Cincinnati Bengals linebacker group ranked near bottom of NFL

The Cincinnati Bengals face scrutiny regarding their off-ball linebacker group, which ESPN’s Mike Clay ranked 29th in the NFL heading into the 2026 season. This ranking follows a defensive performance in 2025 that placed the team near the bottom of the league.

While the Bengals are banking on second-year players Demetrius Knight Jr. and Barrett Carter to improve, efficiency metrics remain a concern. According to Pro Football Focus (PFF) grades from 2025, Knight ranked 83rd among 88 qualifying linebackers, while Carter ranked 85th. Veteran Oren Burks also struggled, finishing 88th in the same category.