by The Cincinnati Bengals have officially entered their “aggression era.” After a 2025 season that saw the defense stumble to 30th in scoring, the front office spent the first week of the new league year throwing haymakers in the market. From a massive edge rusher splash to a homecoming at safety, the Cincinnati Bengals 2026 free agency grades reflect a team that is no longer content with “safe” moves. With Joe Burrow’s championship window wide open, the Bengals are betting big on high-upside veterans to finally fix a unit that has struggled to get off the field.
The Headliner: Boye Mafe Brings the Heat (Grade: B+)
The crown jewel of the Cincinnati Bengals 2026 free agency grades is undoubtedly the signing of former Seattle Seahawks star Boye Mafe. With Trey Hendrickson taking his talents to the rival Ravens, the Bengals desperately needed a premier pass rusher to anchor the edge. Mafe’s three-year, $60 million deal ($20M APY) is a significant investment, but his elite 17.4% pass-rush win rate suggests he is a volcano waiting to erupt. While he only recorded two sacks last season in a rotational role, his 2023 campaign of 9.0 sacks proves he has the “Hendrickson-esque” potential to be a double-digit sack artist in Lou Anarumo’s system.
Bringing Home a Pro-Bowler: Bryan Cook (Grade: A)
Perhaps the most universally praised move in the Cincinnati Bengals 2026 free agency grades is the return of Cincinnati native Bryan Cook. The former Bearcat and Chiefs standout is coming off a sensational 2025 season where he ranked as PFF’s fourth-best safety with an 83.5 overall grade. After the Geno Stone experiment failed to stabilize the secondary, Cook provides the “hammer” the Bengals have lacked since the Jessie Bates III era. His ability to diagnose plays and finish tackles makes him an immediate upgrade for a secondary that was gashed for far too many explosive plays last year.
Beefing Up the Interior: Jonathan Allen (Grade: B-)
To fix a run defense that ranked dead last in the league, the Bengals looked to veteran experience, leading to the Cincinnati Bengals 2026 free agency grades for Jonathan Allen. The two-time Pro Bowler signed a two-year, $26 million contract after being released by the Vikings for cap reasons. While some analysts worry that the 31-year-old is on the downside of his career, his presence next to Sheldon Rankins should provide the interior push the Bengals haven’t seen since the “Geno Atkins” days. It’s a bit of a high-priced gamble, but for a team needing instant credibility in the trenches, it’s a calculated risk.
Protecting the Blindside: Orlando Brown Jr. Extension (Grade: B)
Continuity is king when you have a franchise QB, and the Cincinnati Bengals 2026 free agency grades get a boost from the two-year extension for left tackle Orlando Brown Jr. By locking down Brown through 2027, the Bengals have ensured that Joe Burrow won’t have to worry about a rotating door at one of the most critical positions in sports. Pair this with the re-signing of right guard Dalton Risner on a one-year deal, and the “Big Blue Wall” in front of No. 9 looks more stable than it has in years.
The Backup Plan: Josh Johnson Returns (Grade: B)
Given Joe Burrow’s history with nagging injuries, the Cincinnati Bengals 2026 free agency grades must include the return of the ultimate journeyman, Josh Johnson. With Jake Browning heading to Tampa Bay, Johnson provides a veteran insurance policy that knows the facility and can step in without a steep learning curve. While fans hope he never has to take a meaningful snap, having a signal-caller with his level of experience (and 14 career teams) is a luxury most NFL franchises would kill for in the backup room.
Lingering Needs: The Work Isn’t Over
Despite the flurry of moves, the Cincinnati Bengals 2026 free agency grades are slightly tempered by a few remaining holes on the roster. The team still lacks depth at linebacker behind young stars Barrett Carter and Demetrius Knight Jr., and the departure of Joseph Ossai means the edge rotation is still a bit thin. The draft in Pittsburgh will be crucial for finding a “nickelback” to challenge veteran Jalen Davis and adding a developmental pass-rusher to rotate in behind Mafe and Sam Hubbard.
