Bengals eyed multiple defensive linemen early in free agency

Cincinnati Bengals Director of Player Personnel Duke Tobin addresses the media during a press conference, Friday, Jan. 9, 2026, at Paycor Stadium in downtown Cincinnati. | Frank Bowen IV/The Enquirer / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images

The Cincinnati Bengals signed two defensive linemen and a safety in free agency so far this offseason, but they've hardly gone all in." Boye Mafe will hopefully step in and help steady the edge position after Trey Hendrickson's departure. Jonathan Allen was signed to add some juice to the interior pass rush, and Bryan Cook was signed to help the secondary remember how to tackle.

They needed so much more help, though, and, according to Kelsey Conway, they almost got it.

Conway reported recently that the Bengals wanted to sign two free agent pass rushers early in free agency. While Mafe was their top target, they also showed interest in defensive end John Franklin-Myers before he signed a three-year, $63 million contract with the Titans.

Having multiple free agent pass rushers would have been nice. The Bengals do have Myles Murphy and Shemar Stewart, but that duo currently only looks good on paper. Murphy showed some flashes as he got more playing time last season, and Stewart is a freak of an athlete, but neither has shown they are double-digit sack guys yet.

More troubling, though, is the lack of movement at linebacker, which is arguably the weakest spot on the defense. The Bengals started 2025 draft picks Demetrius Knight Jr. and Barrett Carter for the majority of the season. They both showed a little bit of good, but a whole lot of bad. They played like rookies-because they were-and relying on a big step forward in Year 2 for one or both is a risk most teams wouldn't be willing to take.

Free agency has slowed down as teams are preparing for the draft. There will be signings here or there, and a few big names are still available, but most teams are waiting to see how the draft plays out before they spend a lot. It would be nice for the Bengals to take advantage of the lull and go into the draft without any glaring holes.

That's just not how things work around here, though.