Duke Tobin Sends STRONG Message About Barrett Carter and Demetrus Knight Jr.

The Bengals didn't add a starting linebacker this offseason, opting to stick with Barrett Carter and Demetrius Knight Jr.

Did they make the right decision? Are they looking to add a linebacker before the start of the regular season?

Bengals Director of Player Personnel Duke Tobin joined the preseason television broadcast on Saturday night and shared a ringing endorsement for both Carter and Knight. He also made it clear that both players still have plenty to prove.

All Eyes on Carter and Knight

Barrett Carter, Demetrus Knight Jr. — Dec 28, 2025; Cincinnati, Ohio, USA; Cincinnati Bengals linebacker Demetrius Knight Jr. (44) and Cincinnati Bengals linebacker Barrett Carter (49) react after a play during the second half against the Arizona Cardinals at Paycor Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Joseph Maiorana-Imagn Images | IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect

Both Carter and Knight are resting on Saturday with their starting jobs set. Tobin made it clear the Bengals have seen everything they hoped to see from both players during training camp.

"They've commanded the defense is what we really wanted to see, and and they have taken those next steps," Tobin told Anthony Munoz and Mike Watts. "They've got to do it in the regular season. That that's what they've got to do. We believe in them. We think we got some guys behind them that have really taken a good step, throughout the course of this camp as well."

It's a ringing endorsement. Will it translate to the regular season? That's the question that both guys need to answer.

Tobin isn't alone. Ja'Marr Chase also praised the young linebackers this week.

Moving Faster

When asked about the young backers, Chase praised both guys.

"They've just been playing a little faster. As you can tell, they know what they're doing more," Chase said on Thursday. "And then last year, obviously, they were rookies coming in trying to learn and pick it up, and then they're captains of the defense, giving out the plays. So now they're more vocally leading. They're more confident calling the play. They're more confident running around, making plays. Their adjustments, and you can see it. They're having fun out there, screaming, and that's what you want from linebackers."

The Bengals' defense has improved in a major way this offseason. From Dexter Lawrence and Jonathan Allen to Bryan Cook and Kyle Dugger—they've added proven pieces that should make life easier on Knight, Carter and the rest of the defense.

Watch Tobin's full comments here.

Carter may end up becoming a captan. He's the leader in that linebacker room and on defense. He discussed his mindset, his rookie struggles and how he approached this offseason in June on First Word, Cincinnati's morning sports show. Watch the interview below and subscribe to the First Word YouTube channel here.

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