Defensively, the Bengals were the clear bottleneck. They finished among the leagueโs worst units in points allowed, ranking third-worst in the NFL, and the pass rush struggled to generate consistent pressureโissues that will demand significant attention from Duke Tobin this offseason. All-Pro edge Trey Hendrickson missed most of the year, appearing in just seven games.
Safety Geno Stone signaled his potential departure from Cincinnati by posting a peace-sign image of himself in Bengals gear on X. Stone started 34 games across his two-year, $14 million contract with Cincinnati, recording six interceptions but delivering mixed results according to metrics. PFF ranked him 83rd out of 97 qualified strong safeties in 2024 and 81st out of 98 in 2025, while ESPN credited him with helping fix the defense late in the season and noted his two-year tenure under two coordinators.
Looking ahead, improving the Bengalsโ pass rush is widely viewed as the top offseason priority. ESPN observers noted the young rush group showed promise late in the year but finished last in pass-rush win rate, underscoring the need for an interior disruptor similar to the 2021 move that brought Larry Ogunjobi. Some projections even floated the idea of adding multiple pass-rush options, including the possibility of signing high-profile edge talent such as Joey Bosa.
On Hendricksonโs status, ESPNโs Jeremy Fowler suggested the relationship has run its course. The Bengals could choose to franchise-tag the veteran, but current reports point toward a likely departure in free agency as the market for edge players remains robust.
With Tobin in charge, Cincinnatiโs offseason path centers on fortifying the pass rush while determining how to retool the back end. The possible exits of Stone and Hendrickson will shape strategy, as the team weighs internal development against external upgrades to rebound from a disappointing season.
