The Cincinnati Bengals came into the offseason needing to add to their roster if they wanted to build a true Super Bowl contender this season. They have a slew of talented stars on offense, including Joe Burrow and Ja'Marr Chase.
To pair with this offense, they have one of the worst defenses in the league. Their run defense ranked dead last in football last season and the Bengals haven't done enough to upgrade it.
They signed Boye Mafe, Bryan Cook, and Jonathan Allen to bolster their roster, but they haven't done enough. They need to keep utilizing free agency, though it's picked through, to bolster their roster.
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Which free agents could the Bengals still target to save their defense? Here are three players that they should consider signing to round out their roster.
New Orleans Saints DE Cameron Jordan
New Orleans Saints defensive end Cameron Jordan
Dec 21, 2025; New Orleans, Louisiana, USA; New Orleans Saints defensive end Cameron Jordan (94) sacks New York Jets quarterback Brady Cook (4) during the first half at Caesars Superdome. Mandatory Credit: Matthew Hinton-Imagn Images | Matthew Hinton-Imagn Images
New Orleans Saints free agent defensive lineman Cameron Jordan was one of the most productive veterans in the game last year. He revitalized his career with a double-digit sack campaign while pairing as a solid run defender. He's heading toward the end of his career, but the Bengals could still use a year or two of his production. He's the kind of veteran leader who could help lead the Bengals defense from the front. Jordan posted a 76 Pro Football Focus grade, which ranked near the top of his position group.
Dallas Cowboys Edge Rusher Dante Fowler Jr.
Dallas Cowboys defensive end Dante Fowler Jr.
New York Jets quarterback Justin Fields (7) was able to throw the ball before Dallas Cowboys defensive end Dante Fowler Jr. (13) was able to get to him, Sunday, October 5, 2025. | Kevin R. Wexler-NorthJersey.com / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images
Dante Fowler Jr. is another intriguing option for the Bengals to look into. They need to add an edge rusher after losing a few talented players in free agency. Fowler is two years removed from recording 10 1/2 sacks in a season. His PFF grade ranked even higher than Jordan's, as Fowler was the No. 21-ranked edge rusher by PFF out of the 115 qualified edge rushers. He'd be affordable and would certainly provide a boost to the defense.
New York Giants LB Bobby Okereke
New York Giants inside linebacker Bobby Okereke
Dec 28, 2025; Paradise, Nevada, USA; New York Giants inside linebacker Bobby Okereke (58) takes a photo with fans after the game against the Las Vegas Raiders at Allegiant Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images | Kirby Lee-Imagn Images
The biggest hole in the Bengals defense is at linebacker. Former New York Giants linebacker Bobby Okereke would be the perfect veteran option to sign in free agency. The Bengals could pair a signing like this with a player like Jacob Rodriguez in the 2026 NFL Draft. Okereke might not be a star linebacker with incredible potential, but he's a consistent stopper to place in the middle of the defense. The Bengals could certainly use that kind of player.
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