Bengals’ vote of confidence reaffirmed in linebackers Barrett Carter and Demetrius Knight

TL;DR

The Cincinnati Bengals have expressed confidence in linebackers Barrett Carter and Demetrius Knight Jr. by not selecting a linebacker in the recent NFL Draft, signaling trust in their development for the upcoming season.

Key points

Bengals express confidence in Barrett Carter and Demetrius Knight Jr.
No linebacker was drafted, signaling trust in current players.
Carter and Knight have potential for growth in their second NFL season.

Mentioned in this story

Germaine PrattDexter LawrenceAl GoldenZac TaylorDuke Tobin

Cincinnati BengalsDemetrius Knight Jr.Barrett Carter

Dec 28, 2025; Cincinnati, Ohio, USA; Cincinnati Bengals linebacker Demetrius Knight Jr. (44) and Cincinnati Bengals linebacker Barrett Carter (49) react after a play during the second half against the Arizona Cardinals at Paycor Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Joseph Maiorana-Imagn Images | Joseph Maiorana-Imagn Images The book isn’t closed yet on Barrett Carter and Demetrius Knight Jr. Not in the slightest. The two backers have each played only one season in the NFL. While their play last year may make it easy to give up on them, I’m here to tell you that I will not be. Carter and Knight playing well will make the 2026 Bengals that much better. You obviously want to see players do well if you’re a Bengals fan. Germaine Pratt was questionable with his performance as a rookie in 2019, and he eventually became a fan favorite from that point on. The same can happen for Carter and Knight. The Bengals sent a clear message to both Carter and Knight by not taking a linebacker in this weekend’s NFL Draft. If anything, it’s a message of confidence. “It definitely speaks volumes that they trust us, and they’re trying to see the vision with us,” Carter said to reporters on Monday. “I’m happy about that, but we’re confident if they brought in 10 linebackers. We’re confident if they didn’t bring in a linebacker. We’re just ready to keep going to work and keep building this foundation so that we’re playing next February.” Next February, a.k.a. Super Bowl LXI. Carter saying that could be a reflection of coming in and resetting the standards on both defense and the overall organization. “I believe it shows a level of trust,” Knight said. “But it also kicks us in the rear a little more knowing they trust us going into Year 2.” It’s a trust fostered by defensive coordinator Al Golden, head coach Zac Taylor, and director of player personnel Duke Tobin. All three of them have confidence in Carter and Knight, which is why they didn’t go in a different direction at linebacker in the NFL Draft. “I have real belief in the (linebackers) that we have,” Tobin told reporters on Monday. “They have full seasons under their belt. They have really good production for rookies, and they’re going to grow in our scheme, and they’re going to be really good players, and I think we have depth behind them.” We shall see.

Q&A

Why did the Bengals not draft a linebacker this year?

The Bengals chose not to draft a linebacker to show confidence in Barrett Carter and Demetrius Knight Jr., indicating they believe in their potential for growth.

What impact could Barrett Carter and Demetrius Knight have on the Bengals' 2026 season?

If Barrett Carter and Demetrius Knight perform well, they could significantly enhance the Bengals' defense and contribute to the team's success in the 2026 season.

Who are the key figures supporting Carter and Knight's development in the Bengals organization?

Defensive coordinator Al Golden, head coach Zac Taylor, and director of player personnel Duke Tobin are the key figures supporting the development of Barrett Carter and Demetrius Knight.

Bengals’ vote of confidence reaffirmed in linebackers Barrett Carter and Demetrius Knight

TL;DR

Key points

Q&A

Related Articles

Brighton set for first purpose-built stadium for women's football in UK and Europe

Stones to bring curtain down on ten-year City stay this summer

🇺🇸 Y! Sports AM: World Cup roster projections

Charles Oliveira gives honest take on Nate Diaz vs Mike Perry

“Not playing for that badge” – Former Aston Villa manager rips into Chelsea players

Just in – Mourinho is Real Madrid president’s favourite candidate to replace Arbeloa; has €3m break clause

More from Sports