With the 2026 NFL Draft in the rearview, the Bengals' roster built for a Super Bowl is on a run. But the lack of a veteran linebacker remains one of the missing pieces in their defensive puzzle. As the decision keeps the door open, Bobby Wagner's name is trending.

“After the Commanders selected Sonny Styles in the first round, a return to Washington may not be in the cards for Bobby Wagner, and it'd make sense for the Bengals to pounce,” wrote CBS Sports’ Tyler Sullivan.

Last year, he re-signed with the Commanders. But he entered this season as a free agent. Now that the Commanders signed Leo Chenal to a three-year deal in free agency, the chances of his return to Washington are low.

So, he emerged as a strong post-draft fit for Cincinnati. Signing him could fill the need to lead a young unit through a deep playoff push.

The Bengals now rely on younger players like Demetrius Knight Jr. and Barrett Carter. This enhances the need for Wagner, who can also provide depth and stability at the position.

Cincinnati’s defensive philosophy relies on disciplined gap integrity. Even though Wagner must be 35-years-old, he remains one of the league's best run-stoppers.

According to Pro Football Focus, Wagner held a strong 78.6 defensive grade in 2025. The stats proved his football IQ and tackling mechanics have not lost a step.

By bringing him into Lou Anarumo’s scheme, Wagner provides the "green dot" leadership. The move would push the team from rebuilding mode into a win-now situation.

“For Wagner, this pairing would make sense not only from a need standpoint, but the linebacker would also give himself a good shot at a deep playoff run with Joe Burrow as his quarterback, giving him possibly one last kick at the can for another Super Bowl title,” Sullivan further wrote.

Even at age 35, Wagner remained highly productive, finishing the 2025 season with 79 solo tackles, 4.5 sacks, and two interceptions for the Washington Commanders.

This move perfectly fits the team's post-draft salary cap plan. Wagner holds a projected one-year market value of $7.7 million. He could be a low-cost backup plan if the rookie struggles.

How Bobby Wagner’s 2025 Numbers Stack Up Against Other Free-Agent Linebackers

When looking at the remaining pool of veteran linebackers, Wagner's profile remains an exception. His 162 tackles in 2025 placed him among the league’s top performers, outperforming many other players in total defensive stops.

While Bobby Okereke is still a free agent, his stats are not near Wagner’s. The former New York Giants linebacker came up with 143 total tackles last season.

Thus, Wagner might be sought by other teams as well like the Dallas Cowboys. With Dee Winters, DeMarvion Overshown, and Jaishawn Barham on the roster, Dallas has plenty of speed and athleticism at linebacker.

What’s missing is a vocal leader who can anchor the defense from the middle, a role Wagner has been connected to for years.

Share your thoughts on Wagner being the missing puzzle for the Browns’ defense.

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Written by

Debanjali Rakshit

Edited by

Soheli Tarafdar