Allen should fit in seamlessly with Cincinnati.
The Cincinnati Bengals needed to shake things up on defense this offseason, and they did just that by signing veteran defensive tackle Jonathan Allen to a two-year deal worth up to $28 million.
Allen, who spent his first eight seasons in Washington before playing last year with the Minnesota Vikings, sat down for his introductory press conference on Friday and didn't hold back when talking about how he plans to play in Cincinnati.
"Collapse the pocket at all costs and make the quarterback as uncomfortable as possible," Allen said.
A Reunion 15 Years in the Making
That kind of intensity is what the Bengals were looking for when they brought Allen in, and it helps that he already has a strong connection with the coaching staff.
Bengals defensive line coach Jerry Montgomery actually recruited Allen out of high school about 15 years ago, back when Montgomery was coaching at the University of Michigan.
Allen was a standout at Stone Bridge High School in Virginia at the time, and even though he ended up picking Alabama over Michigan, the two have stayed close ever since.
"Coach Jerry Montgomery, I've known him for 15 years," Allen said during his press conference. "He recruited me out of high school."
Montgomery never got to coach Allen in college, but that long history played a big part in bringing the two-time Pro Bowler to Cincinnati.
Allen also pointed to the appeal of playing alongside Joe Burrow and an offense that can put up points in a hurry, which would let the defense get aggressive and go after the quarterback.
Why This Signing Matters for Cincinnati
The Bengals went 6-11 last season and finished third in the AFC North, and a big reason for that was a defense that ranked among the worst in the league.
Cincinnati allowed 28.9 points per game, which was 30th out of 32 teams, and the pass rush was nearly nonexistent at times.
Allen brings 45.5 career sacks, 67 tackles for loss, and 129 quarterback hits to a defensive line that badly needed a boost, and he started all 17 games for the Vikings in 2025 with 3.5 sacks and 11 quarterback hits.
He joins a revamped defensive front that also added edge rusher Boye Mafe from Seattle and safety Bryan Cook from Kansas City, giving the Bengals three new starters on that side of the ball who bring both talent and championship experience.
Looking Ahead
Montgomery described Allen as someone who still shows up on film the same way he always has, and Allen is eager to prove he can bounce back after a down year in Minnesota where he posted a career-low PFF grade.
Finding that right balance of snaps will be important for a 31-year-old, and Allen knows that, but he also said competing for a Super Bowl is what drove him to Cincinnati more than anything.
With the Bengals missing the playoffs for three straight years and the defensive overhaul now in full swing, Allen's mindset of collapsing the pocket at all costs could be the mentality this team has been missing.