Despite a disappointing 2025, the Bengals remain stable at quarterback and head coach. Joe Burrow is under center as the franchise quarterback, and Zac Taylor is viewed as a proven postseason coach. The Athletic’s Paul Dehner Jr. argued that retaining Taylor gives Cincinnati the best chance for a redemptive run in 2026.
Slaton’s situation looms large in the budgetary math. He is under contract for 2026 with a $8.9 million cap hit then and a $5.4 million cap hit in 2025, and he carries no guaranteed money remaining. Releasing him would clear about $6.4 million in space, though he started 17 games in 2025 and posted a 44.4 overall grade, ranking 116th among 134 qualified interior defensive linemen per Pro Football Focus.
Layered into the potential move is the broader plan for the interior defensive line. Chris Rolling of Bengals Wire noted that while cutting Slaton would be a surprise given the position need, it would align with a strategy to pursue interior help early, potentially in Round 1, and avoid compounding dead money on the books.
On offense, Cincinnati appears content with its core. The 2025 Bengals ranked seventh in points per game, and Burrow, Tee Higgins, and Ja’Marr Chase provided a strong, high-powered unit when healthy. The consensus is that the offense is in a good place, reducing the urgency for big offensive changes while shifting focus to defense.
If Slaton is released, the Bengals would reportedly have around $60 million in cap space to spend this offseason, enabling a more aggressive defensive plan. Ian Rapoport has indicated the team intends to spend, and Fox Sports has floated D.J. Reader—who played for Cincinnati from 2020 to 2023—as a potential addition, noting Reader’s positive PFF grade in pass rushing during his recent career.
Overall, Cincinnati’s path forward centers on strengthening the defensive front while preserving its high-powered offense and stability at quarterback and head coach. The plan includes possible moves on the interior line and targeted free-agent additions, with Reader among the players connected to a potential return. This overview reflects reporting from Heavy Sports and associated outlets.
