Bengals Urged to Sign $20 Million Starter in Free Agency

Cincinnati needs to bolster its defensive line after losing key pieces this offseason.

Mar. 31, 2026 at 12:23pm

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

A fractured, geometric painting depicting a Cincinnati Bengals defensive lineman in action, with sharp planes of orange and black representing the team's colors and the raw energy of the sport.The Bengals' defensive line needs reinforcements after key offseason departures, and a veteran like A.J. Epenesa could provide a cost-effective solution.Cincinnati Today

The Cincinnati Bengals are being urged to sign free agent defensive end A.J. Epenesa, who is available after failing his physical with the Cleveland Browns. Epenesa has over $20 million in career earnings and could provide depth and experience to the Bengals' defensive end room, which has seen the departures of Trey Hendrickson and Joseph Ossai this offseason.

Why it matters

The Bengals' defense struggled mightily in 2025, allowing the third-most points in the NFL. Signing Epenesa could help shore up their defensive line and provide a proven rotational piece to complement their recent free agent signing of Boye Mafe.

The details

Despite signing Mafe to a three-year, $60 million deal, the Bengals' defensive end depth is still a concern. Their current group consists of Cedric Johnson, Isaiah Foskey, Myles Murphy, and Shemar Stewart behind Mafe. Epenesa, who has started 19 games in his career, could provide valuable experience and production, having recorded at least 6 sacks in three straight seasons from 2022-2024 before a down year in 2025.

  • Epenesa agreed to a one-year, $5 million contract with the Cleveland Browns in March 2026, but failed his physical.
  • Epenesa is now back on the free agent market after his deal with the Browns fell through.

The players

A.J. Epenesa

A veteran defensive end who has over $20 million in career earnings and has started 19 games in the NFL, recording at least 6 sacks in three straight seasons from 2022-2024 before a down year in 2025.

Trey Hendrickson

The Bengals' former All-Pro pass rusher who signed with the division rival Baltimore Ravens this offseason.

Boye Mafe

The defensive end the Bengals signed to a three-year, $60 million contract this offseason to help replace Hendrickson's production.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“The Bengals should absolutely look to bring in Epenesa and bolster the depth of a defensive end room that is still severely lacking talent.”

— Landon Belote, Sports Illustrated Writer

What’s next

The Bengals will need to decide if they want to pursue Epenesa to add more depth and experience to their defensive line. They also hold the 10th overall pick in the upcoming NFL Draft, which they could use to address the position as well.

The takeaway

The Bengals' defense was a major weakness in 2025, and they have work to do this offseason to improve it. Signing a veteran like Epenesa could provide a cost-effective way to add depth and production to their defensive end group.