Top Free Agents the Bengals Could Still Target on Day 4

CINCINNATI — Three days into the negotiating window, the Bengals have taken only partial strides toward repairing a defense that finished 2024 with glaring vacancies. While contracts have been agreed to with safety Bryan Cook and edge defender Boye Mafe, the front office still faces urgent questions at defensive tackle, linebacker and the edge opposite Mafe. With the market thinning, Cincinnati’s decision-makers must be both selective and aggressive on the fourth day of free agency. Here are the names most directly tied to the club’s remaining needs:

Arnold Ebiketie, Edge Even after securing Mafe, the Bengals are short on proven pass rushers following the expected departures of Joseph Ossai and Trey Hendrickson. Ebiketie, entering his fourth season, offers a cost-effective option who can raise the floor of the defensive end room without commanding top-tier money.

David Njoku, Tight End A luxury addition rather than a necessity, Njoku would give Joe Burrow a 6-4, 246-pound red-zone weapon who has averaged a touchdown every 7.5 catches over the past two seasons. His inline blocking would also help offset the loss of ancillary tight ends in heavy formations.

D.J. Reader, Defensive Tackle A familiar face after four seasons in Cincinnati, Reader would slide immediately into the nose spot alongside T.J. Slaton, forming a stout run-stopping duo. Coaching staff believe B.J. Hill could see more one-on-one pass-rush opportunities if Reader commands consistent double-teams.

Jadeveon Clowney, Edge Clowney quietly posted an 79.2 PFF grade in 2025, registering 8.5 sacks and 12 tackles for loss for Dallas. His combination of power versus the run and refined rush moves would complement the younger pieces already on the roster.

Joey Bosa, Edge Health remains the asterisk, but when available Bosa is still elite: 88.9 pass-rush grade, 16 quarterback hits and five sacks in 11 games last season. A friendship with Burrow dating to their Ohio State days only adds to the mutual interest.

Other veterans with Bengals buzz include linebackers Lavonte David and Dre Greenlaw, versatile edge Haason Reddick, and interior help in Calais Campbell. Cincinnati owns roughly mid-level cap space and two early draft picks, but the quickest route to competency may come through one more targeted strike in free agency before the weekend ends.