Bengals' Signing of Seahawks' Mafe Draws Skepticism from NFL Execs

Cincinnati's defense struggled mightily in recent seasons, and experts question if Boye Mafe is the answer to their pass rush woes.

Apr. 4, 2026 at 8:50pm

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The Cincinnati Bengals signed free agent pass rusher Boye Mafe from the Seattle Seahawks to a three-year, $60 million contract, but the move has drawn skepticism from NFL executives. Mafe, a 2022 second-round pick, saw his playing time decline over the past two seasons in Seattle, and some league insiders believe he is more of a 'designated pass rusher' than a well-rounded defensive end. The Bengals are hoping Mafe can help improve their porous defense, which gave up a league-high 492 points last season, but some experts believe the team overpaid for a player with limited production.

Why it matters

The Bengals have struggled defensively in recent years, despite making the AFC Championship game in 2022. Their decision to sign Mafe to a lucrative contract is an attempt to bolster their pass rush, but some around the league question whether he is the right fit and if the team overpaid for his services.

The details

Mafe recorded 20 sacks in 34 starts for the Seahawks since 2022, but NFL executives believe he is more of a 'designated pass rusher' than a well-rounded defensive end. One exec said Mafe is a 'lesser player' than Malcolm Koonce, whom the Raiders signed for $11 million per year, compared to the $20 million per year the Bengals are paying Mafe. Another league source pointed out that Mafe will be 'playing with slop' in Cincinnati, unlike the talent he had around him in Seattle, but noted his individual production could improve by just 'ripping upfield' without the same team-oriented approach.

  • Mafe was on the trading block during the 2025 NFL season, with his snaps declining over the past two years.
  • The Bengals lost their best defensive player, Trey Hendrickson, to the Baltimore Ravens in free agency this offseason.

The players

Boye Mafe

A 2022 second-round pick by the Seattle Seahawks, Mafe is a pass rusher who has seen his playing time decline over the past two seasons.

Trey Hendrickson

The Bengals' best defensive player, who left the team in free agency to join the Baltimore Ravens.

Joe Burrow

The Bengals' star quarterback, who has led the team's offense but has struggled with a porous defense.

Ja'Marr Chase

The Bengals' star wide receiver, who has been a key part of the team's offense.

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What they’re saying

“I think to your point, like, actual pass rush stats are a little bit overrated. I think probably the best thing that Boye does is quick wins early, which is something that you need. You have to attack the quarterback fast, and some things that they like. Can he finish a bit better? Yeah, absolutely. But to get the quarterback off their spot, I mean, somebody else is probably making that play too. So again, another guy we were really excited about, and we are going to miss him.”

— Mike Macdonald, Seattle Seahawks Head Coach

What’s next

The Bengals will hope that Mafe can help improve their defense, but the team still has work to do in the NFL Draft to address their many needs on that side of the ball.

The takeaway

The Bengals' signing of Boye Mafe has drawn skepticism from NFL executives, who question whether he is worth the $20 million per year contract and if he can be a true difference-maker on a defense that has struggled mightily in recent seasons. Cincinnati is taking a big swing in free agency, but it remains to be seen if Mafe is the answer to their pass rush woes.