Kris Jenkins Jr.

Career StatsD+

Year	Team	GP	Sacks	Tkl	TFL
Career		29	4.5	67	8.5
2025		14	1.5	36	2.5
2024		15	3.0	31	6

Current Contract

Contract Value Index (CVI)

The Cincinnati Bengals landed an absolute steal with Kris Jenkins Jr., earning an A CVI for a rotational defensive tackle at just $2.0M per year. While Jenkins profiles as a rotational player rather than an every-down starter, securing that level of interior defensive line depth for under market rate represents exceptional value in today's NFL. At this salary point, the Bengals are getting legitimate NFL-caliber production without the premium typically attached to proven defensive tackles, even those in secondary roles. The $5.5M in guaranteed money shows reasonable commitment while protecting the team from major downside risk if Jenkins doesn't develop as expected. This contract exemplifies smart roster construction — Cincinnati can deploy Jenkins in specific packages and situational football while maintaining salary cap flexibility elsewhere, giving them both immediate depth and potential long-term upside if he exceeds his current rotational role.

Performance Analysis

Kris Jenkins Jr. earns a D+ grade as a rookie defensive tackle showing promising signs with the Bengals. Cincinnati drafted him to be part of their interior defensive line rotation, and the early returns show a player who is learning quickly. His ability to hold the point of attack and generate some interior push has been encouraging for a first-year player. The Bengals' defensive line needs young players to develop into consistent contributors, and Jenkins is on that path. His grade should improve as he gains experience and refines his pass-rush technique.

Current Sentiment

Kris Jenkins Jr. is facing significant scrutiny from fans and media, earning a troubling D- sentiment grade that reflects serious concerns about his early NFL performance with the Cincinnati Bengals. The defensive tackle, who entered the league with modest expectations, has struggled to meet even those lowered benchmarks through his initial professional appearances. Much of the criticism centers around his inability to generate consistent pressure in the interior and questions about whether he possesses the athleticism needed to succeed at the NFL level. Bengals supporters have grown increasingly frustrated with Jenkins' limited impact on a defense that desperately needs playmakers along the defensive line. The harsh sentiment suggests that unless Jenkins shows dramatic improvement quickly, he risks being labeled as a developmental project who may never reach his potential, putting additional pressure on Cincinnati's front office to address their interior defensive line needs through other means.