The first week of free agency has wrapped up, and the Cincinnati Bengals have made some intriguing moves to bolster their defense, aiming to bounce back from tough 2024 and 2025 seasons. They've brought in safety Bryan Cook, EDGE Boye Mafe, and defensive tackle Jonathan Allen.
While these additions are promising, the Bengals missed out on acquiring a linebacker, a position that remains a glaring need. With talents like Leo Chenal and Devin Lloyd available, there's still room for improvement.
The urgency to capitalize on the Joe Burrow-Ja'Marr Chase era is evident. These defensive upgrades signal a commitment to fixing the side of the ball that has hindered their playoff aspirations. Whether Duke Tobin and the front office are truly "all in" will become clearer as free agency progresses and the draft approaches in late April.
In addition to new signings, the Bengals have retained key players from 2025. Guard Dalton Risner and nickel Jalen Davis have both received one-year extensions, along with tight end Tanner Hudson.
Special team standouts Joe Giles-Harris and PJ Jules are also secured for another year. However, the most significant extension is the two-year deal for tackle Orlando Brown Jr., extending his contract through the 2028 season.
These moves not only strengthen the team immediately but also shape the Bengals' draft strategy. With Brown's extension, drafting an offensive tackle at No. 10 seems unlikely. Instead, Cincinnati might look for depth on Day 3 of the draft.
The Bengals' focus might shift away from safety Caleb Downs at No. 10, not because of health concerns-which seem exaggerated-but due to confidence in their current roster, including the recent addition of Bryan Cook and their trust in Jordan Battle. Similarly, drafting an edge rusher early seems unnecessary after investing in Myles Murphy and Shemar Stewart, along with signing Boye Mafe. Jonathan Allen’s arrival on a two-year deal likely rules out a first-round defensive tackle pick as well.
Linebacker remains a pressing need, and while Sonny Styles would be an ideal choice at No. 10, his standout combine performance makes him a long shot to fall to Cincinnati.
Interestingly, the Bengals’ inactivity in securing extensions for cornerbacks DJ Turner and Dax Hill hints at a potential first-round cornerback selection. Reports suggested they were working on deals for both, but no progress has been announced.
This could indicate a shift in strategy, possibly leading to one being replaced after the season. If so, Tennessee’s Jermod McCoy or LSU’s Mansoor Delane, both top cornerback prospects, could be the Bengals' targets at No.
Cincinnati has a history of drafting replacements a year ahead, as seen with Dax Hill for Jessie Bates and Shemar Stewart for Trey Hendrickson. Opting for McCoy or Delane could provide a cost-effective solution with the potential for future lockdown corners.
While there's still time for extensions with Turner and Hill, and other prospects like Downs or Bailey remain options, the Bengals’ first-week moves suggest McCoy or Delane are strong contenders for their first-round pick.