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The Bengals were pitched the idea of adding a Pro Bowl safety
The Cincinnati Bengals entered free agency with a chance of making a big splash and improving their defense ahead of the 2026 season. With over $50 million in available cap space and a top-10 pick in the upcoming NFL Draft, the Bengals possessed capital to pull off major moves.
Instead, the Bengals followed a more patient approach, albeit by still adding three starters to multi-year contracts. To replace All-Pro pass rusher Trey Hendrickson, who left the team in free agency and signed with the division rival Baltimore Ravens, Cincinnati signed former Seattle Seahawks edge defender Boye Mafe to a three-year, $60 million contract.
Additionally, the Bengals signed Cincinnati native safety Bryan Cook to a three-year $40.2 million contract. Lastly, the Bengals added former Pro Bowl player Jonathan Allen as they signed him to a two-year, $25 million contract. Now, the NFL’s free agency period has slowed down, but that does not mean there’s no longer talent available for the Bengals to sign.
One player, who expressed interest to join Cincinnati last season, remains available for the Bengals to add.
Cincinnati Bengals Seen As Landing Spot for Justin Simmons
Prior to the 2025 season, former Denver Broncos and Atlanta Falcons All-Pro safety Justin Simmons expressed interest in joining the Bengals as he told Kay Adams, “Teams like Buffalo, Philly, Cincinnati, like teams like that, that have always been in the mix. And obviously, Philly just winning it last year. It’d be special.”
However, that did not occur, as Simmons remained unsigned during the 2025 season. The veteran safety was hoping to join a contender, and despite not playing last season, he recently expressed that he still had the same goal in mind this season if he were to play.
USA Today’s Chris Roling argued that the Bengals should explore the idea of adding Simmons this offseason. Roling wrote:
“Maybe this is something the Bengals consider down the line. They have two new starters, but the depth was lacking last season and just took a bigger hit when the Bengals lost Tycen Anderson…to these same Broncos.
The Bengals were not happy with depth options like Daijahn Anthony last year. They could add a safety as early as 10th overall in the upcoming draft. But if not, and Simmons is willing to take on a backup role, he’d certainly fit the veteran leadership mantra coaches have talked about for outside additions this offseason.”
Bengals’ Offseason
At this point in his career, adding Simmons would likely not be a season-altering move for the Bengals as the former All-Pro player already showed signs of decline during the 2024 season in Atlanta. Throughout his career, Simmons was one of the best defensive backs in the NFL, which led him to amass over $74 million in career earnings amid several Pro Bowl and All-Pro selections. He would likely command a veteran minimum contract if he were to join the Bengals as a depth piece.
Cincinnati’s biggest weakness remaining along the defense is likely at the linebacker position, which is one area the team has yet to address this offseason.
For that reason, ESPN’s Matt Miller predicted the Bengals adding Ohio State linebacker Sonny Styles. Miller wrote:
“It’s hard to imagine Styles lasting this long, but teams selecting early often prefer premium positions and draft for need over talent. Styles is a top-five talent on my board, so the Bengals would be wise to stop his slide and make him their new enforcer in the middle of the field. Last year’s fourth-rounder, Barrett Carter, looks like a hit at middle linebacker, but Cincinnati could use an upgrade at weakside LB. A former safety, Styles has the range at 6-foot-5 (4.3 speed) to be an eraser against tight ends and in-breaking wide receivers. He also provides pass-rush upside, with seven sacks the past two seasons.”
Jose Esquer Jose Esquer is a Mexican-American sportswriter and communications student based in San Diego, CA. His work spans football, basketball, baseball, and soccer. He has written for platforms like RotoWire and DolphinsTalk. You can find him on Twitter/X @JEsquer8, usually talking Dolphins, world football, or both. More about Jose Esquer
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