The Cincinnati Bengals entered the offseason needing to address the defensive line after allowing the most rushing yards and posting the tenth-fewest sacks in 2025. Cincinnati signed former Seattle EDGE rusher Boye Mafe to a three-year, $60 million contract. On Thursday, the Bengals addressed the interior defensive line by adding a three-technique.
Also Read: Cincinnati Bengals: Land Intriguing Super Bowl-Winning Pass Rusher
Cincinnati Bengals add 2x-Pro Bowl DT
Washington Commanders, Jonathan Allen
Sep 29, 2024; Glendale, Arizona, USA; Washington Commanders defensive tackle Jonathan Allen (93) against the Arizona Cardinals at State Farm Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images
According to Jeremy Fowler of ESPN, the Bengals have signed Jonathan Allen to a two-year contract worth up to $28 million after aggressively pursuing the two-time Pro Bowler. Since the Vikings designated the two-time Pro Bowler as a post-June 1 designation, his release was not processed until Wednesday. The 31-year-old Allen aims to revive his career in Cincinnati after being released in back-to-back offseasons. He hopes to return to his 2022 form when he recorded 7.5 sacks and earned his second Pro Bowl selection.
Defensive tackle Jonathan Allen and the Bengals have agreed to a two-year, $28M deal, per sources.
Cincinnati pursued the former Pro Bowler aggressively after Minnesota released him, reaching a deal with agent @blakebaratz of @TeamIFA pic.twitter.com/j86xxtwnSV
— Jeremy Fowler (@JFowlerESPN) March 12, 2026
Here’s a quick review of his 2025 campaign
Nov 23, 2025; Green Bay, Wisconsin, USA; Green Bay Packers quarterback Jordan Love (10) looks to throw downfield as Minnesota Vikings defensive tackle Jonathan Allen (93) applies pressure during the first half at Lambeau Field. Mandatory Credit: Kayla Wolf-Imagn Images
Nov 23, 2025; Green Bay, Wisconsin, USA; Green Bay Packers quarterback Jordan Love (10) looks to throw downfield as Minnesota Vikings defensive tackle Jonathan Allen (93) applies pressure during the first half at Lambeau Field. Mandatory Credit: Kayla Wolf-Imagn Images
The Minnesota Vikings signed Jonathan Allen to a three-year, $51 million contract last March after he was released by the Washington Commanders, where he missed nine games in 2024 with a partially torn pectoral muscle. He had a decent 2025 campaign, tying a career high in tackles, though he posted fewer pressures and sacks than in 2023 and struggled with tackling. Allen totaled 68 tackles, seven TFLs, 28 run stops, 34 pressures, 11 quarterback hits, and 3.5 sacks across 17 starts. He recorded a career-worst 11 missed tackles and a 14.5% missed tackle rate.
Also Read: BREAKING: Washington Commanders Cut $72 Million Pro Bowler