Duke Tobin explains why Bengals didn't draft or sign a linebacker

The Bengals are betting on their young linebackers to make a big jump in Year 2. It’s one of the main reasons why the franchise didn’t feel a desperate need to add a veteran in free agency or draft another young player at the position.

It’s certainly a risk but one the Bengals feel comfortable with from top to bottom.

“They have full seasons under their belt,” Tobin said. “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. Doesn't mean we won't look. We're always looking. This is a 12-month thing. This isn't just a two-month thing, but in these two months, the opportunity wasn't there to add to that group, and we accept that because we have guys that we believe in there."

Carter and Knight are present for Cincinnati’s voluntary offseason. Both players understand the importance of soaking up every moment provided for them to improve.

And while Knight and Carter would have welcomed a new teammate to their room, the decision to not was certainly noted.

“It definitely speaks volumes that they trust us and they're trying to see the vision with us,” Carter said on April 28.

The Bengals could still add a veteran linebacker at some point before the season begins. It’s unlikely a proven veteran will be added given the Bengals’ salary cap restraints at the moment, though. In order to free up cap space, Cincinnati would need to be creative with how it does so.

Regardless, the front office and coaching staff sent a message with their actions to this point. Cincinnati is riding with Knight and Carter as their core linebackers for the upcoming season.

That decision comes with plenty of responsibility and criticism, and the Bengals’ young linebackers say they believe they are up to the challenge. Only time will tell if the Bengals’ gamble works out.

“There's a ton of talk, but we don't look at it just because it can be hit or miss,” Knight said. “It can be comments out there that bring you up, and then two comments later, it brings you down. That's what this sport is. People have their opinions and bring them on. We don't read them for mental health reasons, but it's a building block you know, we know what we need to work on.”

This article originally appeared on Cincinnati Enquirer: Duke Tobin explains why Bengals didn't draft or sign a linebacker