T.J. Slaton is set to be on the move. The Bengals have an agreement in place to add the defensive tackle, Tom Pelissero of NFL Network reports.
Slaton will sign a two-year, $15.1MM deal, Pelissero adds. That marks a notable raise for the former fifth-rounder compared to his rookie contract. Having served as a full-time starter over the past two years, though, he could prove to be a worthwhile addition to Cincinnati’s defense.
Joining Bobby Brown as a young nose tackle paid Monday, Slaton exited the 2024 season ranked as the top run-stopping D-tackle, according to ESPN’s run stop win rate metric. Slaton placed ninth among interior D-linemen in this metric in 2023, establishing himself as a player with a valuable skill. Considering the Packers only used Slaton as a two-year starter, these assessments show he has made the most of his chances.
Going into his age-28 season, Slaton will join a Bengals team that let run stuffer D.J. Reader walk in 2024. The team ranked 25th in scoring defense and 19th against the run last season. Cincinnati also agreed to re-sign B.J. Hill today while adding linebacker Oren Burks. Slaton, however, has a clear role to play in the Queen City. He will be slated (no pun intended) to line up at nose tackle in Al Golden’s defense.
It is looking unlikely the Bengals will retain Trey Hendrickson, though they are setting a high price, and Sam Hubbard retired last week. The Bengals, however, did check their DT box off the to-do list — starters anyway — on Day 1 of free agency.
Adam La Rose contributed to this post.