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Bengals Secure Arkansas DT Eric Gregory as Priority UDFA
Kirby Lee-Imagn Images

The Cincinnati Bengals moved quickly after the conclusion of the 2025 NFL Draft, signing Arkansas defensive lineman Eric Gregory as an undrafted free agent. NFL Network’s Tom Pelissero reported that the Bengals offered Gregory a $30,000 signing bonus, a strong indication of the team's belief in his potential.

At 6-foot-3 and 313 pounds, Gregory brings a combination of size, durability, and experience to Cincinnati’s defensive front. Evaluated as a Round 7/priority free agent by NFL.com’s Lance Zierlein, Gregory was viewed by some analysts as a late-round draft candidate. In light of Cincinnati’s decision not to select a defensive tackle during the draft, the addition of Gregory fills a notable depth need.

Gregory’s collegiate career at Arkansas is marked by steady development and consistent production. As the only member of Arkansas’ five NFL invitees to complete his entire college career with the Razorbacks, he played in 61 games with 44 starts. In 2024, he delivered his most productive season, totaling 42 tackles, 5.0 tackles for loss, and 3.0 sacks.

What Gregory may lack in flash, he compensates for with reliability and a high floor as a rotational player. His experience against SEC competition could ease his transition to the professional level, where he will compete for a role on Cincinnati’s 53-man roster.

While undrafted free agents often face long odds, Gregory’s profile suggests he could be a strong candidate to stick. His signing reflects the Bengals’ ongoing strategy of identifying and developing overlooked talent rather than relying solely on draft capital. Gregory will enter a defensive tackle room looking for depth and could prove to be a valuable addition as training camp and preseason evaluations begin.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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