One notable addition was edge defender Boye Mafe, who agreed to a three-year, $60 million contract after four seasons with the Seattle Seahawks. Mafe is expected to be a key starter, though he was the sole edge rusher the Bengals signed this offseason following the departure of Trey Hendrickson to the Baltimore Ravens.
Some observers questioned whether Cincinnati improved enough by adding Mafe, given Hendrickson’s production. Critics pointed to Mafe’s limited sack totals, noting he had only two sacks last season with Seattle.
Seahawks head coach Mike Macdonald weighed in on Mafe’s departure, arguing that Mafe brings value through quick wins and disruptive pressures, even if he doesn’t always finish plays. Macdonald acknowledged the Bengals will miss Mafe and praised his potential impact for Seattle’s former rivals.
Supporters of the move, including analysts from Sports Illustrated, contend Mafe could see a larger role in Cincinnati and maximize his pass-rush opportunities. They argue his pressure numbers could rise with an expanded workload and a defense seeking to improve a historically poor pass rush.
Despite the additions, Cincinnati still faces questions on its defense, which ranked among the bottom in points allowed last season. ESPN’s mock projections have the Bengals targeting linebacker help early in the 2026 draft, with the expectation that the middle of the defense could receive a substantial upgrade.
Looking ahead, the Bengals are positioning themselves to address multiple defensive needs, including linebacker depth, as they aim to reinforce a unit that must balance immediate contributions with long-term upside.
