Bengals rank second in defensive line cap spending

The Cincinnati Bengals have heavily invested in their offensive line over the last four seasons.

As Joe Burrow took hit after hit, the front office started pouring assets into the position group to keep him upright. Last season, the Bengals ranked sixth in offensive line spending.

One of the less commonly discussed topics is how much they have invested in their defensive line as well. The now-departed DJ Reader was signed to a then-record-breaking contract for a nose tackle. Trey Hendrickson’s initial contract was top of the market when it was signed in 2021. Just this offseason, the Bengals invested in Sheldon Rankins.

There is a clear focus on the trenches.

This season, the Bengals are set to spend the second most money in the NFL on their defensive line when it comes to salary cap distribution.

Aside from Hendrickson and Rankins, the Bengals invested in keeping Sam Hubbard in town, retaining the services of BJ Hill, and have invested draft capital in Joseph Ossai and Myles Murphy to add as much depth and talent to the room as possible.

After a very disappointing 2023 campaign, the high-paid defensive line group will be looked at to not only stop the run but generate a more effective pass rush outside of Hendrickson in 2024.

As training camp draws near, there are several position battles to keep an eye out on the defensive line for the team to get the absolute most out of the investment the team has made in the trenches.