Coming off the 2020 season, one bottomed out by an injury to Joe Burrow, the Cincinnati Bengals needed to add at every level to a defense that failed to make winning plays as coordinator Lou Anarumo rebuilt the unit with a new vision.

They used draft classes to get the ball rolling, but needed a free-agent microwave of mid-tier talent to fill out positions that could lift the group to a championship level.

What came next was arguably the organization’s best free-agent class and eventually the best two-year run in team history.

They landed edge Trey Hendrickson, slot corner Mike Hilton, defensive tackle Larry Ogunjobi, cornerback Chidobe Awuzie and right tackle Riley Reiff.

This came one year after Cincinnati started the process with defensive tackle D.J. Reader, safety Vonn Bell and — the one whiff — cornerback Trae Waynes, as additions that overhauled the defense.

In 2022, the Bengals needed to overhaul the offensive line and did so within the first hour of free agency, landing Alex Cappa and Ted Karras before La’el Collins signed a week later after a well-known stop at the Kenwood Towne Center.

The recent history hasn’t looked as shiny for a defense that has landed in the bottom quarter of the league in most major metrics three years running, ultimately costing Anarumo his job.

The players have not been good enough and the Bengals’ personnel department, led by de facto GM Duke Tobin, finds itself back at this juncture needing to microwave the defense in free agency.

Their jobs — and the jobs of many others in the organization — just might depend on it.

“I really believe in the group that we have here,” Tobin said after the season. “Why do I believe in them? Because they have shown that they can do it. They’re a collaborative group; they’re a smart group. They’ve been there before.”

When asked last week about similarities to the 2021 building effort, Tobin didn’t care to dive back into those details.

“I’m kind of forward-looking, so I’m trying to think of exactly what all happened in those years,” Tobin said.

He might not want to pull those memories, but there’s value in looking back to predict the Bengals’ strategy next week.

From 2020 to 2022, the Bengals’ free-agent strategy involved one player in the consensus top 20, another in the 20-60 range and a sprinkling of mid-tier bargains.

Nearly all were coming off their rookie contracts, with the biggest tickets based in the trenches.

Tobin pointed out a player at that range who was limited in crowded position groups on their team (Hendrickson), under-appreciated change-of-scenery candidates (Hilton, Awuzie, Bell, Karras, Cappa) or a willing splash at the top of the positional market (Reader).

Understanding that strategy, along with the needs the club generally outlined since the end of the season, there’s a good feel for what type of player to expect, what position they play and the pay range they will explore.

Look for the biggest spend to come on the defensive line with a piece that enhances the pass rush. After that, another defensive lineman, linebacker and safety are on the checklist.

Taking defensive tackle off the table, all three of those positions are relatively deep in both free agency and the draft, so the Bengals will have multiple methods to fill out the spots that raise the floor of the group.

Tobin voiced a need to not just add pass rush but fill a significant leadership void on that side of the ball, as well as emphasizing positional versatility. He even noted a willingness to go a touch older in free agency than in previous years, as players have extended their careers successfully after 30 at a higher rate. They have not given out a deal (free agent or extension) worth at least $3 million average annual value to a non-offensive lineman age 30 or older at signing since coach Zac Taylor was hired in 2019.

Maybe this will be the year (but don’t bet on it).

All these data points influence who the Bengals could sign, on what positions they are likely to splurge and who fits best.

Here’s a ranking of the best and most realistic fits (with honorable mentions) at the top defensive positions expected to be pursued by the Bengals in free agency.

*Expected cost on a scale of one to five dollar signs.

Defensive line

1. Boye Mafe, Seahawks ($$$$)

Age/Hgt/Wgt: 27, 6-4, 261
Why: Closest to the 2021 Hendrickson mold, as an effective pass rusher who was limited by his role on a deep defensive line. High motor, closing speed, enticing traits, consistent win rate, effective against the run and upside to blossom with expanded opportunity. Deep edge market could make his number manageable, if still a splurge.

2. Dre’Mont Jones, Ravens ($$)

Age/Hgt/Wgt: 29, 6-3, 281
Why: Versatility would be his primary asset as a productive edge to efficiently merge alongside Shemar Stewart. Can also kick inside to help with the lack of interior pressure. Shown success with stunts and blitzes. Offers consistent production, posting five straight years with at least 40 pressures. Realistic piece that makes sense to add disruption at a mid-tier price.

3. Odafe Oweh, Chargers ($$$$$)

Age/Hgt/Wgt: 27, 6-5, 265
Why: Take money out of it, and he’s an ideal fit. Appears to be blossoming into a real guy after being traded from the Ravens to the Chargers. Upside traits and posted three sacks in the playoff game. Pushes down the list because he’s likely too expensive given the Bengals’ approach.

4. D.J. Reader, Lions ($)

Age/Hgt/Wgt: 32, 6-3, 330
Why: Want leadership? One of the best leaders the Bengals defense has seen. Age is a factor, but still playing at a solid level, specifically stopping the run. Brings more pass rush than TJ Slaton, and the cost won’t overwhelm.

5. Kwity Paye, Colts ($$$)

Age/Hgt/Wgt: 27, 6-3, 265
Why: Age, athleticism and physicality setting the edge in the run game make him an enticing prospect. Lack of pass-rush production doesn’t, but would still provide value with upside to improve on his pass-rush plan.

