As the Cincinnati Bengals search for their next defensive coordinator, they are also starting to evaluate other personnel moves, including changes to their roster.
One area that has been a focus for the team over the past two offseasons is the safety position. After the disappointing Nick Scott experiment, the Bengals brought in Geno Stone, though the results were mixed at best.
Could the Bengals pursue another free agent safety this spring?
Pro Football Focus (PFF) suggests the Bengals target Miami Dolphins free agent safety Jevon Holland.
Bradley Locker of PFF points out, “The Bengals effectively wasted an MVP-caliber season from Joe Burrow and All-Pro campaigns from Ja’Marr Chase and Trey Hendrickson, largely due to a porous defense.” He adds, “Cincinnati must upgrade its safety position, where they ranked 30th in PFF’s overall grade and 25th in coverage grade. With Vonn Bell set to be a free agent, this upgrade is even more urgent.”
Locker goes on to recommend Holland, calling him one of the most coveted free agents of the 2025 offseason. Despite a down year in 2024, Holland had impressive performances in the previous three seasons, ranking sixth in wins above replacement among safeties. With $57 million in cap space, the Bengals are in a good position to address their defensive concerns.
However, it’s worth noting that Holland is represented by David Mulugheta, the same agent who handled Jessie Bates III’s departure from Cincinnati.
Free agency opens in March, and it remains to be seen if the Bengals will follow PFF’s recommendation.
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