The Cincinnati Bengals will be looking to add some talent on the defensive side of the ball after an abysmal year.
It must be a point of emphasis for a team with weapons like Joe Burrow, Ja’marr Chase, and Tee Higgins on the offensive side of the ball. Even though Burrow was out much of the season, the Bengals defense likely wouldn’t have even been able to keep the team afloat anyway.
Now looking forward to the future, it’s apparent that Burrow isn’t enjoying his time as Bengals QB lately. That is never what you want to hear from a superstar at the position such as himself.
Cincinnati must find a way to right the wrongs of their defense in 2026 and onward if they are to keep Burrow happy long-term.
The Bengals’ Defense Was Abysmal in 2025
GettyCINCINNATI, OHIO – OCTOBER 05: Trey Hendrickson #91 of the Cincinnati Bengals sacks Jared Goff #16 of the Detroit Lions during the fourth quarter at Paycor Stadium on October 05, 2025 in Cincinnati, Ohio. (Photo by Andy Lyons/Getty Images)
Cinci’s defense was in the toilet in 2025. Take a quick look at where it finished in some key metrics.
- 31st in total yardage allowed per game (380.9)
- 32nd in yards per play allowed (6.2)
- 29th in EPA per play (+0.07)
- 32nd in rushing yards allowed per game (147.1)
- 30th in total touchdowns allowed (51)
That is all just on the surface. Cincinnati was terrible in just about all other important metrics. At best, they were at best slightly-below-average in a few like pressure rate.
With that being said, it is paramount that the Bengals add some difference makers on the defensive side of the ball. To their credit, they did try this with Shemar Stewart in the first round of the 2025 NFL Draft. However, the former Texas A&M Aggie only appeared in 8 games in 2025, registering only one sack.
Cincinnati Speculated to Add Standout Philadelphia Eagle
Chris Roling of BengalsWire covered the idea of the Bengals looking into Eagles linebacker Nakobe Dean to add some upside.
“The Bengals do seem intent on rolling with sophomores Demetrius Knight and Barrett Carter next season after spending so much time developing them on the fly this year. But adding Dean to the rotation and giving coaches more options wouldn’t be a terrible idea.
If the Bengals want to make another serious push, they might need to find signings similar to those deals for DJ Reader, Trey Hendrickson and Mike Hilton that spurred the last deep run. That would mean finding some upside gambles like Dean on the open market.”
He also cites Bleacher Report‘s Alex Kay‘s coverage of Dean’s production in 2024.
“The Georgia product’s 2023 campaign was ultimately derailed by foot injuries, but he finally established himself in 2024 by starting 15 games and racking up an impressive 128 tackles, four pass defenses, three sacks, two fumble recoveries, a forced fumble and an interception in those contests.”
The Bengals need a lot of help defensively, and young talent like Nakobe Dean is where it starts.
