Bengals Sign Defensive Lineman to $28M Deal, Predict Super Bowl Run

New signing Jonathan Allen believes Cincinnati's offense and young defense can lead to a championship in 2026.

Mar. 15, 2026 at 8:50pm

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The Cincinnati Bengals have signed defensive lineman Jonathan Allen to a two-year, $28 million contract with incentives. Allen, previously with the Washington Commanders and Minnesota Vikings, believes the Bengals' high-powered offense led by quarterback Joe Burrow and the team's young defensive talent give them a chance to compete for a Super Bowl title in 2026.

Why it matters

The Bengals have missed the playoffs the last couple of seasons, and upgrading the defense was a priority this offseason. Allen's signing provides a boost to the pass rush, which should help the defense complement Cincinnati's explosive offense and make the team a legitimate Super Bowl contender.

The details

Allen signed a two-year deal worth up to $28 million with incentives to join the Bengals. In comments to the media, he expressed excitement about playing with Burrow, Ja'Marr Chase, and the Bengals' offensive stars, as well as the team's young defensive talent, saying "This is one of the few places I can compete for a Super Bowl."

  • The Bengals signed Allen on March 15, 2026.

The players

Jonathan Allen

A defensive lineman who previously played for the Washington Commanders and Minnesota Vikings, and has now signed a two-year, $28 million contract with the Cincinnati Bengals.

Joe Burrow

The star quarterback of the Cincinnati Bengals, known for his high-powered offense.

Ja'Marr Chase

A wide receiver for the Cincinnati Bengals, part of the team's explosive offensive unit.

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What they’re saying

“This is one of the few places I can compete for a Super Bowl and have a chance to showcase my talent. When you see what they have on the offensive side of the ball, that's a dream for a defensive lineman. I think people would be lining up to play with a guy like Joe Burrow and the offense they have. Then the young guys you have on defense and the pieces you're adding, I really think this team is going somewhere.”

— Jonathan Allen (Cincinnati Bengals' official website)

The takeaway

The Bengals' signing of Jonathan Allen signals their intent to build a championship-caliber team in 2026, with the defensive lineman's confidence in the team's offensive firepower and young defensive talent suggesting Cincinnati could be a force to be reckoned with in the upcoming season.