Bengals Sign Veteran Defensive Tackle Jonathan Allen

One-year deal aims to bolster Cincinnati's defensive line with experienced pass rusher

Apr. 10, 2026 at 3:04am

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A fragmented, cubist-style painting depicting a defensive lineman's pass rush move, with sharp geometric shapes and planes in the Bengals' team colors of orange, black, and white.A new defensive weapon aims to energize the Bengals' struggling unit.Cincinnati Today

The Cincinnati Bengals have signed veteran defensive tackle Jonathan Allen to a one-year, $25 million contract. Allen, a 31-year-old former Pro Bowler, was recently released by the Minnesota Vikings in a cost-cutting move. The Bengals are hoping Allen can provide interior pass rush and run-stopping ability to a defense that struggled last season.

Why it matters

The Bengals are looking to bounce back after missing the playoffs the last three seasons. Improving their defense, which ranked in the bottom half of the league in yards per play allowed, is a key priority. Allen's addition, along with other free agent signings like edge rusher Boye Mafe and safety Bryan Cook, signals a concerted effort to strengthen the defense and get the team back to the postseason.

The details

Allen is expected to serve as a situational pass rusher for the Bengals, a role he has struggled with in recent years, recording just 12 sacks over the last three seasons. However, the Bengals are betting that the one-year, $25 million contract will allow them to assess Allen's performance without a long-term commitment. The team is hoping Allen can regain his Pro Bowl form and provide an interior pass-rushing presence to complement their edge rushers.

  • Allen was recently released by the Minnesota Vikings in a cost-cutting move.

The players

Jonathan Allen

A 31-year-old defensive tackle who was recently released by the Minnesota Vikings. Allen is a former Pro Bowler looking to regain his form as an interior pass rusher.

Boye Mafe

A free agent edge rusher signed by the Bengals this offseason from the Seattle Seahawks.

Bryan Cook

A free agent safety signed by the Bengals this offseason from the Kansas City Chiefs.

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What they’re saying

“We must address the defensive issues that have plagued us the last few seasons. Jonathan Allen's experience and talent make him an ideal fit to help turn things around.”

— Zac Taylor, Head Coach, Cincinnati Bengals

What’s next

The Bengals will continue to evaluate Allen's performance during the offseason program and training camp to determine his role and impact on the defense.

The takeaway

The Bengals are taking a calculated risk by signing Allen to a one-year deal, betting that the veteran defensive tackle can regain his Pro Bowl form and provide a much-needed boost to their struggling defense. This move is part of a broader effort to strengthen the unit and get the team back to the playoffs after three straight seasons of missing the postseason.