Jay Morrison

Joined: Sep 25, 2024

Jay Morrison covers the Cincinnati Bengals for Bengals On SI. He has been writing about the NFL for nearly three decades. Combining a passion for stats and storytelling, Jay takes readers beyond the field for a unique look at the game and the people who play it. Prior to joining Bengals on SI, Jay covered the Cincinnati Bengals beat for The Athletic, the Dayton Daily News and Pro Football Network.

Oct 6, 2024; Landover, Maryland, USA; Washington Commanders defensive tackle Jonathan Allen (93) celebrates after a tackle during the second quarter against the Cleveland Browns at NorthWest Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Peter Casey-Imagn Images

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Bengals safety Bryan Cook speaks to the media during a press conference at Paycor Stadium in Cincinnati on Thursday, March 12, 2026.

Bengals left tackle Orlando Brown Jr. speaks to the media during a press conference at Paycor Stadium in Cincinnati on Thursday, March 12, 2026.

Injured Cincinnati Bengals defensive end Trey Hendrickson (91) walks the sideline in the fourth quarter of the NFL Week 12 game between the Cincinnati Bengals and the New England Patriots at Paycor Stadium in downtown Cincinnati on Sunday, Nov. 23, 2025. The Bengals fall to 3-8 with a 26-20 loss at home.

Feb 26, 2026; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Ohio State defensive back Caleb Downs (DB34) speaks to members of the media during the NFL Combine at the Indiana Convention Center. Mandatory Credit: Jacob Musselman-Imagn Images

The Cincinnati Bengals signed safety Bryan Cook on Monday, but that shouldn't prevent them from drafting Ohio State safety Caleb Downs with the No. 10 pick to give them some much needed depth and versatility in the secondary.

Oct 20, 2024; Atlanta, Georgia, USA; Seattle Seahawks linebacker Boye Mafe (53) hits Atlanta Falcons quarterback Kirk Cousins (18) causing a fumble that is returned for a Seahawks touchdown during the second half at Mercedes-Benz Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Dale Zanine-Imagn Images

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A few minutes after upgrading their tackling, the Cincinnati Bengals add some pass-rush juice by agreeing to terms with edge rusher Boye Mafe on a three-year, $60 million contract.

Dec 21, 2025; Nashville, Tennessee, USA; Kansas City Chiefs safety Bryan Cook (6) runs to the field against the Tennessee Titans during pre-game warmups at Nissan Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Steve Roberts-Imagn Images

The Cincinnati Bengals had the worst tackling safeties in the NFL the last three seasons, so they went out and signed one of the best to the richest deal for a player at that position in franchise history.

Feb 13, 2022; Inglewood, CA, USA; Cincinnati Bengals cornerback Trae Waynes (26) against the Los Angeles Rams during Super Bowl LVI at SoFi Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images

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The good has outweighed the bad over the last 10 years of free agency for the Cincinnati Bengals, but there are five big missteps that stand out.

Dec 14, 2025; Cincinnati, Ohio, USA; Cincinnati Bengals linebacker Demetrius Knight Jr. (44) sacks Baltimore Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson (8) in the first half at Paycor Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Katie Stratman-Imagn Images

The Bengals ranked last in the league in blitz percentage last year, but defensive coordinator Al Golden promises that will change. Here are some linebacker and safety targets who know how to blitz.

Cincinnati Bengals defensive end Shemar Stewart (97) talks with defensive coordinator Al Golden in the fourth quarter of the NFL Week 1 game between the Cleveland Browns and the Cincinnati Bengals at Huntington Bank Field in Cleveland on Sunday, Sept. 7, 2025. The Bengals begin the season with a 17-16 win over the Browns.

Not only have past Cincinnati Bengals defensive coordinators shown impressive improvement from Year 1 to Year 2, but Al Golden's group made a huge leap from Weeks 1-9 to Weeks 10-18 last year.

