Jonathan Allen, one of the NFL's most accomplished interior pass rushers of the decade, joined the Bengals Friday with 17-month-old daughter Eleanor holding a striped tiger as he signed his two-year deal.
Her dad thinks the fit is just as snug in the scheme of defensive line coach Jerry Montgomery and defensive coordinator Al Golden.
"That's one of the things that excited me the most about coming here," said Allen, also accompanied by wife Hannah. "They're talking about moving me around, getting some one-on-ones and really being able to get after the passer and shut down the run, the things I love to do."
Allen is also excited about quarterback Joe Burrow's offense.
"This is one of the few places I can compete for a Super Bowl and have a chance to showcase my talent," Allen said. "When you see what they have on the offensive side of the ball, that's a dream for a defensive lineman. I think people would be lining up to play with a guy like Joe Burrow and the offense they have. Then the young guys you have on defense and the pieces you're adding, I really think this team is going somewhere.
View the best photos of new DT Jonathan Allen.
Minnesota Vikings defensive end Jonathan Allen (93) moves across the field during the first half of an NFL football game against the Cincinnati Bengals, Sunday, Sept. 21, 2025 in Minneapolis. Minnesota won 48-10.
Minnesota Vikings defensive lineman Jonathan Allen (93) looks on during an NFL football game against the Baltimore Ravens, Sunday, Nov. 9, 2025, in Minneapolis.
Washington Commanders defensive tackle Jonathan Allen (93) pressures the pocket during an NFL football game against the Dallas Cowboys, Thursday, Nov. 23, 2023, in Arlington, Texas. The Cowboys won 45-10.
Minnesota Vikings defensive tackle Jonathan Allen (93) runs during an NFL football game against the Washington Commanders, Sunday, Dec. 7, 2025, in Minneapolis.
Minnesota Vikings defensive tackle Jonathan Allen (93) looks on from the sideline during the national anthem prior to an NFL football game against the Dallas Cowboys, Sunday, Dec. 14, 2025, in Arlington, Texas.
Washington Commanders defensive tackle Jonathan Allen (93) and linebacker Frankie Luvu (4) celebrate after a tackle during an NFL football game against the Cleveland Browns, Sunday, Oct. 6, 2024 in Landover, Md. The Commanders defeated the Browns 34-13.
Minnesota Vikings defensive end Jonathan Allen (93) reacts after sacking New York Giants quarterback Jaxson Dart during the third quarter of an NFL football game, Sunday, Dec. 21, 2025, in East Rutherford, N.J.
Minnesota Vikings defensive tackle Jonathan Allen (93) walks off the field after an NFL football game against the New York Giants, Sunday, Dec. 21, 2025, in East Rutherford, N.J.
FILE- Tampa Bay Buccaneers running back Bucky Irving, right, runs against Washington Commanders defensive tackle Jonathan Allen during the second half of an NFL wild-card playoff football game in Tampa, Fla., Jan. 12, 2025.
Minnesota Vikings defensive end Jonathan Allen recovers a fumble during the first half of an NFL football game against the Cincinnati Bengals, Sunday, Sept. 21, 2025, in Minneapolis.
