The masses were uncomfortable with the Bengals’ free agency inactivity on Tuesday and Wednesday, but things revved up on Thursday. Cincinnati first announced a contract extension with Orlando Brown Jr., followed by reports of the team signing veteran defensive lineman Jonathan Allen to a two-year contract.
Allen joins a defensive-focused 2026 free agency class for the Bengals that also includes defensive lineman Boye Mafe and safety Bryan Cook. Allen’s contract is reportedly a two-year agreement that could be worth up to $28 million.
The Bengals made it clear this offseason would be centered on rebuilding their defense, and the early moves prove it. While Allen is up there in age (31), he’s a former Pro Bowl player who still has juice and can provide the needed leadership.
The veteran defensive lineman was a former 17th overall pick in 2017 by Washington. He spent the first eight seasons there, racking up two Pro Bowl nods (2021-2022). Allen was with the Vikings last season, who released him on Wednesday, and the Bengals reportedly pounced quickly to get him signed.
Let’s take a look at some tweets from X to get the vibes about Allen landing with Cincinnati.
See More:
