The Cincinnati Bengals' biggest need is obvious this offseason. The defense finished 30th with 28.9 points allowed per game in 2025, and the unit has been below-average in that category each of the past three campaigns.

Free-agent outside linebacker Jaelan Phillips could help the Bengals solve this issue. The 26-year-old has 28 career sacks and 205 tackles over 63 games and has a market value of three years, $52 million ($17.3 million AAV), per Spotrac.

The Miami Dolphins drafted Phillips No. 18 overall in 2021, and he stayed with the team until it traded him to the Philadelphia Eagles this past November. The 6-foot-5, 266-pounder is impactful both in the run and pass game, as he has 68 career quarterback hits and 32 tackles for loss. He also tied for second in the NFL with 20 quarterback hurries this past season.

With star pass-rusher Trey Hendrickson set to hit the open market, Cincinnati could use a player like Phillips to help replace his production if he leaves.

Phillips' resume isn't as prolific as Hendrickson's, but he's five years younger and has a cheaper market value by AAV, per Spotrac. The site has Hendrickson's value at two years, $50.8 million ($25.4 million AAV).

The latter player is also coming off an injury-shortened season. The 6-foot-4, 265-pounder played just seven games due to core muscle surgery in 2025 after leading the NFL with 17.5 sacks in 2024, while Phillips played all 17 games in 2025.

Pivoting to Phillips instead of Hendrickson would help the team get younger and possibly acquire a higher-value contract. However, Cincinnati would have to do more than that to repair a unit that's held the team back for years.

The Bengals finished 12th in scoring defense when they made the Super Bowl in 2021 and fifth when they made the AFC Championship in 2022. They haven't made the playoffs since, which coincides with their defensive dip.

Getting back to 2021/2022 levels requires adding talent on all three levels, likely by using all the tools the front office has at its disposal. Signing free agents like Phillips, drafting premium prospects, and even trading for other veterans would all be helpful to the mission.

NFL free agency begins on March 11, and the NFL Draft will go from April 23-25. For now, Cincinnati must focus on the NFL Scouting Combine, which will go from Feb. 23 to March 2. The Combine gives teams looks at several prospects that will be in the Draft.