Zac Taylor, Cincinnati Bengals
Getty
(Photo by Michael Reaves/Getty Images)
The Cincinnati Bengals needed to bolster their defense after a disastrous 2025 NFL season. Over the offseason, the Bengals have made a couple of moves as the draft approaches, including adding veteran defensive tackle Jonathan Allen.
Allen and the Bengals agreed to a two-year, $25 million contract,per Spotrac. Over nine seasons with the Washington Commanders and Minnesota Vikings, Allen has totaled 469 tackles, 45.5 sacks, three fumble recoveries, and one interception,per StatMuse.
He has also earned two Pro Bowl selections. Now, Allen will look to be that veteran on the defensive line who can anchor the unit and help it improve on last season’s performances.
Moreover, Cincinnati is receiving praise for the move to add Allen from FOX Sports’ Eric Williams who labeled this signing as one of the Top 10 under the radar signings this offseason.
“Released by the Minnesota Vikings at the start of free agency in a cost-cutting move, the 31-year-old Allen brings grit and experience to a Cincinnati defense that struggled to get off the field all season,”Williams wrote in his article published on March 27.
“Even with one of the best quarterbacks in the league in Joe Burrow, the Bengals have missed the playoffs the last three seasons.Yes, Allen has struggled from aproduction standpointin producing sacks, with just 12 over the last three seasons. But Allen should be more of an impact player as a situational pass rusher with a reduction in snaps.
“And the Bengals could use competency and versatility up front defensively. Allen joins former Seattle Seahawks edge rusher Boye Mafe and safety Bryan Cook from Kansas City to add reinforcements to a Cincinnati defense that finished No. 30 in scoring last season.”
Jonathan Allen Sees Himself Fitting Into Bengals Defense
On March 13, Allen spoke with the media about signing with the Bengals, and one of the reasons Cincinnati was an ideal spot for him was that he sees himself fitting into the schemes of defensive line coach Jerry Montgomery and defensive coordinator Al Golden.
“That’s one of the things that excited me the most about coming here,” Allen said (h/tBengals.com). “They’re talking about moving me around, getting some one-on-ones and really being able to get after the passer and shut down the run, the things I love to do.”
Jonathan Allen Excited to Be Joe Burrow’s Teammate
Moreover, another reason Allen chose the Bengals was that he gets to be teammates with QB Joe Burrow and the rest of the team’s offense. It will be up to Allen and Co. to keep the opposing team’s offense quiet, ensuring that Cincinnati’s games in the upcoming 2026 season don’t all turn into shootouts.
“This is one of the few places I can compete for a Super Bowl and have a chance to showcase my talent,” Allen added. “When you see what they have on the offensive side of the ball, that’s a dream for a defensive lineman.
“I think people would be lining up to play with a guy like Joe Burrow and the offense they have. Then the young guys you have on defense and the pieces you’re adding, I really think this team is going somewhere.”