Bengals defense in trouble after losing bidding war for All-Pro linebacker originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
The Cincinnati Bengals could win the Super Bowl if they only had to play offense.
Advertisement
Unfortunately for Zac Taylor and company, there is another side of the ball.
The Bengals’ defensive struggles are well-documented. Despite having Joe Burrow, Ja’Marr Chase, and Tee Higgins on offense, Cincy hasn’t made it to the playoffs since 2022.
The Bengals have ranked bottom 10 in yards allowed per game every year since 2022. They’ve parted ways with last year’s sack leader in Trey Hendrickson. If that wasn’t enough to damper spirits in the Queen City, more bad news has arrived late in the NFL offseason.
Cincinnati has needs all over its defense but linebacker is where it all starts.
Advertisement
The Bengals had a serious tackling issue last year. Jordyn Brooks, who played for Miami last season, led the league in tackles with 183. He was earned a spot on first-team All-Pro and in the Pro Bowl.
What Brooks also earned was a big payday. The former first round pick was set to be an unrestricted free agent next season. Miami was at a crossroads: Pay Brooks now or risk losing out on him when he hit the open market.
The Dolphins reportedly got a lot of calls about trades for Brooks. Bengals fans theorized (or hoped) that their team was one of the potential suitors. With Cincinnati’s needs on defense, Brooks would be a perfect fit.
MORE: How Bengals’ Myles Murphy has $20 million at risk for 2026 season
Advertisement
Much to the chagrin of Bengals fans, Brooks was signed to a 3-year, $51.3 million dollar deal. It was reported on Tuesday by Jordan Schultz.
Cincy’s faithful were in the comments of his post, mourning what could’ve been.
