The Bengals might be trying to adjust a couple things with their defense after a poor 2023. These are some of the options.Christian Wilkins will be much over the Bengals’ budget, so they’ll probably use their maximum deals on pass-catchers instead of adding an interior pass rusher. It could be wiser for them to check the draft.

Additionally, they run the very real risk of losing DJ Reader as their defensive anchor. DaQuan Jones of Buffalo, who is a few years Reader’s senior, is, in my opinion, the best available free agent option to take his spot. He is a capable run-stuffer who would do a great job in that capacity.

Javon Kinlaw is another player on whom I could see them taking a chance. In San Francisco, the former first-round pick was never able to live up to his potential. Relocating to the east might aid his development.

It seems doubtful that the Bengals will try to add a defensive end with Myles Murphy and Joseph Ossai moving up the developmental ladder, but AJ Epenesa is a name that jumps out to me as a fit. Given that he will only be 26 years old next season, he fits the Bengals’ concept of controlling pass-rushers who are also adept run defenders.

The Bengals have young defensive backs that they hope may succeed, but part of their season-long issues may have been caused by the absence of wise senior experience, especially at the safety position.

Many well-known safeties, like Jamal Adams and Justin Simmons, are expected to enter the market, but I don’t see the Bengals considering any of them.

Another well-known player who fits the Bengals’ ideal free agent candidate profile is Geno Stone, who is only 24 years old and recently had his greatest season. Stone is a cunning player and a ball hawk who might provide the Bengals with the safety leadership they are needing.

Of course, Seattle appears to be a likely landing location, since they are in the market for a safety and have Stone’s former coordinator in place as their new head coach.

Brandon Jones of Miami is another young player who is on the rise but receives less attention. Despite only making six starts for the Dolphins in the previous season, Jones recorded 48 tackles and two interceptions. The soon-to-be 26-year-old has steadily improved each season while seeing the same number of starts in the previous three campaigns.
Kevin Byard
Former Eagle and one-time Titan interception machine would be a wonderful fit if they are looking for a veteran experience and don’t mind someone who is a touch long in the tooth. The safety market is likely to make him much more reasonable than he should be.49ers security Even though Tashaun Gipson is getting closer to his mid-30s, he still has some energy left. Perhaps he would want to finish his career on the sunny side of Ohio after beginning it in Cleveland.

In the last two rounds, the Bengals selected cornerbacks in the second round of each draft. Even though DJ Turner had some difficulties in his debut season, he continued to show tremendous promise and growth.

To put it briefly, I don’t think they are prepared to give up on him, and as long as Mike Hilton is still under contract, a move inside is out of the question. However, it might be prudent to include a reasonably priced veteran as insurance. Like, like, I don’t know, Eli Apple kind of person. Just kidding, I don’t think there will be a reunion while he is free.

Although Sean Murphy-Bunting’s name has been brought up frequently, Ronald Darby could also be taken into consideration. Adoree Jackson and Rock Ya-Sin are both previous top picks who are just shy of thirty and have never truly lived up to their promise. That is the Bengals’ jam, sort of.