The Bengals have signed OT Orlando Brown to a 2 year/$32M contract extension.
Brown was entering a contract year, and there has been some speculation that the Bengals might surprise people and take an OT in round 1 to serve as his eventual replacement. While this is still possible, in theory, having Brown locked up reduces the urgency regarding the position.
The big OT was originally a 3rd round selection of the Baltimore Ravens in 2018. His dissatisfaction with playing RT led to a trade to the Kansas City Chiefs in 2021. In 2023, he was a surprise free agent signing of the Bengals, a team not often known for signing high profile players. But it later came out that Brown’s desire to sign in Cincinnati led to him reaching out first.
He has served as the team’s starting LT since singing. While there have been some low points, especially against speed, Brown has generally been able to stay at a solid level consistently, helping to shore up what had once been a weak spot on the team.
With the extension, Brown is now locked up for the next 3 seasons.
The team also made their third outside signing of free agency, inking DT Jonathan Allen to a 2 year/$26M deal, worth up to $28M after incentives.
Allen was originally a Washington 1st round pick back in 2017. He had spent his entire career there, before signing with the Minnesota Vikings in 2025.
Last season was a bit disappointing for Allen, as his production had taken a dip. This led to the Vikings releasing him back onto the market.
The Bengals, with a need at DT, scooped him up. Given that he was released, this signing will not factor negatively towards the team’s compensatory picks, which is the kind of signing the Bengals often like to make.
In Minnesota, Allen didn’t seem to fit their 3-4 system, and perhaps can get back to his previous form in Cincinnati. The $13M AAV is a bit pricey, and would seem to be somewhat driven by the name value. However, if the Bengals can get Allen back on the upswing, he should be a nice addition to the DT rotation.
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