The 2025 Cincinnati Bengals season concluded with a disappointing 6–11 record and a 3rd-place finish in the AFC North. The team struggled in Joe Burrow’s absence, going 1–8 during his recovery. A mid-season trade for Joe Flacco provided a temporary spark, but the team failed to secure a playoff berth for the third consecutive year.
Despite individual brilliance from Ja’Marr Chase, the lack of a consistent ground game and protection issues prevented the offense from maintaining rhythm.
The defensive unit also showed weakness throughout 2025, finishing the season ranked last (32nd) in most major statistical categories. Cincinnati surrendered an average of 147.1 rushing yards per game, the worst mark in the league. The pass rush also suffered significantly, totaling just 36.0 sacks.
Season-ending injuries to key interior defenders like B.J. Hill and Trey Hendrickson left the front seven unable to stop early-down runs. Addressing the trenches and the secondary is the top priority for the front office in the 2026 offseason.
Top 10 Free Agency Targets For Cincinnati Bengals
1. Braden Smith (OT, Indianapolis Colts)
Smith is the premier solution for a Bengals line that struggled with protection all season. In 2025, he appeared in 13 games and did not allow a single sack in 471 pass-blocking snaps. His 90.6% pass-block win rate remains among the elite for right tackles.
Adding Smith would provide Joe Burrow with the most stable blindside protection he has had in his career. His technical proficiency and durability are critical for an offense that finished with a league-high pressure rate. He offers a significant upgrade over the team’s current rotational options on the offensive perimeter.
2. Teven Jenkins (G, Cleveland Browns)
Jenkins is a physical interior force who addresses Cincinnati’s need for a more aggressive run-blocking identity. He played all 17 games in 2025, allowing only 3 sacks and finishing with an elite 77.7 PFF grade. The Bengals’ ground game was stagnant last year, and Jenkins provides the power to create lanes for the backfield.
His versatility to play both guard and tackle makes him a high-value target for a team looking to rebuild the right side of its offensive line. Jenkins provides the power needed to create interior rushing lanes and protect the pocket. He brings a violent, finishing style to the offensive interior.
3. Devin Lloyd (LB, Jacksonville Jaguars)
Lloyd offers the three-down versatility and playmaking ability the Bengals’ linebacker corps missed in 2025. He recorded 81 tackles and 5 interceptions across 15 games. His five interceptions would have led the Bengals’ defense last season.
Lloyd excels at understanding plays and filling gaps in the run game, addressing a unit that allowed 147.1 rushing yards per game. His range and high football IQ provide a counter to the tight ends in the AFC North.
4. Jamel Dean (CB, Tampa Bay Buccaneers)
Dean is a physical, press-man cornerback who would immediately upgrade Cincinnati’s 30th-ranked pass defense. He allowed a league-best 46.9 passer rating on throws into his coverage in 2025. He recorded 3 interceptions and 12 pass breakups.
The Bengals’ secondary struggled with explosive plays throughout the 6–11 campaign. Dean possesses the size and speed to handle the league’s top-tier receivers. His addition would allow the defense to play more aggressive man coverage.
5. Dalton Risner (G, Cincinnati Bengals)
Risner is a critical internal free agent who provided stability during a difficult 2025 campaign. He started 11 games and did not allow a sack, maintaining a 98% pass-blocking efficiency rate. His veteran presence and vocal leadership were crucial in the team’s mid-season offensive line changes.
Re-signing Risner ensures stability at the left guard position for Joe Burrow’s return. He is a reliable, high-floor starter who understands the complexities of the Bengals’ protection schemes.
6. Andrew Billings (DT, Chicago Bears)
Billings is a specialized run-stuffer who addresses the Bengals’ greatest defensive weakness. In 2025, he started 14 games for Chicago, recording 31 tackles and anchoring a unit that finished in the top 10 for rushing efficiency. Cincinnati surrendered a league-high 5.2 yards per carry last year.
Billings possesses the strength to command double-teams and anchor the A-gaps. His return to Cincinnati would provide the physical presence needed to prevent early-down success for divisional rivals.
Also Read: Chicago Bears Free Agency Targets in 2026
7. Breece Hall (RB, New York Jets)
Hall is a dynamic playmaker who would transform Cincinnati’s 31st-ranked rushing attack. He recorded 1,065 rushing yards and 4 touchdowns in 2025 while adding significant value as a receiver. The Bengals’ offense lacked a home-run threat in the backfield to take pressure off the passing game.
Hall averages 4.4 yards per carry and excels in space. His ability to create yards after contact would turn routine check-downs into explosive gains. Adding Hall provides the versatility needed to maintain offensive rhythm during Burrow’s drop-backs.
8. Dre’Mont Jones (DE, Baltimore Ravens)
Jones finished the 2025 campaign with 17 tackles and 2.5 total sacks. Given the injuries to Cincinnati’s interior, his’ ability to disrupt from both edge and interior is important for the 2026 defense. Securing him would provide the Bengals with a versatile playmaker to lead the defensive line. He offers high-upside production and a veteran presence.
9. Joseph Ossai (DE, Cincinnati Bengals)
Ossai was a productive bright spot in the Bengals’ otherwise struggling defensive front in 2025. He tallied 5.0 sacks and 43 tackles, leading the team in both categories. His development as a pass rusher is critical for a unit that recorded only 36 total sacks.
Ossai has a quick first step and efficient hand techniques to win one-on-one matchups. Re-signing him ensures the Bengals have a reliable pass-rush rotation.
10. Chidobe Awuzie (CB, Baltimore Ravens)
Awuzie recorded 43 tackles and 7 pass defenses in 2025, earning a strong 74.7 PFF grade. His veteran experience and technical discipline would stabilize a cornerback room that allowed the second-most passing yards in the league. His presence provides a reliable mentor for younger players. He offers a significant upgrade in coverage consistency and situational awareness for a secondary in transition.
