Injuries and defensive struggles plagued Cincinnati in 2025, with the unit finishing among the NFL’s worst in scoring defense. The downturn continued in 2024, prompting the club to part ways with defensive coordinator Lou Anarumo. This season, the Bengals also faced the absence of All-Pro edge rusher Trey Hendrickson, who played only seven games, contributing to a defense that struggled despite three of their last four first-round picks being spent on defense.
The conversation surrounding a potential defensive upgrade has centered on former Bengals starter D.J. Reader. ClutchPoints writer Ben Strauss suggested Reader could rejoin Cincinnati to reinforce the interior line and mentor younger players. Reader played four seasons with the Bengals (2020–2023) and started 44 regular-season games plus seven playoff contests before signing a two-year, $22 million deal with the Detroit Lions after the 2023 season. With Reader likely to hit free agency again, critics argue he could bolster Cincinnati’s run defense and add veteran leadership.
The buzz around Reader isn’t limited to Strauss; Fox Sports’ Greg Auman also connected Reader to the Bengals, noting his recent durability with Detroit and the potential fit at nose tackle in a defense that needs to address its run defense woes. Analysts emphasize Reader’s value as a stout run defender and mentor, while acknowledging his prime form has faded.
Beyond Reader, Cincinnati appears poised to spend this offseason. Joe Burrow’s candid remarks about not having fun sparked questions about team morale, but NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport indicated those comments could spur the Bengals to accelerate their spending. Cincinnati is projected to be among the league’s top-10 in cap space, giving them room to pursue Reader and other defensive enhancements as they prepare for a possible return to postseason contention.
