Cincinnati Bengals Defense Upgrades Earn NFL.com’s Top AFC North Grade

The Cincinnati Bengals earned NFL.com’s highest grade in the AFC North for their offseason defense overhaul, with analyst Matt Okada calling their moves a ‘big win’ after years of struggles. The team’s B-plus marks a turnaround built on key signings and draft picks—though Trey Hendrickson’s departure stings.

Who did NFL.com’s Matt Okada praise?

Okada spotlighted the Bengals’ defensive upgrades, starting with the trade for All-Pro defensive tackle Dexter Lawrence, who anchors a unit that ranked 29th in points allowed last season. Free-agent safety Bryan Cook—a Mount Healthy High School alum—joined the roster alongside safety Kyle Dugger and defensive end Boye Mafe, while the Bengals added edge rusher Cashius Howell in the second round.

Why did Okada criticize the Bengals’ Hendrickson move?

The only black mark? Letting four-time Pro Bowler Trey Hendrickson walk to Baltimore without compensation. ‘Now Cincinnati will face him twice a year with no trade help,’ Okada wrote. Still, the defensive upgrades outweigh the loss, especially after the Bengals’ 6-11, 11th-place finish in the AFC.

How do the Bengals’ upgrades compare to AFC North rivals?

Okada graded the Ravens (B-minus), Browns (A-minus) and Steelers (B), noting Baltimore’s Hendrickson signing and Cleveland’s Myles Garrett trade as high-risk moves. The Steelers, meanwhile, hired Mike McCarthy and added receiver Michael Pittman Jr.—but Cincinnati’s defense remains the division’s most improved unit heading into their Sept. 13 matchup vs. the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.

What’s next for the Bengals’ defense?

With Lawrence, Cook and Mafe now in place, the Bengals aim to reverse their 2025 struggles. Their next test comes against the Buccaneers, a team that ranked 10th in scoring defense last season. If the defense holds up, Cincinnati could climb the AFC standings—and Okada’s praise gives them momentum heading into Week 1.