The Cincinnati Bengals missed the playoffs last season in large part due to their lackluster defense.
Cincinnati signed historic contracts with their wide receiver duo while also retaining tight end Mike Gesicki in free agency, leaving limited cap space to rebuild their defense.
It was one of the worst units in the league last season, and they are now facing a sudden overhaul.
What is the Bengals' 2025 plan on defense following the NFL draft?
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Bengals Coaching Changes
Several offseason moves have been made to fortify the coaching staff.
Lou Anarumo, who served as the defensive coordinator for six seasons, was replaced with Notre Dame's Al Golden.
They also parted ways with their defensive line coach and linebackers coach.
Golden brings experience as an assistant coach in the NFL and a head coach in college.
He served as the head coach at Temple University, where he rejuvenated a struggling program to a winning record.
He then coached the Miami Hurricanes and later became the defensive coordinator for the Notre Dame Fighting Irish.
The Irish had a top ranked defense in the NCAA during his tenure, which led to his promotion.
Cincinnati had issues at every level of its defense last season.
The linebacker group was especially sluggish, but Golden brings the experience necessary to solve this issue.
From 2020-2021, Golden served as the Bengals' linebackers coach.
He helped to develop defensive anchors like Logan Wilson, Germaine Pratt, and Akeem Davis–Gaither.
He will have another opportunity to develop a new set of players in the linebacker room and elsewhere this season.
Who Did the Bengals Add in Free Agency & 2025 NFL Draft?
- Shemar Stewart, EDGE, Draft
- Demetrius Knight Jr, LB, Draft
- Barrett Carter, LB, Draft
- Oren Burks, LB, Free Agency
- T.J. Slaton, DL, Free Agency
Ja’Marr Chase and Tee Higgins took the headlines during free agency, but that did not stop Cincinnati from signing productive veterans to their defense.
Notably, the team signed linebacker Oren Burks and defensive tackle T.J. Slaton.
Burks had an exceptional postseason with Philadelphia, registering 25 total tackles, 2 forced fumbles, 1 pass deflected, and 1 sack during their Super Bowl run.
Both of these players will be playing meaningful snaps next season.
Most of the Bengals' new talent was brought in through the NFL Draft.
They took edge rusher Shemar Stewart with the 17th overall pick.
The former Aggie was a five star recruit and possesses all the athletic traits necessary to be a superstar in the NFL.
He only managed 4.5 sacks and 12 tackles for loss with Texas A&M, but the upside with this pick is undeniable.
The Bengals then doubled down at linebacker in the second and fourth rounds.
With the 49th pick, they selected Demetrius Knight Jr. out of South Carolina.
He is a versatile linebacker with good instincts and room to grow in coverage.
The other addition, Barrett Carter, is another versatile piece with tremendous range.
He and Knight will immediately compete for a starting role with Germaine Pratt expected to be traded or cut.
Cincinnati Bengals Projected Defense
Young players will have to step up for the Bengals to improve on defense in 2025.
On the defensive line, Trey Hendrickson and B.J. Hill are the proven veterans.
Not traded during the draft, it seems as though Hendrickson will play the final year of his contract despite offseason controversy. He led the league in sacks last season.
The rest of the unit includes Kris Jenkins, Myles Murphy, Joseph Ossai, and the newly drafted Shemar Stewart.
All these players were high draft picks who have not yet developed into elite playmakers.
The linebacking core will look entirely different in Cincinnati next season.
Logan Wilson is the only returning starter with newcomers Oren Burks, Demetrius Knight Jr, and Barrett Carter competing for the other spots.
The secondary will look almost identical to last year.
Cam Taylor–Britt and DJ Turner are young corners who have flashed at times but also struggled down the stretch of last season.
Dax Hill and Jordan Battle will also be in the mix, and Geno Stone looks to bounce back after an underwhelming season.
That leaves the Bengals with only three or four new starters on their defense.
New DC Al Golden will be tasked with getting more production and quicker development from this young team.
His time coaching in the NCAA and the NFL as a linebacker coach will serve him well in this pursuit.
If Golden can unlock these players’ full potential, the Bengals will have a solid defense moving forward.
