Image Source: Chris Roling, Bengals Wire
Key Takeaways
- The Cincinnati Bengals have a relatively easy decision-making process when it comes to cuts this offseason, but defensive lineman T.J. Slaton is an interesting exception.
- Cutting Slaton would save the Bengals approximately $6.4 million in cap space.
- The team’s run defense was better with Slaton on the field, but they may prioritize pass-rush from the interior.
- The Bengals may consider replacing Slaton with a free agent like DJ Reader, who brought locker room leadership during his previous stint with the team.
Introduction to the Bengals’ Offseason
The Cincinnati Bengals are approaching the offseason with a relatively straightforward decision-making process when it comes to cuts. As noted by The Athletic’s Paul Dehner Jr., "This won’t be an easy decision, as the math aligns with traditional Bengals dead-money cap cuts." However, one player who is an interesting exception is defensive lineman T.J. Slaton. Slaton signed a two-year deal worth approximately $14 million last offseason, and cutting him would save the Bengals around $6.4 million. This significant savings has led to speculation about Slaton’s future with the team.
T.J. Slaton’s Value to the Team
Despite the potential cap savings, Slaton’s value to the team cannot be overlooked. The Cincinnati defense struggled for much of the year, but the run defense was noticeably better with Slaton on the field. As Dehner Jr. noted, "Finding a good run-stuffing nose isn’t the hardest thing to do." However, Slaton’s presence on the field made a tangible difference, and his loss could be felt if he is cut. On the other hand, the Bengals may prioritize pass-rush from the interior, which could lead them to consider alternative options.
Potential Replacements and Priorities
One potential replacement for Slaton could be DJ Reader, who is set to become a free agent. Reader previously played for the Bengals and brought valuable locker room leadership during his time with the team. As the article notes, "Reader certainly brought the locker room leadership they’ve lacked ever since he left." If the Bengals choose to prioritize pass-rush from the interior, they may look to apply the $6.4 million in savings from cutting Slaton towards signing Reader or other free agents. Alternatively, they may believe that Slaton will improve in his second year under defensive coordinator Al Golden, and choose to retain him.
The Bengals’ Offseason Strategy
The Bengals’ offseason strategy will be closely watched, particularly in regards to their approach to the interior defensive line. If they choose to heavily address the position early in the offseason, it could imply that Slaton is on the way out. However, as the article notes, "either direction wouldn’t be a shocker." The team’s decision will depend on their priorities and how they choose to allocate their cap space. As Dehner Jr. wrote, "Tough call. And it’s a fence-sitting position, but either direction wouldn’t be a shocker."
Conclusion and Speculation
In conclusion, the Cincinnati Bengals face a difficult decision when it comes to T.J. Slaton’s future with the team. While cutting him would save significant cap space, his value to the run defense and potential for improvement in his second year under Al Golden cannot be ignored. The team’s offseason strategy and priorities will ultimately determine Slaton’s fate, and fans will be watching closely to see how the situation unfolds. As the article notes, "if the Bengals heavily address the interior early in the offseason, it would certainly imply Slaton could be on the way out." Only time will tell what the future holds for Slaton and the Bengals.
https://bengalswire.usatoday.com/story/sports/nfl/bengals/2026/01/16/will-bengals-cut-free-agent-after-one-season-tj-slaton/88206289007/
