Defensively, Cincinnati struggled, surrendering the third-most points this season. The disappointing 2024 campaign led to the firing of defensive coordinator Lou Anarumo, though the team decided to retain defensive coordinator Al Golden.
With free agency approaching, Bleacher Report projects a top free-agent cornerback landing in Cincinnati: Jaylen Watson. The piece argues pairing Watson with DJ Turner could form a formidable outside duo, especially if Cam Taylor-Britt leaves in free agency. Watson, at 6’2″, 200 pounds and 27 years old, would be in his prime, though his injury history includes missing 11 games in 2024 and two in 2025.
Watson’s potential arrival would complement a secondary that could be a strength if the move materializes. In 2025, Watson was graded as the 13th-best cornerback by Pro Football Focus, with Turner ranked 20th, suggesting the Bengals could field one of the league’s better corner tandems.
Even with the upside, internal developments complicate the decision. Dax Hill finished the season strong as an outside corner, posting a high coverage grade late in the year, which could influence how Cincinnati prioritizes heavy spending at cornerback.
Beyond free agency, NFL Network’s Daniel Jeremiah predicts the Bengals will pursue a cornerback in the 2026 NFL Draft, recommending first-round selection of Jermod McCoy. That nod, alongside a potential Watson addition, underscores Cincinnati’s ongoing emphasis on improving the secondary as it rebuilds its defensive identity.
