Bengals Agree to Lucrative Deal with Seahawks' Mafe

Cincinnati signs free agent linebacker to 3-year, $60 million contract despite limited production in Seattle

Published on Mar. 9, 2026

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The Cincinnati Bengals have agreed to sign free agent linebacker Boye Mafe to a 3-year, $60 million contract, despite the 27-year-old playing only 50% of the defensive snaps for the Seattle Seahawks this past season and recording just 2 sacks. The Seahawks' coaching staff praised Mafe's athleticism and potential, but felt his limited production did not warrant the lucrative deal the Bengals are offering.

Why it matters

The Bengals' decision to pay Mafe top dollar highlights the volatility of the NFL free agent market, where teams often gamble on players' potential rather than proven production. This deal could be seen as an overpay by some, especially given Mafe's modest stats in Seattle, and raises questions about the Bengals' long-term roster planning as they look to build on their recent Super Bowl appearance.

The details

Mafe, a 2022 second-round pick out of Minnesota, played in all 17 regular season games and 3 playoff games for the Seahawks this past season, but recorded just 31 tackles and 2 sacks. Seahawks coach Mike Macdonald praised Mafe's athleticism and quickness off the edge, but acknowledged he wanted more sack production. The Bengals are letting veteran defensive end Trey Hendrickson test free agency, and see Mafe as a potential replacement despite his limited track record.

  • Mafe agreed to the 3-year, $60 million contract with the Bengals on March 9, 2026, the first day of NFL free agency.
  • Mafe played 50% of the Seahawks' defensive snaps in the 2025 regular season.

The players

Boye Mafe

A 27-year-old outside linebacker who was a 2022 second-round draft pick of the Seattle Seahawks.

Mike Macdonald

The defensive coordinator for the Seattle Seahawks, who praised Mafe's athleticism and potential despite his limited production.

Trey Hendrickson

A four-time Pro Bowl defensive end for the Cincinnati Bengals who is testing free agency this offseason.

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What they’re saying

“I think Boye played really good football for us. I mean, for the guys that we had in our roster, and then him taking the role that he had was great. The way he plays the edge is a great compliment to the rest of the guys.”

— Mike Macdonald, Seahawks Defensive Coordinator (bellinghamherald.com)

What’s next

The Bengals will look to integrate Mafe into their defense as they aim to build on their recent Super Bowl appearance, while the Seahawks will need to find a replacement for the departing free agent.

The takeaway

This deal highlights the risks teams take in free agency, betting on potential over proven production. The Bengals are gambling that Mafe's athleticism and upside will translate to greater impact, even though he was a rotational player in Seattle. It remains to be seen if this investment will pay dividends for Cincinnati.