This offseason, the Cincinnati Bengals had a major goal of addressing the defensive side of the ball. While the offense around Joe Burrow is mostly set, the defense needed major help.
One of the main areas of need entering the offseason, other than safety, was the defensive line. They needed interior and exterior help, and they've added both already this offseason.
As ESPN's Ben Baby writes, thanks to the Bengals defensive line additions, Cincinnati might be able to field a "very strong" DL in 2026. Boye Mafe and Jonathan Allen are great additions and should be a huge plus for Cincinnati in 2026.
Bengals 'very strong' DL might be realistic goal with Allen, Mafe additions
"If Allen can be effective, then the combination of Mafe, along with growth from Shemar Stewart and Myles Murphy, can give the Bengals a very strong front," Baby writes.
The Bengals' defensive line needed some major help this offseason, and they've done so already with a pair of big free agent additions.
What makes the Bengals' offseason moves so far even better is that Cincinnati is still in line to receive a 2027 third-round compensatory pick for Trey Hendrickson signing with the Baltimore Ravens.
While losing Hendrickson stings, if nothing changes, the Bengals will be able to bring in a third-rounder next offseason thanks to letting Hendrickson walk.
More: ESPN analyst praises Bengals for Boye Mafe $60M signing
Now, with Allen, Mafe, Muprhy, Stewart, B.J. Hill, and a few other depth pieces, the defensive line in Cincinnati should be a lot better than it was in 2025.
Of course, more help could be on the way in the 2026 NFL Draft if the right player makes it to their pick. But the Bengals now will be able to focus on other positions on defense in the draft.
Cornerback and linebacker are two big areas of need, as safety, thanks to Bryan Cook's signing to pair with Jordan Battle, has been resolved.
And the defensive line, while more depth couldn't hurt, is no longer the priority it once was. The Bengals can go a few routes in the draft, as the team's free agent spending has reshaped the DL into a group that could have a "very strong" season in 2026.
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