The Cincinnati Bengals have agreed to sign a 2-year, $26 million deal with defensive tackle Jonathan Allen.
Allen was officially released by the Minnesota Vikings Wednesday after the start of the 2026 league year. Allen’s deal can be worth up to $28 million through incentives.
Before being selected in the first round in 2017 by Washington, and later signing with Minnesota as a free agent in 2025, earning $16.2 million, Allen finished as one of the most decorated pass rushers in University of Alabama history. He recorded 28.5 sacks (second in school history), won the 2016 Bronko Nagurski, Chuck Bednarik, and Ted Hendricks award.
With the Vikings, Allen played in all 17 games, finished with 68 tackles and 3.5 sacks.
The Bengals have now acquired two major players to improve their defensive line in the 2026 campaign. Cincinnati also signed former Seattle Seahawks edge rusher Boye Mafe to a three-year, $60 million contract.
With an annual payout of $13 million excluding incentives, Allen comes in as one of the most expensive players on Cincinnati’s defensive line. Allen falls just behind Mafe and new safety addition Bryan Cook regarding average annual salary for the defensive side of the ball.
After struggling defensively last season the Bengals are looking to make beneficial changes up front. Cincinnati also lost edge rushers Trey Hendrickson and Joseph Ossai in free agency.
A first-round pick to Washington in 2017, Allen spent his first seven NFL seasons with the Commanders. Allen made the Pro Bowl after the 2021 and 2022 seasons, when he combined for 16.5 sacks. In his eight seasons with Washington, he recorded 42 sacks in 108 starts.