Bengals' attempt at making waiver claim also acts as likely hint for their next roster move

Jefferson, a former fourth-round pick from the 2024 NFL Draft, would've given Cincinnati yet another DT to an already crowded defensive line room. The Bengals have six interior linemen already on the roster, which indicates they would've adjusted the room in order to fit Jefferson into the mix.

This also means what move is likely next for the club once Dalton Risner comes back to town.

Bengals likely to alter d-line room

Six DTs is already a lot, but seven would've simply been too much. If the Bengals were interested in adding another talented body to the group, one of the names already on the team would've likely needed to get booted off or down to the practice squad.

This puts rookie UDFAs Howard Cross III and Eric Gregory in the spotlight.

One of Cross or Gregory making the initial 53 was a fair expectation. Both of them making the cut was a surprise. If Jefferson was successfully claimed, logic points to one of them being removed from the 53 and re-joining the locker room via the practice squad.

Either Cross or Gregory was already going to realize this fate regardless if Risner signed or not, but the 30-year old agreed to terms Wednesday evening and is set to join the team with the regular season arriving soon.

It makes the most sense for Risner's signing to be conjoined with the waiving of either Cross or Gregory. This would give the offensive line nine players and the d-line 10, which is more balanced than the current eight-11 split.

Cincinnati ensured neither of their rookie DTs saw waivers. Every team has built their practice squads around the league, so it's far less likely for Cross or Gregory to be picked up now as opposed to when the entire league was on the lookout for available talent.

The Bengals will get their new G and also keep all the DTs they want in the building. Win-win.