The Cincinnati Bengals have some work to do on the defensive side of the ball this offseason. While pass rusher is a huge need with Trey Hendrickson hitting free agency, there's a bigger need elsewhere.
After a rough 2025 season, in which the Bengals were one of the worst defenses in the NFL, Al Golden's unit needs a key contributor in the secondary to turn things around.
As ESPN's Ben Baby notes, the Bengals biggest need this offseason is at safety. With Geno Stone hitting free agency, the Bengals must add a good safety to pair with Jordan Battle in the secondary in 2026.
Bengals' top need is a safety to pair with Jordan Battle
"Biggest need: Safety. The Bengals will need a starter at the likely departure of Geno Stone, who is wrapping up a two-year deal," Baby writes.
Stone is hitting free agency, leaving Battle as the only starting-caliber safety on the roster. The Bengals must add another safety this offseason.
Fortunately, this is a good time to need a new safety. Kevin Byard, Reed Blankenship, Jaquan Brisker, Bryan Cook, Coby Bryant, Nick Cross, Jabrill Peppers, Chauncy Gardner-Johnson, and Kyle Dugger are a few top safeties who the Bengals could add.
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And in the 2026 NFL Draft, Caleb Downs and Dillon Thieneman are first-round caliber safeties who'd be great options at 10th overall.
There are some great safety options for the Bengals this offseason, with it being their clear top need, according to Baby. It's a good time for the Bengals to need the position.
This is a key defensive spot for Golden's defense, and if the Bengals can land the right player, then they'll be in a great spot defensively in 2026 and beyond.
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