Oct 12, 2025; Green Bay, Wisconsin, USA; Cincinnati Bengals guard Dalton Risner (66) during the game against the Green Bay Packers at Lambeau Field. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Hanisch-Imagn Images

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Bengals quarterback Joe Burrow repeatedly checked in with guard Dalton Risner to see how his negotiations for a next contract with the Cincinnati Bengals were going.

Jan 19, 2026; Miami Gardens, FL, USA; Miami Hurricanes defensive lineman Rueben Bain Jr. (4) defends against Indiana Hoosiers quarterback Fernando Mendoza (15) during the College Football Playoff National Championship game at Hard Rock Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images

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In the 10 NFL Drafts from 2015-2024, only five edge rushers with arms shorter than 32 inches were selected. The Bengals picked two of them and later signed Trey Hendrickson (32-inch arms), so the measurement might not be a barrier for them.

Oct 12, 2025; Green Bay, Wisconsin, USA; Green Bay Packers running back Josh Jacobs (8) runs the ball against Cincinnati Bengals safety Jordan Battle (27) in the second half at Lambeau Field. Mandatory Credit: Kayla Wolf-Imagn Images

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The question of whether the Cincinnati Bengals will need one new starting safety or two appears to have been answered this week at the NFL Scouting Combine, with the coaches and front office heaping unsolicited praise on the fourth-year player.

Feb 24, 2026; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Cincinnati Bengals general manager Duke Tobin speaks at the NFL Scouting Combine at the Indiana Convention Center. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images

The Cincinnati Bengals add three hires to their player personnel department last June, and Duke Tobin is feeling the benefit of those additions as the team prepares for the 2026 NFL Draft.

Feb 24, 2026; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Cincinnati Bengals coach Zac Taylor speaks at the NFL Scouting Combine at the Indiana Convention Center. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images

Cincinnati Bengals head coach Zac Taylor said he would be "open to it" when talking about Dan Pitcher and play calling Tuesday at the NFL Scouting Combine, but he later clarified those comments.

JANUARY 10, 1982: Louis Breeden stopped a San Diego drive on the Bengals' six-yard line in the second period when he intercepts a Dan Fouts pass headed for Charlie Joiner.

Freezer Bowl 10

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Louis Breeden pulled off the rare feat of recording an interception in the last game of his career, but he's not the only Bengals player to have done it. How Many Cincinnati Bengals Have Snared an Interception in Their Final NFL Game?

Jay Morrison

Joined: Sep 25, 2024

New Bengals DT Jonathan Allen Cites Former Cincinnati Legend as His Inspiration

How Joe Burrow Boosted New Bengals Safety Bryan Cook's Career When the Cincinnati Native Was a Struggling Rookie

Bengals LT Orlando Brown Jr. on Facing Ex-Teammate Trey Hendrickson Twice a Year: 'I'm Excited to Kick Some Ass'

Who's the Real Villain: The Cincinnati Bengals Front Office or Trey Hendrickson?

Will the Bengals Addition of Safety Bryan Cook Dissuade Them from Drafting Caleb Downs, and Should It?

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Grading the Cincinnati Bengals' Contract Agreement with Defensive End Boye Mafe

Grading the Cincinnati Bengals' Signing of former Kansas City Chiefs Safety Bryan Cook

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Ranking the Cincinnati Bengals' Worst Free Agent Signings of the Last Decade

One Major Difference for the 2026 Cincinnati Bengals Defense We Know is Coming

There are 2 Big Reasons to Believe Al Golden and the Cincinnati Bengals Defense Can Make a Huge Leap in 2026

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Bengals QB Joe Burrow Did More Than Just Endorse the Re-Signing of Guard Dalton Risner

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What Rueben Bain Jr.'s Short Arm Measurement Could Mean for Bengals' Chances of Drafting Him

Bengals Brass Offers Surprising Glow-Up for Player Associated with Defense's Biggest Failings

Duke Tobin Details Benefits of Extra Scouting Help Bengals Are Receiving This Offseason

Bengals Coach Zac Taylor Clarifies Play-Calling Comment About O.C. Dan Pitcher and 'Being Open to It'

How Many Cincinnati Bengals Have Snared an Interception in Their Final NFL Game?