Bengals free agency: Top defensive tackles for Cincinnati to target

DETROIT, MICHIGAN - DECEMBER 4: DJ Reader #98 of the Detroit Lions looks on during the national anthem prior to an NFL football game against the Dallas Cowboys at Ford Field on December 04, 2025 in Detroit, Michigan. (Photo by Michael Owens/Getty Images) | Getty Images

It won't be long until the 2026 free agency period is here and roster chaos ensues throughout the NFL.

For the Cincinnati Bengals, they're in desperate need of difference-makers all around their defense, especially at defensive tackle.

With that in mind, here are some of the top impending free agent defensive tackles for the Bengals to target.

John Franklin-Myers

The 29-year-old Franklin-Myers has the versatility to play on the inside or on the edge. He is 6'4" and around 290 pounds. He had an impressive 7.5 sacks during the 2025 season. The Broncos defensive lineman ended up falling one game short of playing in the Super Bowl this year.

DJ Reader

Reader is a familiar name in Cincinnati. After two seasons in Detroit, he will once again be hitting free agency. Reader is about to turn 32 years old, but could still provide leadership and a stout presence as a run defender in a rotational role for the Bengals. While the Bengals could use more of a pass rusher, this free agent class isn't going to likely produce that.

Calais Campbell

The ageless wonder, Campbell was able to produce 6.5 sacks during the 2025 season. He had solid PFF grades with a 65.1 pass rusher grade and a 69.2 run defense grade. He is close to breaking the all-time record for games played in the NFL.

Tim Settle

Settle will also turn 29 soon. The 6'3", 313-pound defensive tackle is coming off a foot injury that ended his season prematurely. Prior to injury, he had a 78.0 pass rush grade, along with a 61.2 run defense grade.

Neville Gallimore

Gallimore is a former second-round pick of the Dallas Cowboys. He spent the 2025 season playing for the Indianapolis Colts. It was his best season as a pass rusher. Finishing the year with a 70.2 pass rush grade, 17 pressures, and 3.5 sacks.

A few other defensive tackle free agents are Levi Onwuzurike, Roy Lopez, and Andrew Billings. It is a less-than-inspiring free agent position group this year. Should the Bengals be interested in any of these guys?