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Cincinnati Bengals: Free agent linebacker options for 2020

By Blake Jewell

CINCINNATI, OHIO - DECEMBER 15: Jamie Collins Sr. #58 of the New England Patriots tackles Joe Mixon #28 of the Cincinnati Bengals during the first half in the game at Paul Brown Stadium on December 15, 2019 in Cincinnati, Ohio. (Photo by Bobby Ellis/Getty Images)
CINCINNATI, OHIO - DECEMBER 15: Jamie Collins Sr. #58 of the New England Patriots tackles Joe Mixon #28 of the Cincinnati Bengals during the first half in the game at Paul Brown Stadium on December 15, 2019 in Cincinnati, Ohio. (Photo by Bobby Ellis/Getty Images) /
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Linebackers are a need for the Bengals going into the 2020 season. There will be some options available in free agency this offseason. Here are some potential signings Cincinnati could make.

Jamie Collins, OLB

Jamie Collins could be the best option on this list. The Patriots linebacker is great in coverage, which is exactly what the Bengals need. Collins finished the regular season with 81 tackles, seven sacks, and three interceptions. Besides his coverage abilities, Collins is also productive in the pass rush as well as stopping the run. A very balanced linebacker with a specialty in coverage would improve the Bengals defense. Collins can be that guy.

Joe Schobert, OLB

The Browns have made little effort to extend the star linebacker, and are willing to let him walk in free agency, Mary Kay Cabot of Cleveland.com reports. Schobert is 26 years old and received Pro Bowl honors in 2017. Schobert finished the 2019 season with 133 tackles, two sacks, four interceptions and two forced fumbles. This would be a huge upgrade for the Bengals at outside linebacker.

Cory Littleton, ILB

Another 26 year old linebacker, Littleton of the L.A. Rams is reliable in the middle of the defense.  More specifically, he is a 2018 Pro Bowler and 2nd team All-Pro. With 134 tackles, 3.5 sacks, two interceptions and two forced fumbles in 2019, Littleton can help the Bengals stop the run as well as add some support to the pass rush.

Kyle Van Noy, OLB

Outside linebacker is more of a need than middle linebacker with Bengals rookie Germaine Pratt showing promise. A veteran like New England’s Kyle Van Noy would add much needed experience to the linebacker group. With the chance of drafting another linebacker this offseason,  adding a two time Super Bowl champion like Van Noy to help the younger linebackers could be huge for the team moving forward.

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Bud Dupree, OLB

Dupree is a 3-4 linebacker with 11.5 sacks this season for the Pittsburgh Steelers. Even though the Bengals run a 4-3, Dupree can add to the Bengals pass rush at OLB as well as adding run support. 26 year old Dupree can be a slightly cheaper option than the others, but his style of play doesn’t necessarily fit the Bengals defense. Regardless of scheme fit, he would be an upgrade at OLB.

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