During the 2025 season, the Cincinnati Bengals defense struggled as they allowed the third-most points in the NFL. They allowed over 30 points in seven different games, going 1-6 in those games. Prior to the season, the team had placed an emphasis on improving their defense as they finished as a bottom-10 unit in 2024, which resulted in defensive coordinator Lou Anarumo getting fired.

Now, heading into the 2026 NFL league year, the emphasis is once again on improving the Bengals’ defense. With over $50 million in available cap space, and plan on being aggressive. A to Z Sports Bengals writer John Sheeran said, “The Bengals are expected to be active in the free agent safety market.”

A former member of the Bengals defense has become available after getting waived by the Dallas Cowboys.

Former Bengals Linebacker Waived

Dallas Cowboys writer Patrik Walker reported that the Cowboys had waived linebacker Logan Wilson. The Bengals traded Wilson to Dallas during the 2025 season after the linebacker requested a trade because his role on the team was reduced. In exchange for Wilson, the Bengals received a seventh-round pick. Wilson started only one game for the Cowboys this season, while appearing in seven total games.

Wilson was a key member of the Bengals defense when the team made their two deep playoff runs in the 2021 and 2022 seasons. He started 65 games over a six-year period for Cincinnati. After a strong 2024 season, in which he was rated as the fifth-best run defender among linebackers by Pro Football Focus, Wilson declined and graded as a below-average linebacker in both run and pass defense.

Despite a diminished role during the 2025 season, head coach Zac Taylor praised Wilson’s leadership. He said, “He’s done a great job with the young linebackers. He’s continued to be in a leadership role in our team. I know that this situation, it can be difficult and challenging. Just keep focusing on being here, working for us, trying to find ways to win.”

Potential Option at Linebacker for the Cincinnati Bengals

Due to Wilson’s 2025 season with Cincinnati, a reunion does not seem likely. However, going after a free agent linebacker does make sense for the Bengals. Bleacher Report’s Alex Kay made the connection between Cincinnati and free agent All-Pro linebacker Devin Lloyd.

Kay wrote, “The Bengals can’t afford to miss out on a linebacker of Lloyd’s caliber. The organization has been squandering a Super Bowl window with a peak Joe Burrow leading elite offenses largely due to defensive ineptitude. Lloyd would be a massive upgrade to Cincy’s linebacking corps. The team struggled to get worthwhile production from the position last year, relying on overmatched rookies in Barrett Carter and Demetrius Knight Jr. to play sizable roles.

With Lloyd excelling in both coverage and against the run last year, he’s proven to be the type of do-it-all talent that the Bengals desperately need to bolster their defense.”

With the Jaguars having the third-least cap space in the NFL, Lloyd hitting the free agent market seems like a real possibility for the Bengals.