The overhaul of the Cincinnati Bengals defense will happen at every level next offseason, no matter if the organization makes major changes to the coaching staff or not.
By far the biggest area of concern is the defensive line, which currently prevents rookie linebackers Demetrius Knight and Barrett Carter from doing their jobs well while developing in real time.
One of the top options in free agency for the Bengals will be the seventh-ranked overall player set to hit the market in the mind of Bleacher Report’s Kristopher Knox. There, Denver Broncos edge John Franklin-Myers gets listed as a fit for the Bengals:
“Nevertheless, the 29-year-old has been a critical contributor, even if he’s been overshadowed by the likes of Nik Bonnito and Zach Allen. He had seven sacks, eight tackles for loss and 21 quarterback pressures last season and may surpass those numbers in 2025.”
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We used to be able to handwave free agents around the age of 30 for the Bengals, but that stance has changed over the last few years, most recently when they re-upped with BJ Hill.
That makes Franklin-Myers an obvious veteran target to keep in mind for a Bengals defensive line that isn’t guaranteed Trey Hendrickson next year, let alone solid production or playing time for former first-round names like Myles Murphy and Shemar Stewart.
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