Green Bay Packers defensive tackle T.J. Slaton (93) celebrates with defensive end Rashan Gary (52) after Gary tallies a sack against the Chicago Bears on Sunday, January 5, 2025, at Lambeau Field in Green Bay, Wis. Tork Mason/USA TODAY NETWORK-Wisconsin Tork Mason / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images

Bengals Bolster Defensive Line By Signing Former Packers Tackle T.J. Slaton

Originally posted on Cincinnati Bengals on SI
By James Rapien | Last updated Mar 10, 2025 3:43 PM ET

The Bengals are signing former Packers defensive tackle T.J. Slaton to a two-year, $15.1 million contract according to Tom Pelissero of NFL Network.

The Packers picked Slaton in the fifth round (173rd overall) in the 2021 NFL Draft. Current Bengals defensive line coach Jerry Montgomery was in Green Bay when they picked him and coached him for three seasons.

Slaton has appeared in 68 of a possible 68 regular season games since the Packers drafted him. He has 134 tackles and two sacks in his career.

The Bengals needed a big body in the middle of their defense and they get it with Slaton. At 6-4, 330 pounds, he should give Cincinnati some much needed size in the middle of their defensive front.

He led the NFL in ESPN's run stop win rate (46%). The Bengals needed a nose tackle that could be a quality run stopper and they found one for a reasonable price.

The familiarity with Montgomery also helps. He joins a defensive line room that includes B.J. Hill, Kris Jenkins and McKinnley Jackson.

This article first appeared on Cincinnati Bengals on SI and was syndicated with permission.

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