It’s no secret that the Cincinnati Bengals need to add some strength along the defensive line. So, they turned to free agency this offseason, signing defensive tackle Jonathan Allen on a two-year, $26 million deal.
The hope on Cincinnati’s end is obvious. Allen can come in and be a veteran presence in the short term while younger players on that unit continue to develop. He’s not a long-term answer, but a potential bridge to the next generation.
ESPN saw the signing differently. In a recent grading of offseason transaction, analyst Seth Walder shared that he is giving the signing just a ‘D’ grade.
Why ESPN is Concerned about the Cincinnati Bengals signing Jonathan Allen
GettyJonathan Allen with the Minnesota Vikings
With a ‘D’ grade for the Jonathan Allen signing, it’s clear that Seth Walder and ESPN have some concerns about the signing. In particular, after he was cut by the Washington Commanders in 2024 and by the Minnesota Vikings in 2025. That came after he had signed a three-year, $60 million deal with the Vikings.
Add to that, Allen’s production has been down. After being a Pro Bowl selection in 2021 and 2022, with years where he was consistently putting up seasons with more than 60 tackles, he has had trouble living up to that production. That, notably, includes his sack totals, which were down to 3.5 a season ago.
“There have been criticisms levied that Brian Flores’ system does not lend itself to pass-rushing production from defensive tackles, and it’s possible that hurt Allen’s numbers. But that would not explain Allen’s lack of production (three sacks, 13th percentile pass rush win rate) in eight games in 2024 for the Commanders,” Walder wrote. “Allen was a very good defensive tackle earlier in his career. But the numbers clearly paint a picture of a 31-year-old player who is well into his decline. And I think the Bengals are overpaying him based on what he did several years ago.”
The challenge for the Bengals then becomes how desperate the team is for help. A year ago, the Bengals were just tied for 22nd in sacks with 35 on the season. That included seven games worth of Trey Hendrickson, who is no longer with the team.
Jonathan Allen Believes He Can Win with the Bengals
GettyJonathan Allen with the Washington Commanders
No free agent is negative about their new landing spot. However, it was notable how positive Jonathan Allen was about the Cincinnati Bengals, sharing when he signed in March that he believes he’s found a team where he can win a Super Bowl.
“This is one of the few places I can compete for a Super Bowl and have a chance to showcase my talent,” Allen said. “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.”
Now, Allen and the Bengals need to go out on the field and prove those are heights that they’re capable of reaching. Do that, and they’ll certainly prove ESPN’s grading wrong.
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