Roster Moves Considered to Strengthen the Cincinnati Bengals Defense

The Cincinnati Bengals’ offense has long been the team’s calling card, with Joe Burrow, Ja’Marr Chase, and Tee Higgins leading a high-powered attack. But their defense has emerged as a critical bottleneck in their playoff push—ranking 22nd in total yards allowed, 25th in sacks, and struggling to stop both the run and deep passing plays. With the regular season winding down and a wildcard spot on the line, the Bengals’ front office is now weighing targeted roster moves to shore up these defensive gaps. These potential adjustments—from signing veteran free agents to promoting practice squad players—aren’t just short-term fixes; they’re strategic bets to turn a inconsistent defense into a playoff-caliber unit. Roster Moves Considered to Strengthen the Cincinnati Bengals Defense explores the key defensive weaknesses driving these decisions, the players the Bengals are eyeing, and how these moves could reshape their ability to compete with elite teams.

Roster Moves Considered to Strengthen the Cincinnati Bengals Defense begins with addressing the pass-rush crisis— targeting edge rushers to boost sack production. The Bengals have recorded just 21 sacks through 14 weeks, a pace that would leave them with their lowest total since 2019. Their top edge rusher, Trey Hendrickson, has 7 sacks but has faced constant double-teaming, while backups like Joseph Ossai and Myles Murphy have failed to generate consistent pressure. To fix this, the Bengals are reportedly considering signing a veteran free agent edge rusher—names like Yannick Ngakoue (a 9-year vet with 8 sacks this season) or Melvin Ingram (a proven pass-rush specialist with Super Bowl experience). “We need someone who can step in and create pressure on the other side of Trey,” Bengals defensive coordinator Lou Anarumo said. “When teams double Trey, we’re left with no one else to disrupt the quarterback, and that’s killing us.” Adding a veteran edge rusher would not only increase sack numbers but also force opposing offenses to split their attention, making life easier for the Bengals’ secondary.

A second key area for roster moves is bolstering secondary depth— addressing injuries and inconsistent play at cornerback. The Bengals’ secondary has been hit hard by injuries: starting cornerback Cam Taylor-Britt missed four games with a knee injury, and backup Mike Hilton has been limited by a hamstring issue. Even when healthy, the unit has struggled—allowing 25 passing touchdowns, the 10th-most in the NFL. The Bengals are exploring two paths here: signing a veteran free agent cornerback (like Patrick Peterson, who has experience in zone coverage and could mentor younger players) or promoting practice squad cornerback Jalen Davis to the active roster. Davis, a 6-year vet, has impressed in scout team reps, showing the ability to handle slot receivers—a weakness the Bengals have exploited by opponents like the Ravens’ Zay Flowers. “Depth in the secondary is non-negotiable this time of year,” Anarumo explained. “If we lose another corner, we’re looking at rookies who aren’t ready for playoff-caliber receivers. We need a safety net.”

Roster Moves Considered to Strengthen the Cincinnati Bengals Defense also includes reinforcing run defense— adding a defensive tackle to plug gaps for the Cincinnati Bengals. The Bengals are allowing 120 rushing yards per game, the 18th-worst mark in the league, and have struggled to stop power runners like the Ravens’ Gus Edwards and the Browns’ Nick Chubb. Their defensive tackle rotation, led by DJ Reader and B.J. Hill, has been solid but lacks depth; if either player gets hurt, the run defense collapses. The Bengals are considering signing a veteran defensive tackle like Linval Joseph (a 14-year vet with a reputation for clogging the middle) or activating practice squad tackle Domenique Davis. Joseph, in particular, would bring size (6’4”, 329 lbs) and experience, making it harder for offensive lines to push the Bengals back in short-yardage situations. “Our run defense has been a rollercoaster,” Anarumo said. “We need someone who can consistently plug the A and B gaps, so our linebackers can flow to the ball. That’s where a guy like Joseph comes in.” For the Cincinnati Bengals, this move would not only improve run defense but also free up linebackers like Logan Wilson to focus on pass coverage, making the defense more balanced overall.

Another potential roster move is elevating a practice squad linebacker— adding depth to a thin unit for the Cincinnati Bengals. The Bengals’ linebacker corps has been reliable, with Wilson and Germaine Pratt leading the way in tackles and interceptions, but backups like Akeem Davis-Gaither have been inconsistent when called upon. With the Bengals facing teams with strong tight ends (like the Chiefs’ Travis Kelce) in the coming weeks, they need a linebacker who can handle coverage duties. The Bengals are considering promoting practice squad linebacker Joe Bachie, a 4-year vet who played 12 games for the Saints last season and has experience covering tight ends. Bachie’s ability to drop into zone coverage and tackle in space would give Anarumo more flexibility to mix defensive looks. “Linebackers are the heart of our defense, and we can’t afford to be thin there,” Anarumo said. “Bachie has shown he can step in and contribute, whether it’s covering a tight end or stopping a run. He gives us an extra weapon.” For the Cincinnati Bengals, this move is about preparedness—ensuring they have the depth to handle injuries or schematic changes without sacrificing performance.

A final roster move under consideration is signing a special teams ace with defensive upside— adding versatility for the Cincinnati Bengals. Special teams often get overlooked, but the Bengals have struggled with coverage units this season, allowing two kickoff returns for touchdowns. To fix this, they’re eyeing veteran players who can contribute on special teams while also providing depth on defense—like former Patriots safety Adrian Phillips, who has experience at both safety and linebacker and has been a standout on special teams for years. Phillips would not only improve kickoff and punt coverage but also serve as a backup safety, giving the Bengals another option in case of injury. “Special teams can win or lose games, especially in the playoffs,” Bengals special teams coordinator Darrin Simmons said. “A guy like Phillips brings leadership and versatility—he can cover kicks on Sunday and step in on defense if we need him. That’s the kind of player who makes a team better.” For the Cincinnati Bengals, this move is about maximizing roster value—getting a player who can contribute in multiple areas, which is critical when roster spots are limited.

Roster Moves Considered to Strengthen the Cincinnati Bengals Defense wraps up with the balance between short-term fixes and long-term vision. The Bengals aren’t just looking to win now—they’re also mindful of salary cap implications and player development. Signing veterans like Ngakoue or Peterson would come with a modest price tag (likely one-year deals), allowing the Bengals to stay flexible for future seasons. Promoting practice squad players like Davis or Bachie, meanwhile, would give younger talent a chance to prove themselves, potentially building depth for years to come. “We have to be smart about these moves,” Bengals general manager Duke Tobin said. “We need to win now, but we can’t mortgage the future to do it. The right roster moves will help us in the playoffs this year and set us up for success down the line.” For the Cincinnati Bengals, these defensive roster moves are more than just adjustments—they’re a statement that they’re serious about competing for a Super Bowl. Roster Moves Considered to Strengthen the Cincinnati Bengals Defense ultimately shows that even teams with elite offenses need a strong defense to win championships—and the Bengals are finally taking the steps to build one.