Any Cincinnati Bengals that's watched the team regularly over the last three years knows that the defense is one of the main reasons why the squad has missed the playoffs for three straight years. Luckily for the fanbase, Director of Player Personnel Duke Tobin understanfs that.

Tobin spoke about the Bengals' defensive needs at his end-of-season press conference on Friday.

“Successful defenses, in my opinion, they have to be able to pressure the passer," Tobin said. "You'd like to be able to pressure with four. I think we need pass rush. I think that relieves some of the strain on the coverage."

Cincinnati ranked 23rd in the NFL with 35 sacks and 30th with 28.9 points allowed per game in 2025. Between that and star quarterback Joe Burrow having his third injury-shortened season, it's clear why the squad finished 6-11.

“I'm a guy that believes in the front on both sides of the ball, that that is my focus. People might not believe that, but that is my focus," Tobin continued. "They might believe I love throwing the ball down the field and having great wideouts. Those opportunities presented themselves, we grabbed them, and we're glad we did. But I want to build the front. I always want to build the front. And so there are a number of pieces that we think we need and can add, and we'll see if we can."

Tobin referred to the star trio of Burrow, Ja'Marr Chase, and Tee Higgins, three of the NFL's best offensive players. All three are under team control for the next several seasons, and speedy running back Chase Brown is also under contract for next season. But outside of that, Cincinnati needs help.

Now that Tobin has established that he wants to improve the pass rush, it would help to re-sign his best pass-rusher. Defensive end Trey Hendrickson is scheduled to hit unrestricted free agency this offseason after an injury-shortened campaign, and his market value is two years, $50.8 million ($25.4 million average annual salary), per Spotrac.

Hendrickson played just seven games in 2025, but he didn't miss a game in either of the previous seasons and recorded 17.5 sacks in both of them. Cincinnati would be smart to offer the 31-year-old an even richer deal than he's worth to make sure he stays in town, as it can't afford to lose him.

Other edge rushers scheduled to hit the open market are Khalil Mack, Haason Reddick, Joey Bosa, Arden Key, and Dante Fowler Jr.. Between that and the 2026 NFL Draft, the Bengals have plenty of options.