Sometimes, what was once a promising NFL career can suddenly take a sharp turn, leaving fans and analysts wondering what went wrong. And this is precisely the case with Logan Wilson, the Bengals linebacker who once seemed destined for stardom but now finds himself on the sidelines in a surprising role. But here’s where it gets controversial—how did a player who played such a pivotal role for Cincinnati suddenly become a backup on kickoff coverage?
There was a time when Logan Wilson was regarded as one of the most reliable and impactful defenders on the Bengals roster. His performance in recent seasons earned him a second contract extension in the summer of 2023, a clear vote of confidence from the team that he was an essential part of their defensive plans.
Fast forward to the recent Week 6 game, and the picture looks quite different. In Cincinnati’s 27-18 defeat to the Green Bay Packers, Wilson was benched in the second half, replaced by rookie Barrett Carter, a fourth-round pick who’s still developing. The most startling part? Wilson was seen on kickoff coverage duty—an assignment typically reserved for special teams players, not someone considered a cornerstone of the defense.
This shift is hard to ignore, especially for a linebacker who once shined brightly in the 2021 season, intercepting four passes during the regular season and making a crucial pick in the postseason that helped set up the Bengals’ game-winning drive in the divisional round against Tennessee. The following year, he made a game-changing play by stripping Ravens quarterback Tyler Huntley, leading to a memorable touchdown run by Sam Hubbard, affectionately known as the “Hubbard Yard Dash.”
Since those peak moments, however, Wilson’s role has noticeably diminished. The player who was once a defensive stalwart and a key part of Cincinnati’s front seven now finds himself primarily on special teams—something that raises questions about his future with the team. Based on comments from head coach Zac Taylor after the game, it seems this reduced role could stick around for the foreseeable future.
For now, it looks like Barrett Carter, the promising rookie, will continue to see increased playing time at linebacker, showcasing flashes of potential that could eventually make him a regular in the defense. Meanwhile, Wilson’s involvement appears limited to special teams coverage units.
The real question remains: what’s next for Logan Wilson? Will he find a way to reclaim his spot on the field, or is this the beginning of a new chapter where his role is primarily special teams? And perhaps more provocatively—does this shift reflect broader trends in NFL team dynamics, where even proven stars can be sidelined in favor of younger talent? What do you think—has Wilson’s decline been a case of injury, scheme changes, or simply the natural evolution of a player’s career? Share your thoughts and opinions below.
