Bengals' attempt at savvy roster gymnastics backfires thanks to another AFC team's vigilance

Gregory, who signed as an undrafted free agent signing by the Bengals following the 2025 NFL Draft, spent the entire offseason in Cincinnati and made the initial 53-man roster. He was one of six DTs to make the cut, and in order to fit the signing of free agent guard Dalton Risner, he was waived.

The Bengals waited to waive Gregory until after the first wave of waiver claims were made between Tuesday and Wednesday. It was during this period when 31 successful waiver claims were made and clubs were also building out their practice squads. By stashing him on the 53, Cincinnati protected him while other players at his position were getting scooped up by prospecting defenses.

Once Risner agreed to terms, the move was to send Gregory to waivers and re-sign him as the 16th player on the practice squad once he cleared The only thing that could muddy this plan is exactly what happened.

Patriots thwart Bengals' plans with Eric Gregory

There was still risk in exposing Gregory to waivers even after the first rush of claims, and New England proved that to be true. The Patriots now have one of Cincinnati's best undrafted rookies on their active roster, and the Bengals are down to five defensive tackles in the building.

Gregory was going to stay No. 6, practice with the team, and potentially get called up on game days if injuries were prevalent. Coach Zac Taylor emphasized the need for interior defensive line depth as a reminder for how last season began for his defense.

“I think it was important to keep depth there,” Taylor said after Tuesday’s cuts. “As you remember early in last season, we went through that depth pretty quickly. So I think if there’s a spot to go heavy sometimes it’s in those areas, and so that that helped us in our decision there.”

Cincinnati isn't exactly light at DT now that Gregory is out of the picture, but expect another to be added to the practice squad as the personnel department looks to pivot.