Bengals predicted to get major boost from 58-tackle, $5 million defender in 2025

2024 was a disappointing season for the Cincinnati Bengals, mostly due to a poor defense. 

The offense was incredible, led by star quarterback Joe Burrow and wide receivers Ja'Marr Chase and Tee Higgins. However, too often, the defense gave up big plays and couldn't hold onto leads. 

The team finished 25th in points allowed per game and 25th in yards allowed per game. Much of the problems came from an inconsistent secondary and a lack of pass-rush aside from star veteran Trey Hendrickson. 

This offseason, the team surprisingly didn't make many notable additions on defense. That means the team is likely relying on those who struggled last season to play better in 2025 under new defensive coordinator Al Golden. 

Jared Dubin of CBS Sports thinks one of the players who could rebound from a sophomore slump is starting safety Jordan Battle. 

Battle impressed as a rookie in 2023, collecting 71 tackles, four tackles for loss, two sacks, and one interception. The former third-round pick also had 23 run stops according to Pro Football Focus and was useful in pass coverage as well. 

However, in 2024, Battle's missed tackle percentage went from 8.1% to 12.7%. The defender earned just a 53.1 overall Pro Football Focus grade for his 2024 performance. 

Dubin offered the following regarding Battle's potential comeback season in 2025:

Battle played well during his rookie season, finishing with 53 tackles, 23 run stops (according to PFF) and an 83.1 passer rating allowed on throws in his direction. He moved around the formation, splitting his time nearly equally between the box and the deep safety role. In 2025, his missed tackle rate skyrocketed from 8.1% to 12.7% and he totaled just 14 run stops. The Bengals' defense was a total disaster, and he was part of the problem. With a new defensive coordinator and a simplified scheme, the hope is that he can show some improvement heading into Year 3.

As Dubin mentioned, previous defensive coordinator Lou Anarumo was fired and replaced by Golden. It's possible that Golden's scheme could be a better fit for Battle as he will likely play as a deep safety exclusively. 

The Bengals didn't add a true safety in free agency or the 2025 NFL Draft, so that likely shows that the team still has confidence in the young defender. 

Battle is slated to start strong safety while 2024 free agent addition Geno Stone will likely start at free safety again. Stone struggled as well in 2024, so the team will be looking for bounce-back years from both safeties. 

However, if the team is nervous about depth at the position, there are some solid free agent options still available like Justin Simmons, Jordan Whitehead, Quandre Diggs.