Cincinnati Bengals' Biggest Weakness? Linebackers Could Make Or Break The 2026 Season

The Cincinnati Bengals are entering 2026 training camp with Super Bowl expectations, but one position group could determine whether they compete for a championship or fall short once again: linebacker.

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On today's episode of Chatterbox Bengals, we break down the Bengals' linebacker room from top to bottom and explain why it remains the biggest question mark on the roster. Can Barrett Carter and Demetrius Knight Jr. make the massive Year 2 leap Cincinnati desperately needs, or did the Bengals make a mistake by not adding another proven starter this offseason?

We also discuss whether Duke Tobin, Zac Taylor, and Al Golden will eventually sign a veteran linebacker before Week 1. Is Bobby Wagner still a realistic option? How long will the Bengals stick with their young linebackers if they struggle during training camp or early in the regular season?

Plus, we examine the depth behind the starters, including Oren Burks, Joe Giles-Harris, Shaka Heyward, Maema Njongmeta, and the rest of Cincinnati's linebacker group. Is there enough talent to survive injuries, or is this still one of the weakest units in the NFL?

If the Bengals are going to return to the playoffs and compete for a Super Bowl with Joe Burrow, Ja'Marr Chase, Tee Higgins, and one of the NFL's best offenses, they cannot afford another season of poor linebacker play.

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Topics covered:

Cincinnati Bengals linebacker preview
Barrett Carter & Demetrius Knight Jr.
Bobby Wagner rumors
Bengals training camp
Bengals roster analysis
Joe Burrow & the Bengals defense
NFL news and Bengals updates