Bengals Eyed as Top Destination for 3 Top 2026 Defensive Free Agents

Cincinnati could bolster its defense with several high-profile signings next offseason.

Published on Feb. 18, 2026

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According to ESPN's Matt Bowen, the Cincinnati Bengals have been identified as a potential landing spot for three top defensive free agents in the 2026 offseason: safety Bryan Cook, edge rusher Boye Mafe, and linebacker Leo Chenal. The Bengals are seen as a good fit for these players as they look to improve a defense that struggled at times last season.

Why it matters

The Bengals have been one of the AFC's top teams in recent years, but their defense has been a weak spot. Adding high-impact players like Cook, Mafe, and Chenal could help shore up that side of the ball and make Cincinnati an even more formidable opponent in the conference.

The details

Cook, a former University of Cincinnati standout, is viewed as a potential upgrade at safety for the Bengals after Geno Stone's departure. Mafe, who has posted 70-plus PFF grades in three straight seasons, could provide a boost to Cincinnati's pass rush, while Chenal's ability to pressure the quarterback and play multiple linebacker spots would give the Bengals' defense more flexibility.

  • The 2026 NFL free agency period begins in March.

The players

Bryan Cook

A versatile safety who spent his first four NFL seasons with the Kansas City Chiefs, Cook could be an ideal fit to fill the Bengals' need at the position.

Boye Mafe

The Seattle Seahawks edge rusher has recorded 70-plus PFF grades in three consecutive seasons and could provide a boost to the Bengals' pass rush.

Leo Chenal

An off-ball linebacker who has spent his first four NFL seasons with the Kansas City Chiefs, Chenal's ability to pressure the quarterback and play multiple linebacker spots would give the Bengals' defense more flexibility.

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What they’re saying

“With Geno Stone heading to free agency, the Bengals could look to Cook, a versatile safety who can play from depth or spin down to the front. The top-rated free agent at his position, I see Cook as an upgrade for a Bengals defense that allowed 233.8 passing yards per game last season (26th).”

— Matt Bowen, ESPN Analyst (ESPN)

“The Bengals are also a fit for Mafe, but new Titans coach Robert Saleh has a real need for edge rushers in his defense. Mafe can be schemed out of loaded fronts to see more one-on-ones, using his first-step quickness and great effort level to hit the quarterback. Mafe had two sacks and 33 pressures last season.”

— Matt Bowen, ESPN Analyst (ESPN)

“With his ability to pressure and walk up into the front, Chenal would give defensive coordinator Al Golden more flexibility within his game plans. In four seasons, Chenal has recorded 193 total tackles, seven sacks, and 28 pressures.”

— Matt Bowen, ESPN Analyst (ESPN)

What’s next

The Bengals will have the opportunity to sign these free agents when the 2026 NFL free agency period begins in March.

The takeaway

The Bengals have been one of the AFC's top teams in recent years, but their defense has been a weak spot. Adding high-impact players like Cook, Mafe, and Chenal could help shore up that side of the ball and make Cincinnati an even more formidable opponent in the conference.