The Cincinnati Bengals have made one thing crystal clear over the past few seasons: their offense is built to win now. With Joe Burrow under center and a dynamic cast of playmakers around him, this team has the firepower to go deep into January. But for all the fireworks on offense, the defense has too often been the weak link - and that’s where this offseason gets interesting.
One name to keep an eye on? Jaylen Watson.
The veteran cornerback is set to hit free agency after spending the early part of his career with the Kansas City Chiefs, where he picked up two Super Bowl rings and carved out a reputation as a physical, high-IQ defender. In 2025, he started 15 games for Kansas City and put together a solid stat line: 64 combined tackles, six passes defensed, three tackles for loss, two quarterback hits and a pair of interceptions. That’s the kind of production that turns heads - especially for a Bengals team looking to shore up its secondary.
Cornerback has been a trouble spot in Cincinnati, even with the emergence of DJ Turner, who’s quickly developed into one of the more reliable young defensive backs in the league. But with Cam Taylor-Britt potentially on his way out in free agency, the Bengals could be staring at a depth issue on the outside. Pairing Turner with a seasoned, playoff-tested corner like Watson could give Cincinnati the kind of one-two punch it’s been missing on the back end.
Now, let’s talk about the elephant in the room: Watson’s injury history. He missed most of the 2024 season with a broken fibula and ended 2025 on injured reserve due to a groin injury.
That’s not ideal, but it’s also not necessarily a red flag. These are two unrelated injuries, and neither suggests a chronic issue.
Sometimes, it’s just bad luck - and in Watson’s case, that might be all it is.
From a roster-building standpoint, this is the kind of move that makes a lot of sense for Cincinnati. Watson brings championship experience, proven production, and a physical edge that would fit nicely with what defensive coordinator Lou Anarumo likes to do schematically. He’s aggressive at the line, holds up in man coverage, and isn’t afraid to mix it up in run support - all traits that would complement Turner’s skill set well.
The Bengals have the offensive core in place. What they need now is a defense that can hold up its end of the bargain - especially in a loaded AFC where every playoff game feels like a shootout. If Watson can stay healthy, he could be a key piece in helping Cincinnati finally balance the scales.
This offseason is going to be pivotal for the Bengals. They’re not rebuilding - they’re reloading. And adding a player like Jaylen Watson could be a smart step toward making sure their Super Bowl window doesn’t quietly close while the offense is still lighting up scoreboards.