The Bengals’ defense was once again one of the biggest roadblocks to the team making the postseason in 2025. Cincinnati’s pass defense in particular wasn’t sufficient, with Cincinnati ranking 26th in that area.
Green Bay had more success defending the pass, finishing 11th, but the first year of cornerback Nate Hobbs was a disaster and the Packers could use more competition for the room overall.
Bleacher Report’s Alex Kay believes that both Cincinnati and Green Bay could be free-agent suitors for Kansas City Chiefs pending free agent cornerback, Jaylen Watson, who Kay projects to make $49 million on a three-year deal.
If there’s a knock on Watson, it’s his injury history. He missed the majority of 2024 with a broken fibula and finished this past season on injured reserve with a groin injury.
However, Watson still possesses an alluring blend of youth, size, and proven production that should appeal to any team seeking a long-term starting corner.
Potential Suitors: Cincinnati Bengals, Green Bay Packers
Watson isn’t elite by any stretch, but he is a quality starting cornerback.
In 2025, the former seventh-round pick gave up a completion rate of 62.5% and a 79.0 passer rating when targeted. His Pro Football Focus coverage grade of 69.4 ranked 30th among NFL cornerbacks.
With the Chiefs projected to be $58.3 million over the cap and seemingly heading to a transition year, it’s very likely Watson has played his last snap in Kansas City, especially given the franchise’s propensity to part ways with cornerbacks.
The problem with pegging Watson to the Bengals or Packers is he doesn’t really fit what they need. If anything, both teams require competition in the slot, where Watson doesn’t have much experience.
We would expect the Bengals to run it back with Dax Hill and DJ Turner on the outside, but they definitely need an upgrade in the slot.
Green Bay will probably stick with Carrington Valentine and Kiesean Nixon on the perimeter, and we find it hard to believe the team will bail on Hobbs this quickly, although a lesser signing of a slot cornerback to offer insurance is very possible.
With Watson having very little experience in the slot and being more of an outside cornerback, we’d be surprised if he lands with Green Bay or Cincinnati.