6. Arnold Ebiketie, Falcons ($)

Age/Hgt/Wgt: 27, 6-2, 250
Why: Got blocked for snaps by two highly drafted rookies last year. Yet, the athletic 2022 second-round pick ranked 17th in the NFL in true pass set win rate and 12th in overall win percentage, via PFF. There’s real upside here, starting in the Joseph Ossai role and potentially becoming more. Most affordable of this group.

7. John Franklin-Myers, Broncos ($$$$$)

Age/Hgt/Wgt: 29, 6-4, 288
Why: Only real pass-rushing defensive tackle available. Ideal to insert at defensive tackle, but will get overpaid because of position scarcity in the draft and free agency. Hard to imagine his price staying under $20 million per year and equally hard to imagine the Bengals entering a bidding war.

Honorable mention: Logan Hall (upside traits, versatility, limited production), Jaelen Phillips (most expensive, injury history), K’Lavon Chaisson (bounced around, quality designated pass rusher), A.J. Epenesa (solid, rotational, unspectacular).

Linebacker

1. Leo Chenal, Chiefs ($$$)

Age/Hgt/Wgt: 25, 6-3, 250
Why: Extremely versatile for the Chiefs, productive consistently, but limited in snaps among a deep linebacker group. Most notably, he’s strong playing on the line, rushing the passer, spying the quarterback and impacting the run defense. The exact role the Bengals are looking to fill. Will make more than people think despite never playing more than 530 snaps, but not top of the market at a deep position group.

2. Kaden Elliss, Falcons ($$)

Age/Hgt/Wgt: 31, 6-2, 240
Why: One of the best pass-rushing linebackers in the game, a captain, three straight years with more than 1,000 snaps, history with Bengals LBs coach Mike Hodges from time in New Orleans. Last two seasons combined: 187 tackles, 73 pressures, 93 stops, nine sacks. Age bumps him down a tick, but an ideal profile to check important boxes.

3. Demario Davis, Saints ($$)

Age/Hgt/Wgt: 37, 6-2, 250
Why: Soak up all the leadership. A three-time Walter Payton Man of the Year nominee, the 14-year-veteran would wear ‘C’ on his chest the moment he walked in the door. Still playing at a high level even at 37. Worked with Hodges in New Orleans. Doesn’t satisfy the combo-linebacker need, though. Would require a reasonable one-year deal in the $8 million range.

4. Eric Wilson, Vikings ($)

Age/Hgt/Wgt: 31, 6-1, 230
Why: Excelled as a blitzing linebacker for Brian Flores. Tapped into a skill set he hadn’t shown much. Also is solid making plays in the run game. Could do the same in Cincinnati, likely at a reasonable price. Would be considered more of a liability in coverage.

5. Alex Singleton, Broncos ($)

Age/Hgt/Wgt: 32, 6-2, 240
Why: A great tackler for coordinator Vance Joseph, he’s not great in coverage but is effective as a blitzer and loves contact to create impact in the run game. A leader bringing perspective and a remarkable story (testicular cancer diagnosis in November). Really solid player, even if he doesn’t totally fit into the desired mold.

Honorable mention: Alex Anzalone (age, position not ideal match), Bobby Wagner (great leader, 37 years old), Nakobe Dean (age and upside are positive, position match isn’t).

Safety/Slot

1. Jalen Thompson, Cardinals ($$)

Age/Hgt/Wgt: 28, 5-11, 190
Why: A seven-year starter and elite tackler for the Cardinals, a 7.0 percent missed tackle rate for his career (Geno Stone is 18.7 percent). Lined up all over the field, including in the slot. Consistent player with nine career interceptions, but none in the last two seasons. Should come at a reasonable price in a deep market, which increases his match potential.

2. Minkah Fitzpatrick, Dolphins ($$$$)

Age/Hgt/Wgt: 29, 6-1, 207
Why: He’s not even a free agent yet, but the Dolphins look likely to trade or release him. Would bring leadership, stability, versatility and serve as the desired force multiplier the defense needs. Has immense respect internally. His reputation as an instinctual playmaker opens up the possibility to let him loose to wreak havoc and build the back end around him. How much is that worth at a position the Bengals have long been reluctant to pay?

3. Kevin Byard, Bears ($$$)

Age/Hgt/Wgt: 33, 5-11, 218
Why: An All-Pro with seven interceptions last year, who is a five-time team captain and elite tackler with a history of running quality defenses? Yeah, sounds just right. Will age disqualify him in Cincinnati? That and the cost will impact the Bengals’ interest, but he’d be an impactful addition and a stabilizing force.

4. Coby Bryant, Seahawks ($$)

Age/Hgt/Wgt: 27, 6-1, 193
Why: The former Cincinnati Bearcats corner converted to safety last year and more than held his own. Bengals are looking for coverage skills, and his background provides them. Tackling was an issue, but he was more than good enough to be part of Seattle’s Super Bowl-winning defense.

5. Jaquan Brisker, Bears ($)

Age/Hgt/Wgt: 27, 6-1, 204
Why: Versatile safety who played all over the field for 1,220 snaps after battling concussions through each of his first three seasons. That history will impact his value and likely limit any long-term deal, but his production and age are solid values for what the Bengals need.

Honorable mention: Bryan Cook (great safety, likely too expensive), Alontae Taylor (versatile nickel, likely too expensive), Kader Kohou (nickel missed 2025 with ACL), Reed Blankenship (down year in 2025), Alohi Gilman (similar game to Stone).