Will Bengals Sign, Trade or Stand Pat at Linebacker: First Word Debate

The Cincinnati Bengals have made major changes to their defense this offseason, but one question remains: should they add another linebacker? James Rapien, Marisa Contipello and Jacob Tissot debate whether the Bengals should sign a veteran free agent, explore a trade, or stand pat with their current linebacker room. They break down the team's confidence in its young players, potential targets that could make sense and what Cincinnati's front office might be thinking as training camp approaches. Do the Bengals have enough at linebacker to compete for a Super Bowl, or is another move necessary? Wake up with First Word, Cincinnati’s ONLY morning sports show! Start your morning with James Rapien every weekday from 7–11am ET. First Word brings you everything you need to know about the Cincinnati Bengals, Cincinnati Reds, and the entire Cincinnati sports scene. Marisa Contipelli and Jacob Tissot join Rapien daily with insight, analysis, interviews, and conversations you won’t get anywhere else. 📺 LIVE Monday–Friday | 7–11am ET ▶️ Watch on YouTube + RESN 📡 RESN: 19.3 OTA | altafiber 253 | Spectrum 999 (Ohio) Miss the show live? Subscribe and catch every episode, interview, reaction, and breaking news update on demand. Follow us everywhere: @FirstWordCincy