Bengals Sign Veteran DT Jonathan Allen to Boost Defensive Line

Signing expected to complement current DT B.J. Hill and improve pass rush

Mar. 12, 2026 at 10:24pm

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

The Cincinnati Bengals have signed veteran defensive tackle Jonathan Allen to a two-year, $26 million contract. The move is expected to provide a boost to the team's defensive line by complementing the skills of current starting DT B.J. Hill. Allen, a former Pro Bowler, struggled to fit in with the Minnesota Vikings' defensive scheme last season but still showed the ability to disrupt the passing game. The Bengals are hoping the combination of Allen's pass-rushing prowess and Hill's strength against the run can create an effective rotation that limits wear-and-tear on both players.

Why it matters

The Bengals were in need of improved pass rush production from their defensive tackle position after a disappointing season from Kris Jenkins. Pairing the veteran Allen with the 31-year-old Hill, who excels at run-stopping, could create a formidable interior defensive line that can hold up against the run while also pressuring the quarterback.

The details

Allen, 31, signed a two-year, $26 million deal with the Bengals. While his sack numbers (3.5) and pressure totals (34) were modest with the Vikings last season, the Bengals saw on tape that he was still winning one-on-one matchups when given the opportunity. Hill, also 31, is coming off a season where he played through foot and ankle injuries that limited his impact. The Bengals are hoping that by reducing Hill's snap count and allowing Allen to handle more of the pass-rushing duties, both players can be more efficient and productive.

  • The Bengals signed Allen on March 12, 2026.
  • Hill was set to receive a $2 million roster bonus just days after Allen's signing.

The players

Jonathan Allen

A 31-year-old defensive tackle who was signed by the Bengals to a two-year, $26 million contract. Allen is a former Pro Bowler who struggled to fit in with the Minnesota Vikings' defensive scheme last season but still showed the ability to disrupt the passing game.

B.J. Hill

A 31-year-old defensive tackle for the Bengals who is coming off a season where he played through painful foot and ankle injuries that hindered his impact. Hill is known for his strength against the run and the Bengals are hoping the addition of Allen can complement his skill set.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What’s next

The Bengals will look to integrate Allen into their defensive line rotation and see how the combination of him and Hill performs during the upcoming season.

The takeaway

The Bengals' signing of Jonathan Allen represents a savvy move to bolster their defensive tackle position by pairing a proven pass-rusher with the run-stopping skills of B.J. Hill. If the two veterans can stay healthy and complement each other's strengths, the Bengals could have an effective interior defensive line that can hold up against the run while also pressuring the quarterback.