse at this point.

Devin White has pedigree and a Joe Burrow connection on his side

Devin White has not had a career you’d expect a fifth-overall NFL Draft pick to have had, and that’s why he’s searching for his third team in as many years. He’s not an asset against the run or in coverage, but he does have pass rushing production as a blitzer with 172 pressures and 25.5 career sacks. Plus, he was LSU’s starting MIKE backer the first year Joe Burrow went down to the Baton Rouge in 2018. The two challenged each other as leaders that season, and White gained much respect for Burrow in the process. Maybe that connection helps him find a new job.

Reuniting with Akeem Davis-Gaither can’t be dismissed outright

Finally, how about someone drafted by the Bengals when Golden was first here as the LB coach? Davis-Gaither left Cincy last year for a two-year, $11 million deal with the Arizona Cardinals and has already been released this month. His deal was more expensive than Cincy was willing to pay last year, but now that he’s available again, they could get him for cheaper. He’s always had pass rushing capabilities, and they could finally be unleashed in a return to his original team.

Cincinnati Bengals News

Anonymous NFL GM predicts the worst case scenario happening for Bengals following Ravens backing out of Maxx Crosby trade

Trey Hendrickson could be back in the AFC North.

John Sheeran