The Cincinnati Bengals had a glaring hole last season that ultimately proved to be their demise. While the offense was electric, the defense was far from even league average, leading to the team again missing the playoffs.
However, even with the need for help on that side of the football clear as day, the Bengals haven’t made many dramatic improvements. If anything, they could even lose one of their stars. As a result, one analyst wants them to go after one of the best veterans available in the trade market.
Try out Pro Football & Sports Network’s FREE playoff predictor, where you can simulate every 2025-26 NFL season game and see how it all shakes out!
Could Cincinnati Bengals Finally Address Their Defensive Hole?
Last year, Cincinnati earned a D grade and ranked 28th on PFSN’s Defense+ metric. Despite a DPOY-caliber season from Trey Hendrickson, the unit as a whole was far from good, leading to the firing of longtime defensive coordinator Lou Anarumo.
Al Golden is taking over his spot, and Brad Crawford of CBS Sports believes he would love to add a proven veteran like Jalen Ramsey to the lineup. After two seasons with the Miami Dolphins, the seven-time Pro Bowler wanted out, and general manager Chris Grier was happy to accommodate by finding a suitable trade partner.
“He would welcome the addition with open arms. The Bengals have not signed or drafted a cornerback this offseason despite having one of the NFL‘s weakest units against the pass.” But ultimately, the reasoning from Crawford is unidirectional: Make the most of Burrow’s prime.
“Joe Burrow has a couple more years on his record-setting extension, so the window remains open for Cincinnati to make noise as a contender in the AFC North.” Adding Shemar Stewart via the NFL Draft was their grand defensive move during the spring.
But, with contract disputes holding both Stewart and Hendrickson at odds, it remains to be seen exactly how the Bengals address their defensive issues. Adding a three-time All-Pro selection should help in the secondary.
#Bengals 1st-round DE Shemar Stewart will remain sidelined as Phase 2 of offseason workouts begins today, due to a disagreement over contract language in his rookie deal. pic.twitter.com/goQeJr3spi
— Jordan Schultz (@Schultz_Report) May 20, 2025
However, at 30, Ramsey isn’t going to be around in the long haul. For the time being, though, there might not be an option available for the Bengals, who already support an egregiously expensive roster.
Between their three offensive stars (Burrow, Ja’Marr Chase, and Tee Higgins), Cincinnati has over $120 million allocated annually. As a result, they have minimal flexibility with the rest of the roster.
With one year left before his three-year extension with Miami, worth $72.3 million, kicks in, Ramsey would be a pricey addition to their group. But at this point, there aren’t a lot of avenues left for the Bengals to salvage their defense.
