Defensive lineman Jonathan Allen and the Cincinnati Bengals have reached an agreement on a two-year, $26 million deal, sources informed ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler on Thursday.
Allen’s pact could potentially be valued at up to $28 million through performance incentives, as sources conveyed to Fowler.
Allen, 31, was another player released due to salary cap constraints by the Minnesota Vikings and was formally cut Wednesday subsequent to the commencement of the 2026 league year.
This marks the third significant transaction the Bengals have completed since the beginning of the free agent negotiating period on Monday, when Cincinnati secured agreements with pass rusher Boye Mafe and safety Bryan Cook.
Allen joined Minnesota via free agency in March 2025, receiving $16.2 million during his single campaign there. He participated in every one of the 17 contests and concluded with 68 tackles and 3.5 sacks.
Drafted in the first round (No. 17) by Washington in 2017, Allen completed his initial seven NFL seasons with the Commanders. He earned Pro Bowl selections following the 2021 and 2022 campaigns, when he accumulated a total of 16.5 sacks.
Across eight seasons with Washington, he tallied 42 sacks in 108 games started.
ESPN’s Kevin Seifert provided input for this report.