The Bengals are waiting to get Vontaze Burfict back from suspension and Preston Brown back from injury, but in the meantime they are hurting at linebacker. Even when the pair returns, the team could use more talent and speed at the position. At this point in the year, the linebackers who are available in free agency are older than is ideal, less experienced than is would be preferred, or come with some other baggage.
The Bengals worked out at least nine players last week, but none of the reported workouts were with linebackers.