We all know what the Bengals' roster situation was heading into this year; it was very much a case of keeping the offense and changing the defense. The front office aggressively did this, as they added several quality pieces, including Dexter Lawrence, who has already been dominant in training camp.
However, there were big question marks at linebacker, as Barrett Carter and Demetrius Knight Jr. both struggled last year, and they remain the starting duo under Al Golden.
Several names have been mentioned as potential targets, such as Jordyn Brooks from the Dolphins or free agent Bobby Wagner, but the Bengals look to be sticking with their guys.
Carter and Knight are really impressing in training camp
If you asked any NFL analyst, they would all probably say that linebacker is still the big weakness for Cincy, but, it seems like the narrative has begun to change.
Both Carter and Knight Jr have really impressed so far in training camp, specifically Carter, who has been seen making several picks, potentially en route to becoming a bit of a ball hawk.
Zac Taylor spoke about the duo's year-two leap in a press conference recently, and it very much echoes the sentiment that the Bengals won't and don't need to sign a new linebacker. "They're just a lot more comfortable. Now, with a year under their belts, they're playing a lot faster; their recognition comes much quicker.
" I just think their play speed and their football intelligence have increased, and that's what you see from really quality linebackers in this league."Zac Taylor
What should the Bengals do?
So, now that Knight Jr and Carter are making really good progress, and silencing the critics, is that job done for the Bengals, probably...but maybe it shouldn't be.
The second-year duo are still inexperienced in the NFL even after a year, and even if they are playing well enough to be good starters now, there is still the debate as to whether Cincy should bring in a veteran.
Think about it: if they are making this much progress after one year, think about what adding an experienced quality linebacker could do for them as someone to learn from. It brings us back to one name. Wagner would add some much-needed depth; he would certainly make an impact in games, but he could also help Knight Jr and Carter become real studs. It should still be on the cards.
Add us as a preferred source on Google