BREAKING NEWS: Cincinnati Bengals Defensive tackle Kris Jenkins Jr. is the odd man ….

BREAKING NEWS: Cincinnati Bengals Defensive Tackle Kris Jenkins Jr. Is the Odd Man Out in Crowded Defensive Rotation

June 11, 2025 | By NFL Insider Staff

CINCINNATI — In a surprising development from the Queen City, defensive tackle Kris Jenkins Jr. has reportedly emerged as the odd man out in the Cincinnati Bengals’ revamped defensive line rotation. Just one year removed from being drafted in the second round out of Michigan, Jenkins’ role appears to be shrinking as the team reshapes its identity up front.

Sources inside the Bengals organization indicate that Jenkins is no longer seen as a key piece in the team’s starting rotation heading into training camp, as offseason acquisitions and the emergence of younger players have reshuffled the depth chart.

The Rise—and Stall—of Jenkins Jr.

Kris Jenkins Jr., the son of former All-Pro defensive tackle Kris Jenkins Sr., entered the NFL with high expectations. Known for his stout run defense and explosive strength at Michigan, Jenkins was praised as a high-floor, high-character pick when Cincinnati selected him 49th overall in the 2024 NFL Draft.

During his rookie season, Jenkins showed flashes of potential. He played in all 17 games, recorded 2.5 sacks, 29 total tackles, and made a handful of key third-down stops. While his production didn’t leap off the stat sheet, coaches and teammates praised his effort and learning curve.

But in today’s NFL, potential only gets you so far.

Bengals Go Big in Free Agency and the Draft

This offseason, the Bengals made aggressive moves to fortify the interior of their defense. They signed veteran DT Christian Wilkins to a lucrative deal and used a third-round pick on T’Andre Burnett, a freak athlete out of Georgia Tech who has quickly drawn rave reviews from the coaching staff.

Wilkins, a proven difference-maker, is expected to start alongside longtime Bengal B.J. Hill, while Burnett and second-year standout Zach Carter are battling for heavy rotational snaps. That leaves Jenkins in a crowded—and increasingly uncertain—position.

“He’s still got value, no question,” said Bengals defensive coordinator Lou Anarumo. “But it’s a competition. We’re looking for guys who disrupt, who dominate the line of scrimmage every snap. Nobody’s role is guaranteed.”

Trade Rumors Circulating?

With Jenkins currently slotted as the fifth or sixth lineman on the depth chart, speculation has begun swirling about a possible trade. Several teams are believed to be monitoring the situation, particularly defensive-line-needy franchises like the Raiders, Seahawks, and Panthers.

NFL insider Ian Rapoport reported Wednesday that the Bengals have “fielded preliminary inquiries” about Jenkins, though no deal appears imminent.

“Cincinnati has a lot of depth, and Jenkins is a guy with starting-caliber tools,” Rapoport tweeted. “If someone comes calling with a Day 2 pick, it wouldn’t be a shock to see the Bengals make a move.”

Jenkins Responds With Professionalism

Despite the uncertainty, Jenkins has reportedly handled the situation with maturity. He has been a full participant in voluntary OTAs and minicamp, and by all accounts remains committed to improving and earning a larger role.

“I control what I can control,” Jenkins told reporters last week. “All I know is I’m here to work, get better, and be ready when my number’s called.”

That number may still come in Cincinnati—but it might also ring from another team.

What This Means for the Bengals

From a team perspective, this move is less about disappointment in Jenkins and more about an embarrassment of riches. Cincinnati has quietly built one of the NFL’s deepest defensive fronts, and with Joe Burrow’s return and Super Bowl aspirations in full swing, the Bengals are prioritizing immediate production over long-term development.

“We’re in win-now mode,” said head coach Zac Taylor. “That means tough choices, even with guys we believe in.”

The Road Ahead

At just 23 years old, Kris Jenkins Jr. still has time to develop into a dominant force in the NFL. Whether that growth happens in Cincinnati or elsewhere remains to be seen. But one thing is clear: in a league that moves quickly and rewards immediate impact, even promising young talents can find themselves on the outside looking in.

For Bengals fans, it’s a bittersweet development. For Jenkins Jr., it’s a challenge—and perhaps, a new opportunity.