The Cincinnati Bengals entered the 2026 offseason with a clear mission: fix a defense that held back an otherwise Super Bowl-caliber roster. While Joe Burrow and the offense are primed for a championship run, the defense—a glaring weakness in 2025—has undergone a major makeover. But as ESPN’s Ben Solak points out, the unit’s success hinges on two players who could make or break the season.

“Can the Bengals’ linebackers answer the call?” Solak writes. “The table has been set for them to rise to the challenge. It’s hard to see the Bengals’ defense taking a leap if someone in this linebacker unit doesn’t take it individually.”

That’s a tough question for fans to hear, especially given the high hopes for 2026. The Bengals didn’t bring in a proven veteran to stabilize the linebacker corps. Instead, they’re banking on development from 2025 draft picks Demetrius Knight Jr. and Barrett Carter, both of whom struggled in their rookie season. If one of them doesn’t step up, the defense could face the same issues that plagued it last year.

It’s not all doom and gloom, though. The Bengals have made some strong moves elsewhere: Bryan Cook bolsters the safety position, Dexter Lawrence and Jonathan Allen anchor the defensive line, and edge rushers Boye Mafe and Cashius Howell add pressure off the edge. That’s a much-improved supporting cast compared to 2025.

But in football, a defense is only as strong as its middle. If neither Knight nor Carter takes a leap, the Bengals could be left wondering what might have been. For now, all eyes are on these two young linebackers to prove they’re ready for the spotlight. The 2026 season might just depend on it.