Jonathan Allen, Cincinnati Bengals
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Jonathan Allen #93, Byron Murphy Jr. #7, and Theo Jackson #26 of the Minnesota Vikings react after defeating the Chicago Bears following the game at Soldier Field on September 08, 2025 in Chicago, Illinois. (Photo by Michael Reaves/Getty Images)
The Cincinnati Bengals have had a busy NFL offseason thus far. As the team looks to work its way back to being a contender in the AFC, they have been aggressive in NFL free agency.
On Thursday afternoon, that aggressiveness continued.
According to a report from NFL insider Tom Pelissero of NFL Network, the Bengals have agreed to a deal with former Minnesota Vikings defensive lineman Jonathan Allen. He has been signed to a two-year, $26 million contract worth a maximum of $28 million.
“The Bengals are signing veteran DT Jonathan Allen to a two-year, $26 million deal, per source. Max $28M with incentives,” Pelissero wrote on X.
Adding Allen will go a long way towards fixing up a defensive line that has been an issue over the last couple of years. He will also help replace the loss of star pass rusher Trey Hendrickson, who recently signed with the AFC North division rival Baltimore Ravens.
What Does Jonathan Allen Bring to the Cincinnati Bengals’ Defense?
Last season with the Vikings, Allen ended up playing in all 17 games. It was his lone season with Minnesota and he racked up 68 total tackles to go along with 3.5 sacks and a fumble recovery.
Throughout his entire NFL career, with his first eight years being played for the Washington Commanders, Allen has been a solid pass rusher. He has totaled 469 tackles, 45.5 sacks, two forced fumbles, three fumble recoveries, an interception, and five defended passes.
Standing in at 6-foot-3 and 300 pounds, Allen will bring pass rushing and the ability to muck up the interior of the defensive line. He is 31 years old and should continue providing consistent play for the next two seasons in Cincinnati.
The Bengals Have Made a Couple Other Key Additions in Free Agency
Prior to the move to sign Allen, the Bengals have been actively adding to their defense.
Former Seattle Seahawks defensive end Boye Mafe agreed to a three-year, $60 million deal with Cincinnati. The Bengals also added former Kansas City Chiefs safety Bryan Cook on a three-year, $40.25 million deal.
Bringing in Allen, Mafe, and Cook will take the Cincinnati defense a big step in the right direction. There are still moves the Bengals need to make in order to be a Super Bowl contender, but they are headed in the right direction.
After a few straight seasons of disappointment, it sure seems like Cincinnati is motivated to make sure that it doesn’t waste another season of Joe Burrow’s prime. Getting the defense back on track is the first piece of that puzzle. These moves will help accomplish that goal.