In a move that has sent shockwaves through the NFL, the Cincinnati Bengals have benched defensive stalwart Logan Wilson, sparking a heated debate among fans and analysts alike. But here's where it gets controversial: Is this a bold step toward the future, or a risky gamble that could backfire? ESPN’s Ben Baby, a seasoned journalist with a knack for uncovering the stories behind the stats, dives into the details of this surprising decision.
On Sunday, the Bengals officially sidelined veteran linebacker Logan Wilson in favor of rookie Barrett Carter. While both players technically started in the team’s loss to the Green Bay Packers, Wilson was notably absent from two-linebacker sets and played only a single defensive snap in the second half—a kneel-down in the final minute. This shift wasn’t sudden; it had been brewing for weeks, with hints of change emerging earlier in the season. For instance, during the Week 3 loss to the Minnesota Vikings, Wilson was benched in favor of Carter, ostensibly to give the sixth-year veteran a breather. And this is the part most people miss: That move wasn’t just about rest—it signaled uncertainty about Wilson’s future with the team.
When asked if he believed he was still performing at a starting level, Wilson replied, ‘I felt like I was, but obviously [Bengals coach] Zac [Taylor] felt otherwise.’ Since being drafted in 2020, Wilson has been a cornerstone of Cincinnati’s defense, starting since 2021 and currently in the midst of a four-year, $36 million contract. Despite the benching, Wilson expressed no ill will toward Carter, a fourth-round pick from Clemson, and acknowledged the decision was finalized early last week.
Against the Packers, Carter played all 61 defensive snaps, while Wilson was limited to just 20%. The Bengals’ 27-18 defeat marked their fourth straight loss, prompting Coach Taylor to double down on the rookie. ‘Anytime you put a rookie out there, there’s an element of risk,’ Taylor said. ‘But I felt he’s shown enough to continue working through it. We’re going to see constant improvement every single game.’
Carter, for his part, remains focused on helping the team break their losing streak. He also emphasized his respect for Wilson, saying, ‘No matter what the coaches decide, we both love each other. We both go to war with each other.’
Here’s the bold question: Is benching a proven veteran like Wilson for an unproven rookie a strategic masterstroke or a recipe for disaster? As the Bengals navigate this transition, one thing is clear: the stakes are higher than ever. What do you think? Is this the right move for Cincinnati’s future, or should they have stuck with experience? Let us know in the comments below!
