In recent rankings of the NFL’s top 10 off-ball linebackers for 2026, no Bengals player appeared. The omission extends beyond the top-10 list, as Cincinnati did not place anyone among the honorable mentions or additional players receiving votes in the executives, coaches, and scouts survey. This snapshot highlights the challenge facing Barrett Carter and Demetrius Knight Jr. as they enter what will be their second season after difficult rookie campaigns. The pressure is on them to demonstrate legitimate year-two improvements.
Last season, Cincinnati finished 6-11 and allowed 492 points, the third-most in the NFL. The concerning defensive numbers have put a spotlight on the team’s youthful linebacking corps, though the duo has shown traditional signs of potential. Carter earned his way into the starting lineup midseason, starting the final 12 games. He notched 102 defensive tackles, four passes defensed, and one interception, finishing third among all rookies in tackles. Knight contributed 55 solo tackles, three sacks, two interceptions, and a forced fumble. His best performance came late in the year, posting an 80.7 PFF grade against the Arizona Cardinals in Week 17, a standout compared to his earlier games where his marks lagged behind.
Despite these flashes, the full-season evaluation by PFF painted a grimmer picture. The Bengals’ linebacker group ranked last in the NFL with a 34.4 overall grade. Knight finished with a 40.2 grade (83rd among 88 qualified linebackers), while Carter posted a 39.5 (85th). The analysis also noted that both players missed a notable portion of tackle attempts and were targeted successfully enough to yield high passer ratings when quarterbacks threw in their direction.
The upper echelon of linebackers in the league is known for players who can diagnose plays, cover space effectively, and stabilize the middle of the defense. Cincinnati’s current starters have yet to consistently demonstrate these capabilities at a high level. The Bengals’ approach suggests a preference for development over another complete overhaul at the position. Last season’s strategy leaned into Carter and Knight, with Carter assuming a leadership role as the defensive play-caller after taking over the defensive green-dot helmet and with Logan Wilson moved at the trade deadline. Cincinnati has stuck with this plan, keeping both second-year players at the top of the depth chart entering training camp.
There is a practical path forward: improved play from the defensive line could reduce the burden on the linebackers by keeping blockers away from Carter and Knight and creating cleaner opportunities to pursue the ball. Still, both players must elevate their tackling technique and coverage execution. The ESPN omission from the off-ball linebacker ranking provides a realistic view of the position’s status as camp opens: patience is warranted, and the goal should be for one of the young linebackers to emerge as a dependable three-down contributor who can help manage in-game communication and limit mistakes.
Cincinnati has actually improved the surrounding talent, which should help the linebackers develop. The next stage must come from the two middle defenders themselves. If Carter can translate his midseason role into consistent high-level play and Knight can maintain and extend his late-season momentum, there is a clear path toward a more complete, reliable unit. Achieving that would not only raise the Bengals’ overall defense but also boost the confidence in a young group tasked with anchoring the middle of the field for years to come.
In summary, the Bengals are betting on development rather than a quick overhaul at linebacker. With Carter and Knight entering another season, the team is hopeful that improved front-line play and continued growth from its young talents will yield a more cohesive and effective middle defense. If they can show consistent tackling, smart coverage, and reliable communication, Cincinnati could transform a notable weakness into a real strength over the course of the season.
