Andrew Buller-Russ
After allowing the NFL’s third-most points in 2025, the Cincinnati Bengals knew they had to make significant changes before the 2026 season rolled out. While many other teams were making coaching changes, the Bengals opted to stick with head coach Zac Taylor and defensive coordinator Al Golden. Now they need to get the personnel right.
The typically grugal Bengals have started free agency with a few sizable splashes. The first of which involved signing Super Bowl champion edge rusher Boye Mafe to a three-year, $60 million contract. He’ll help make up for the loss of Trey Hendrickson, who signed with the Ravens for four years and $112 million.
On Thursday, the Bengals made another key addition to their defensive line by signing a two-time Pro Bowler.
According to NFL Network’s Tom Pelissero, the Bengals have now signed defensive tackle Jonathan Allen to a two-year, $26 million contract. Allen can earn up to $28 million over the course of the contract if certain performance thresholds are hit.
Allen just signed a three-year, $51 million contract with the Vikings last offseason. But after Minnesota realized they were too cap-constrained, they released Allen at the start of the new league year on Wednesday. Now he resurfaces for another team in desperate need of improving their defensive interior.
The 31-year-old started all 17 games for the Vikings last season. He recorded 68 tackles (7 TFL), a fumble recovery, and 3.5 sacks with the Vikings. Now he’ll look to build upon those numbers in Cincinnati.
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