The Cincinnati Bengals ended their season with a 20-18 loss to the Cleveland Browns. The Bengals took a lead with less than two minutes remaining, but their defense failed to stop the Browns in the final drive of the game. The loss ended the Bengals’ two-game win streak as they finished the year 6-11.

Despite the disappointing season, the Bengals made no major changes to their coaching staff. After the loss, Bengals president Mike Brown confirmed that head coach Zac Taylor would not be fired. Then, Taylor said that there would be no changes to the team’s coaching staff.

When asked why the team failed to meet expectations, Zac Taylor alluded to injuries being a reason why the Bengals had a disappointing season. He said, “I think what you were missing was your highest paid player on offense and defense, and that’s challenging holistically.” The highest-paid Bengals defender was All-Pro pass-rusher Trey Hendrickson, who was only available for seven games this season. With his contract up after the season, the Bengals might have to explore alternatives.

Bengals Sign Pass-Rusher

Following the season, the Bengals announced several roster moves . One of those moves was a one-year contract extension for defensive end Isaiah Foskey. Foskey was originally drafted by the New Orleans Saints in the second round of the 2023 NFL Draft. In college, Foskey was highly productive at Notre Dame as he notched 26.5 sacks in four seasons. His 26.5 sacks are the most in Notre Dame school history.

Unfortunately, Foskey failed to make a real impact with the Saints and was waived after two seasons in New Orleans. He was then picked up by Cincinnati and signed to the team’s practice squad. Amid Trey Hendrickson’s injury, the Bengals elevated Foskey and he appeared in eight games this season. Foskey played 34 defensive snaps this year for Cincinnati, but the Bengals saw enough to extend him for one more season.

Prior to the draft, Foskey was seen as a productive pass-rusher with a dangerous bull-rush move with good quickness that helped him generate a strong first step. That has yet to translate in the NFL as he has not registered a sack since being drafted.

Bengals Might Look Elsewhere for Pass-Rush Help

After finishing 30th in points per game allowed, it’s clear the Bengals need an infusion of talent on defense. Earlier this week, ESPN analyst Aaron Schatz speculated that the team might go after Pro Bowl defensive end Joey Bosa in free agency. Prior to the season Bosa signed a one-year, $12 million deal with the Bills.

Unfortunately for the Bengals, it does not seem as though Trey Hendrickson will be a part of the defensive solution for the Bengals next season. ESPN insider Jeremy Fowler said, “This relationship has run its course. The Bengals have the option to franchise tag Hendrickson, but after a year of contentious contract negotiations, the edge rusher appears poised to land elsewhere and capitalize on a booming positional market.”