The Cincinnati Bengals didn’t have the best season in 2025, and while Joe Burrow missed most of the year, one of the big reasons for such a rough year was the poor defense.
Upgrading that side of the ball is a must this offseason, and with Trey Hendrickson set to be a free agent, pass rusher is a big need. But it’s not the top need for one analyst.
For NFL.com’s Kevin Patra, the Bengals’ biggest need isn’t at pass rusher, but rather with their “horrific” safety room. Geno Stone and Jordan Battle need to be upgraded this offseason, in Patra’s opinion.
Bengals urged to upgrade at safety after ‘horrific’ season
“The safety unit had a horrific time in 2025,” Patra writes. “Impending free agent Geno Stone exemplified those struggles, and fellow starter Jordan Battle wasn’t a ton better. If Cincinnati is to turn around a porous defense, the safety group is a good place to start in the rebuild.”
This offseason should be all about upgrading the defensive side of the ball, and while pass rush is a big need, the safety room is arguably the bigger need.
Landing a top safety this offseason might not be too difficult, as it’s one of the more undervalued positions in the NFL. Signing one or drafting one is very much within the realm of possibility.
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Reed Blankenship is a free agent worth keeping tabs on who would be a nice addition for the Bengals. But, there might not be a better option this offseason, either in free agency or the NFL Draft, than Caleb Downs.
The Ohio State safety would be worth the 10th overall pick, and would give the Bengals defense the playmaking safety they’ve been searching for.
But, regardless of who it ends up being, the Bengals need to add to their safety room. Pass rush is a need, but safety is a huge hole that needs to be filled this offseason.