Cincy Jungle

Strong safety identified as the Bengals' biggest remaining roster issue entering 2026. Battle remains the top strong safety after a rough 2025 campaign but posted a career-high four interceptions. At 25 years old, he should be entering his prime. With Bryan Cook signed to solidify free safety, Battle will have more freedom to get up near the line of scrimmage and make impact plays; the source expects him to benefit significantly from Cook's addition and should have no excuses with the improved defensive talent around him.

Jalen Davis is the current favorite to start at nickel corner for the 2026 season, competing against Ja'Sir Taylor and Bralyn Lux. Davis played well toward the end of the 2025 season, but there remains a question about whether he can hold up consistently in coverage. He will face competition from Taylor and Lux when training camp begins.

The Bengals signed Bryan Cook to replace Geno Stone at free safety, described as a crucial improvement for a defense prone to big-play obliteration. Cook's addition is expected to solidify the back end of the defense and give Jordan Battle more freedom to impact plays near the line of scrimmage.