The Bengals’ second-year linebacker Logan Wilson will miss significant time with a shoulder injury. Wilson was playing very well in his sophomore season, collecting four interceptions, 92 combined tackles and a sack.
If the Bengals want another linebacker to eat up tackles and sacrifice his interception numbers a bit in favor of quarterback pressure, then Cunningham is the man for the job. He led the entire NFL in tackles in 2020 and has 67 through 10 games played in 2021. Cunningham makes sense for a roller coaster-esque Cincinnati team searching for consistency.
An AFC North rival of the Bengals could also use Cunningham. The Ravens are completely decimated by injuries this season, most notably to the running back and defensive back positions. While they are still one of the best teams in terms of run defense, they need help in coverage.
Adding yet another linebacker to the fold may seem like Baltimore is tinkering with a position that does not need fixed, Cunningham is actually a more-than-acceptable cover linebacker. If he can come in to cover tight ends in the passing game, then their make-shift cornerback room can focus on just taking care of their receivers. It could be a worthwhile move.
The Chargers may make the most sense out of any of these teams. Los Angeles is abysmal against the run this year, despite landing a head coach that coordinated the number one defense in the NFL in 2020 (Brandon Staley with the Rams). A linebacker like Cunningham could stop the bleeding a bit in that sense.
Again, the NFL’s 2020 leader in tackles is officially on the board. His numbers have clearly declined a bit in 2021, but he was not happy in Houston and earned himself a benching for it. It can be assumed that Cunningham will be happier with a defensive coach like Staley who will commit to him helping a unit that needs all it can get. His numbers should rise in a situation like that.
The Rams are on this list purely for their commitment to going all-in this season. They have already acquired Von Miller and Odell Beckham, Jr. this year and grabbing even more help cannot be ruled out.
If Miller’s performance is not ruled as up to the Rams’ expectations, then what would be the problem with bringing in another sure-tackling linebacker as a little extra boost? Fit wise, it may not make the most sense for the team, but do not be surprised if the Rams take Cunningham “just because.”
Featured image courtesy of Michael Hickey/Getty Images
You can “Like” The Game Haus on Facebook and “Follow” us on Twitter for more sports and esports articles from other great TGH writers along with Ben!
“From Our Haus to Yours“
Players must be 21 years of age or older or reach the minimum age for gambling in their respective state and located in jurisdictions where online gambling is legal. Please play responsibly. Bet with your head, not over it. If you or someone you know has a gambling problem, and wants help, call or visit: (a) the Council on Compulsive Gambling of New Jersey at 1-800-Gambler or www.800gambler.org; or (b) Gamblers Anonymous at 855-2-CALL-GA or www.gamblersanonymous.org.
