Bengals Focus on Defense in Free Agency

0:00The latest scores, headlines, and storylines, right here on NFL News Today, subscribe and stay game ready. The Cincinnati Bengals went into free agency with clear priorities, focusing on the defensive line and safety positions rather than linebacker or cornerback. They made key upgrades by signing safety Brian Cook as a step up from Geno Stone, taking a chance on edge-rusher boy Maffe for his potential, and adding Jonathan Allen's skills up the middle for pass rushing. The team passed on linebacker targets like Leo Chanol and Anfone Jennings, sticking to their budget and plan despite some obvious fits on paper. At cornerback, they face a big need for a slot starter and better depth overall, but held off on big spending with extensions looming for DJ Turner and Dax Hill. Now as free agency wave 2 kicks off, expect linebacker and cornerback to take center stage, possibly with a first round draft pick at corner to fill those gaps.