This page lists all the 2026 NFL Signings for the Cincinnati Bengals. I’ve listed all of the NFL Free Agent Signing Grades here, which included the Signings. Because I’ve begun posting polls for the Signings, I thought it would make sense to list just the NFL Signings here, so archiving the voting would be easier.
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🏈 2026 NFL Free Agent Signing Grades by Team (Synced 3.23.26)
- Total Signings: 3
- Average Grade: B- (81.3)
March 2026 – Signings
Bengals sign DT Jonathan Allen (2 years, $26 million): C- Grade
signed on 3/12/2026
The Bengals don’t sign too many free agents, so maybe they’re not aware that teams are supposed to watch film of the players they intend to sign. A crazy concept, but one that occasionally works!
I’m mentioning this because it’s apparent that the Bengals didn’t watch film of how Allen has performed recently. Allen can still get a bit of pressure on the quarterback, but he’s not nearly as good in that regard as he once was. He’s also a huge liability against the run. This is a massive overpay.
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Bengals sign DE Boye Mafe (3 years, $60 million): B+ Grade
signed on 3/9/2026
Someone must have locked Mike Brown in a room and took all of his bank information. One big signing in free agency was shocking. Two seems impossible. This is akin to seeing the sun rise in the west. I don’t know which is more improbable, actually.
Boye Mafe tallied nine sacks two years ago, so he seems like a viable replacement for Trey Hendrickson. Mafe’s production dipped after that, but he’s been playing in a very deep rotation, so there’s a good chance that he’ll bounce back to his old production because he’ll be asked to do a lot more in Cincinnati.
Comment on the other free agent signings below.
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Bengals sign S Bryan Cook (3 years, $40.25 million): B+ Grade
signed on 3/9/2026
Hell must have frozen because the Bengals have spent a lot of money on someone in free agency. I imagine this money had to be pried out of Mike Brown’s hands, but Cincinnati gave it to Bryan Cook, who served as a stellar safety for the Chiefs.
Cook is coming off the best season of his career, so he’s well worth this money. I’m not big on paying safeties lots of money, due to the position being devalued, but Cook’s high talent level makes up for that in this evaluation.
Comment on the other free agent signings below.
Follow me @walterfootball for more hiring/signing grades and updates. Also, you can view theAd-Free Version of WalterFootball.com here!
