T.J. Slaton wasn’t a splashy free agency signing by the Cincinnati Bengals on the surface, but he’s been imposing early in training camp and seems to be everything they could’ve hoped for. The fifth-year veteran comes from the Green Bay Packers, where he has a history with new defensive line coach Jerry Montgomery. Now, both men are trying to bolster a DL that desperately needed help stopping the run and pushing the pocket from the interior. Slaton doesn’t have flashy statistics, but one thing he can hang his hat on is consistency. This is music to the ears of Bengals fans who know much more is needed out of sophomores Kris Jenkins Jr. and McKinnley Jackson. As it stands, Slaton will start next to B.J. Hill, and the duo should boost a defense that must improve so Joe Burrow and his playmakers can do what they do best. Let’s examine Slaton more closely.
T.J. Slaton Is Providing Exactly What the Cincinnati Bengals Need
Connect Two
The aforementioned connection between Slaton and Montgomery was a catalyst for the big man’s arrival in Cincy and potentially a boon for the Bengals. In four seasons with the Packers, Slaton only had two sacks, but in Cincinnati, he’ll have the opportunity to be more of a focal point along the defensive line with solid quickness off the ball. It will be interesting to see how Al Golden employs his front four and how much of a rotation he will rely on. If Jenkins and Jackson step up and make the year two leap, this would go a long way to making Slaton more effective to help those around him close out games.
The Force Awakens
Although the orange and black are only on day six of camp, Slaton has been a force in almost every practice and has made his presence felt. He’s also taken a leadership role, as his teammates are taking notice as they’ve ramped up the pressure on Burrow and the offense. Slaton knows how important these snaps are, especially when teams are close to the goal line, when he stated, “We’re not going to let you get in, in practice. If we let somebody in in practice, they’re going to get in during the game. So when it’s the red zone, nobody gets in. We’ve still got work to do. We’re still getting things together.”
Pads came on, and TJ Slaton impressed in the trenches. He could give the Bengals a piece the defense has been missing. pic.twitter.com/lxtgXMaCCa
— The Growler Podcast (@GrowlerPodcast) July 28, 2025
Seal of Approval
The Bengals signal-caller has been vocally supportive and impressed with the work Slaton has put in and the results on the field. When number nine approves of your process and the grind you’re committed to, you must be doing something right. The next step is for this hot streak for Slaton to continue through the regular season and possibly beyond.
Main Photo: Dan Powers / USA TODAY NETWORK-Wisconsin-USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images
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