The Cincinnati Bengals are hard at work reshaping their roster as the 2025 offseason progresses. Recently, the Bengals have secured new deals with their star receivers, Tee Higgins and Ja'Marr Chase. However, a glaring need remains — the search for a formidable edge rusher. Pro Football Focus (PFF) has identified this as the team's most pressing requirement moving forward.
"If the Bengals fulfill Trey Hendrickson’s trade request, you can just about Sharpie in an edge defender to the Bengals at Pick No. 17," commented Max Chadwick from PFF. Even if Hendrickson secures a new contract, the Bengals still need to identify a suitable replacement following Sam Hubbard’s retirement. This failure has left the team with a thin edge presence, as neither Joseph Ossai nor Myles Murphy has posted a PFF overall grade of 60.0 in any season where they played enough snaps to qualify.
Ossai is returning on a one-year deal, while Myles Murphy could potentially see increased playing time in the fall of 2025. However, the lack of proven talent on the edge is a significant concern. If the Bengals hope to be competitive next season, adding at least one more veteran player while also negotiating a proper deal with Hendrickson is crucial.
The defense's struggles were well noted during the 2024 season, which was virtually over before it began. Its downfall was primarily attributed to an inadequate nose tackle. The Bengals' inept run defense was notably problematic and only worsened as the season progressed.
DJ Reader, a dominant 330-pound force, was replaced by Sheldon Rankins, a much lighter 305-pound player, leaving the team scrambling to fill the void. The defensive scheme suffered as a result, leading to a reliance on various players rotating in and out of the nose tackle position. When they were faced with talented rushing teams, the Bengals suffered.
In an attempt to rectify this issue, the Bengals have brought in T.J. Slaton from the Green Bay Packers. Slaton, who stands at 330 pounds, is seen as a potential cornerstone in improving the run defense. He stressed his purpose for joining the team, saying, "I'm pretty sure it's to stop the run. That's me. Everybody around the league knows that's me, and that's the number one capability. But you know for myself it's to become an all-around player who can do it all. But at the end of the day, I'm here to take on the job at hand and I'm pretty sure that's to stop the run first."
Slaton's straightforward approach to his role might appease fans hungry for improvement. However, there's a growing expectation that players in modern defenses must be versatile and adapt their gameplay based on the situation. Successful run defense relies on properly occupying gaps along the line, creating a delicate balance of attacking and reacting to the plays developed by the offense.
The need for defensive linemen who can manage multiple roles has never been greater. Experts suggest that players need to oscillate between controlling gaps and attacking offensively to be effective. A strategy that isolates teams' ability to run the ball; consequently, when defenders can engage with multiple gaps, it alleviates the pressure on linebackers.
The Bengals' challenges in defending against the run were greatly exaggerated in the 2024 season, leaving them vulnerable to two-yard gains and long drives for the opposing teams. Improving the run defense will ease the burden on the team’s overall performance next season, allowing them to focus on other aspects of their game, such as pass defense and offensive drives.
Slaton's signing can change the trajectory of their defensive efforts and provides an opportunity for revitalization. As the Bengals prepare for the upcoming draft, the question remains: Will they pursue another edge rusher alongside their newly signed nose tackle, or will they solidify their defensive line with different strategies? It's clear that significant adjustments are required if they aim to return to their previous success.
As Cincinnati navigates this intricate offseason landscape, the hope is that with strategic signings and collaborations, they can cultivate a stronger roster that can tackle the challenges of the new season head-on. For more updates on the Cincinnati Bengals, fans are encouraged to subscribe to BengalsTalk.com for comprehensive news, exclusive interviews, and more insights.
