Bengals Add Difference Maker on the Defensive Line

Just as frustrations began to hit a fever pitch in Cincinnati among the Bengals’ fanbase, another deal hit the transaction wire. After announcing an Orlando Brown Jr. extension, as well as the signings of Bryan Cook and Boye Mafe, the Bengals inked veteran defensive tackle Jonathan Allen to a new two-year, $28 million contract. Allen was the first-round pick of the then-Washington Redskins in 2017 and most recently played one season with the Minnesota Vikings.

Perhaps the most important part, at least according to the Bengals’ front office, Allen was a cap casualty and not an unrestricted free agent, so this won’t count against the compensatory pick formula.

Bengals Sign Jonathan Allen to Contract

Allen was the 17th overall pick of Washington in the 2017 NFL Draft out of Alabama. As a member of Nick Saban’s squad, Allen won the national title in 2015 and took home the Nagurski Award, Bednarik Award, and first-team All-American honors. He even finished seventh in Heisman Trophy voting.

As a rookie, Allen only appeared in five games due to a Lisfranc injury.

Then, over the next six seasons, Allen started 96 games for Washington. In that time, Allen amassed 372 total tackles, 57 tackles for loss, 105 quarterback hits, 38 sacks, a safety, an interception, five pass breakups, three forced fumbles, and two fumble recoveries.

He missed a substantial amount of time in 2024 due to a torn pectoral injury. Despite the injury, he returned in Week 17 to finish his season with 19 tackles, three tackles for loss, and three sacks. Following the 2024 season, Allen was let go by the Commanders.

In March of 2025, the Vikings signed Allen to a three-year, $60 million contract. Naturally, he did not play out that contract as he was officially cut loose by Minnesota at the beginning of the 2026 league year.

In his lone season with the Vikings, Allen notched a career-high (tied) 68 total tackles, seven tackles for loss, 11 quarterback hits, 3.5 sacks, and one fumble recovery.

He joins a Bengals team desperate for pass rush, especially from the interior. He, alongside B.J. Hill and Kris Jenkins, should be able to provide the spark the Bengals are looking for as the Bengals’ defensive scheme is a bit more Allen-friendly.

Allen earned Pro Bowl honors in 2021 and 2022 with Washington.