Bengals still have $6 million decision to make before the offseason progresses much further, and the choice is clear
The more depth the Cincinnati Bengals have, the better. This is especially the case along the defensive line, and nose tackle T.J. Slaton Jr. is still a crucial member of the unit despite Dexter Lawrence’s arrival.
The more depth the Cincinnati Bengals have, the better. This is especially the case along the defensive line.
Cincinnati’s struggles on defense over the last three years start up front. Ensuring the edges and interior of the d-line are built with capable players from the top to the bottom of the depth chart was one of director of player personnel Duke Tobin’s top priorities this offseason.
Tobin and Co. have impressively done just that when looking at the last three months. The Bengals have a defensive front they can depend on, and their next wave of linemen is much better than what it was last year.
The most expensive player from that next wave is still on the team, and Cincy would be wise to keep it that way.
T.J. Slaton’s questionable spot in Bengals’ 2026 plans
The Dexter Lawrence trade not only raised expectations for the Bengals’ defense, it directly impacted nose tackle T.J. Slaton Jr. Slaton was signed to a two-year, $14.1 million contract last offseason to be the starter at his position. His play from last year, specifically toward the end of the season, justified that deal.
Lawrence coming to town changes things immediately.
Cincinnati was already planning on paying Slaton $6.16 million in cash this coming season. Lawrence’s recent contract extension is set to pay him $22 million. Nearly $30 for two nose tackles was not expected in the slightest.
Positioning Lawrence for success now becomes one of the Bengals’ top priorities. They didn’t give up their first-round pick just for the risk to not be rewarded. Slaton’s playing time is naturally going down, and his pay is only going up from last year. That’s normally a bad combination when you’re on the Bengals’ roster.
There’s also the salary cap to worry about. Cincinnati only has approximately $7 million in offseason cap space, and the club wants to extend the rookie contracts of cornerbacks Dax Hill and DJ Turner. That will require current cap space to accomplish, and releasing Slaton would free up $6.6 million in cap space.
Keeping Slaton is better than gaining cap space
Lawrence is going to be the featured player on the Bengals’ defensive line, but keeping him fresh for the important moments is going to be critical. Having Slaton as a direct backup, and someone who can handle the 1-technique spot while Lawrence attacks other gaps from time to time would be extremely valuable.
Arguably more valuable this year than the cap space his release would free up.
The good news for Slaton is he’s still on the team. Cincy doesn’t always make salary cap cuts in a timely manner (i.e. Germaine Pratt last year). The team has been conducting offseason workouts and meetings with Slaton in the room alongside Lawrence and the rest of the line.
The Bengals could be keeping Slaton for as long as they can until they need his cash and cap savings to execute further moves. They can make it all work if they structure possible extensions without using an influx of current cap space. It’s not the Bengals’ way, but they’ve already deviated in some regards this year.
For Cincinnati’s defensive line, and therefore the entire defense, to be as good as possible this season, keeping Slaton to complement Lawrence should be the plan. So far, that plan appears to be what the Bengals are following.