Trending Now - Bengals Strengthen Defense With New Free Agency Additions
WHO:
Cincinnati Bengals
Bryan Cook, safety, formerly of the Kansas City Chiefs
Boye Mafe, defensive end, formerly of the Seattle Seahawks
Duke Tobin, Bengals director of player personnel
Al Golden, Bengals defensive coordinator
Jordan Battle, Bengals safety
Geno Stone, former Bengals safety
Mike Macdonald, Seahawks head coach
WHAT:
The Bengals signed Bryan Cook and Boye Mafe during the NFL free agency legal tampering period.
Cook signed a three-year contract worth $40.25 million, making him the highest-paid safety in Bengals history.
Mafe signed a three-year contract worth $60 million, making him the Bengals' first $20 million per year free agent.
Cook has missed 22 tackles in his first four NFL seasons.
Mafe recorded 44 pressures and 40 hurries in the previous season.
Mafe had a nine-sack season in 2023 and a six-sack season in 2024.
Cook has played in two Super Bowls and six postseason games.
WHERE:
Paycor Stadium, Cincinnati, Ohio
Mt. Healthy High School, Cincinnati, Ohio
University of Cincinnati
WHEN:
The NFL's new year begins at 4 p.m. on March 15th, 2026.
Cook turns 27 during the week of the Bengals' Opening Day in 2026.
Mafe won a Super Bowl in February 2026.
WHY:
The Bengals aimed to revamp one of the league’s worst defenses in 2025.
Duke Tobin promised to strengthen the defense for a return to the Super Bowl.
HOW:
The Bengals focused on signing players with recent Super Bowl experience to enhance their defense.
The Bengals are banking on Mafe to develop similarly to Trey Hendrickson, who was signed in 2021.
(UPDATED March 11, 2026 01:29 UTC)
In a significant move during the NFL free agency legal tampering period, the Cincinnati Bengals have signed safety Bryan Cook and defensive end Boye Mafe, with Cook receiving a three-year contract worth $40.25 million, making him the highest-paid safety in the team's history. Mafe's deal is even more striking, as he signed for three years at $60 million, making him the Bengals' first free agent to earn $20 million per year, and he comes off a strong season with nine sacks and 44 pressures. These signings reflect the Bengals' commitment to revamping their defense, as they aim to strengthen their roster with players who have recent Super Bowl experience.