The Cincinnati Bengals have already made a lot of progress on fixing their defense this offseason. Key additions in free agency and the NFL Draft addressed several weaknesses, but they may still be one move away from becoming one of the top contenders for the 2027 Super Bowl .

One of the biggest questions the Bengals still have on their roster is the linebacker room. Although the front office has expressed confidence in Barrett Carter and Demetrius Knight Jr., the duo remains largely unproven at the NFL level, making it difficult to rely on them as the foundation of a defense with championship expectations.

That uncertainty is exactly why adding a veteran presence makes sense.…