The Bengals have decisions to make with the linebacker room during free agency. Some spice got added to those discussions last week when the Rams and All-Pro linebacker parted ways.
CBS Sports thinks the Bengals are the best destination for Wagner if they can figure out the money. “Wagner wants to play for a title-contending team, and the Bengals are coming off consecutive AFC title game appearances,” Bryan Deardo wrote.
“Cincinnati, led by Pro Bowl quarterback Joe Burrow, is expected to contend for a Super Bowl again in 2023. Wagner would serve as the perfect replacement for Germaine Pratt, who is expected to depart in free agency.
“Money is the biggest roadblock between Wagner possibly signing with Cincinnati. The Bengals have cap space, but they expect to use most of it on re-signing Burrow, Ja’Marr Chase, and (down the road) Tee Higgins.
Wagner would have to take considerably less than his market value in order for this to happen.” Wagner’s consistency is incredible. He’s made first or second-team All-Pro in nine consecutive seasons after earning second-team honors in 2022.
He was one of PFF’s top linebackers, boasting a 90.7 overall grade last season. Wagner is far from washed up, making a cheap deal seem unlikely. Will he prioritize winning over one last payday? That’s the big question as Cincinnati decides what to do with Germaine Pratt’s expired contract and Logan Wilson’s looming extension.
