Bengals Free Agency Thoughts and Potential Draft Choices

I will be the first to tell you that the Bengals have not done enough so far this offseason. There are still some holes in the defense that can be addressed before the draft. The best free agents at the positions of need are all signed, but there are still players who add value available. I believe the Bengals need to add another Edge, a Cornerback, and another Defensive Tackle. 

The Bengals addressed possibly the biggest need on the team, safety. The Bengals signed Bryan Cook to a 3 year / 40.25 million dollar deal. The tackling, or lack of, coming out of the safety position last season was the biggest issue with the defense. Signing Cook not only addressed the issue, but completely puts that issue to bed in my mind. Geno Stone missed 23 tackles in 2025 with the most memorable being against the Bears. Cook only missed 5 tackles in 2025 and 6 in 2024. Clear upgrade. Bengals get younger and better at safety heading into the draft. I think the next time the Bengals front office brings up the safety position is on draft night. Ideally the Bengals draft Caleb Downs at 10 and firm up the position for the foreseeable future. 

I still think edge is a position to improve on. Letting Trey Hendrickson go was the right move. I would not have been thrilled if the Bengals had to pay him 28 million a year until he’s 35. Boye Mafe is 4 years younger and 8 million dollars cheaper. The production numbers are by no means Trey Hendrickson level, but the upside is there. If they can get another edge either in the draft or potential trade to pair with Mafe the D Line would be in much better shape. 

Let’s talk trade for a minute. I don’t believe there is a prospect in this draft that is worth holding onto the pick for if the Raiders would take pick 10 and a future 2nd or 3rd for Maxx Crosby. Rueben Bain is the only prospect that I would entertain an argument for keeping the pick to spend it on him. The issue is that it’s a huge gamble. I find it hard to believe that Bain is sitting on the board at 10. If I could make one move for the Bengals this off season it would be trading for Crosby and I wouldn’t care what his physical told me. Put the stripes on and let’s get to work.

Jonathan Allen is a veteran addition to the D Line that helps control the run. He finished 6th for tackles, 2nd for assists, and 3rd for snaps played by all defensive linemen. He stays on the field, plugs holes in the run game, and finishes tackles. Last season the Bengals gave up the most rushing yards and the most rushes for 20+ yards. The immediate impact that Allen will have on the run game will be noticeable. Looking at the available free agent DL, D.J Reader makes the most sense to sign. He was a part of the team that went to the Super Bowl and AFCCG in consecutive years. His stats don’t jump off the page but when you gave up the numbers the Bengals did last season you take improvements where you can find them, big or small.

Now for the fun part. Let’s talk draft. I have a very unpopular opinion of who the Bengals take at 10. I think the players that the Bengals would like to take will all go before pick 10. Bain Jr would be the top pick, if he is there at 10 you turn the card in as soon as you are on the clock. The next prospect you take if Bain is gone is Caleb Downs. However, I believe the Chiefs will take Downs at pick 9. Here’s the hot take, if both Bain and Downs are off the board I think the pick is Jeremiyah Love. He very well could be the best prospect in this class. The Bengals don’t have a need at running back, in fact Brown had his best season last year. But I feel if the 2 prospects that help you the most are gone you shouldn’t waste a top 10 pick on someone just because you need that position. You take advantage of that pick and take BPA. Worst case scenario, which is not unlikely, none of the 3 prospects are available. In that case I have no idea who I would want the Bengals to draft. I am not a fan of taking a top 10 cornerback. 30 days until the draft and plenty of mock drafts to complete. As we get closer to the draft I’m sure teams in front of the Bengals will make their desired picks known.

First post in the books. I appreciate everyone for reading and interacting. As always, please feel free to leave comments, criticism, future topics and I will be happy to open the discussion! Until next time, Who Dey & Go Redlegs!