LB

Yes, linebacker play improved down the stretch once the team cut Preston Brown. But Nick Vigil is a free agent and doubling-down on his play remaining at that improved level isn’t wise, just like banking on Preston Brown after a bad season wasn’t wise. That doesn’t mean don’t bring him back, but don’t only rely on him, either. Rookie Germaine Pratt showed serious promise down the stretch too but the same logic applies. The Bengals have had problems for years finding and developing modern hybrid linebackers who can do it all. Now is the offseason to fix it before the unit collapses again.