It has been a confusing summer for the Cincinnati Bengals. Last season, they missed the playoffs for the second straight year, with their abysmal defense the clear culprit. But, the team spent a majority of their resources keeping their offensive pieces intact, leaving very little room to improve the other end of the football.
As a result, they’re entering the 2025 season with a ton of contractual drama and a defense that doesn’t appear to be remarkably better than last season. With change being a necessity in Cincinnati, one analyst has a solid veteran in mind to help the unit make significant improvements.
How Can the Cincinnati Bengals Improve Their Defense?
Last season, the Bengals ranked among the five worst defenses in the league at 28th according to PFSN’s Defense+ metric. It was clear that change was necessary for a unit that was below average in virtually every category.
The change began with the substitution of longtime defensive coordinator Lou Anarumo with Notre Dame’s Al Golden. However, Golden is going to need some talent on that end to make any long-lasting improvements.
Unfortunately for Bengals fans, the summer hasn’t brought the defensive reinforcements they hoped for. Although the team signed Tedarrell Slaton in free agency from the Green Bay Packers and selected linebackers Demetrius Knight Jr. and Barrett Carter in the 2025 NFL Draft, questions remain about whether these additions will be enough to address their needs.
Without a doubt, the biggest problem for the Bengals has been the handling of the edge rusher position. The team hasn’t given longtime veteran and last season’s sacks leader, Trey Hendrickson, a contract extension, instead opting to bring back both Tee Higgins and Ja’Marr Chase.
Additionally, a change in their rookie contract clause has led to a rift with their first-round pick, Shemar Stewart. As he continues to sit out virtually every team activity over the summer, the situation is getting more dire by the second.
Reminder:
Shemar Stewart just wants a contract that Amarius Mims (and every other 1st rounder) got where there’s no “default clause” that can void his future guaranteed money.
He just wants what is normal for a rookie deal. pic.twitter.com/XkdNpYKB8b
— SleeperBengals (@SleeperBengals) June 10, 2025
Some help, both in morale and on the roster, could arrive if Gilberto Manzano of Sports Illustrated has his way. In his list of best teams for unsigned free agents, he mentioned Cincinnati as the best choice for veteran safety Julian Blackmon.
After being selected in third-round pick of the 2020 NFL Draft, he has been with the Indianapolis Colts during the first five years of his career. Although he hasn’t received Pro Bowl or All-Pro consideration, he did show steady improvements each season and became a decent option in the secondary, according to Manzano.
“Blackmon can improve the Bengals’ secondary after establishing himself as a quality playmaker in five seasons with the Indianapolis Colts,” Manzano said.
Last year saw him finish 30th out of 98 eligible safeties, according to PFF, with a career-high grade of 69.3. With Anarumo now leading the Colts’ defense, Blackmon has not been re-signed. Meanwhile, Cincinnati may look to capitalize on a player whose skill set didn’t quite fit Anarumo’s defensive approach.