Jalen Davis is eyeing a starting spot in Bengals defense
The veteran corner has seen many highs and lows in his NFL career, but
ORCHARD PARK, NEW YORK - DECEMBER 07: James Cook III #4 of the Buffalo Bills is tackled by Jalen Davis #35 of the Cincinnati Bengals during the third quarter at Highmark Stadium on December 07, 2025 in Orchard Park, New York. (Photo by Timothy T Ludwig/Getty Images) | Getty Images The Cincinnati Bengals made a number of moves this offseason to address the defense, but two position groups were largely omitted from the improvements. Al Golden and the staff appear to be content with the growth ahead for Demetrius Knight Jr.
and Barrett Carter at linebacker, while the cornerback group didn’t see many overall additions. One re-signing the team made early in the offseason process was in the veteran slot corner, Jalen Davis. He took over the Mike Hilton role last year and turned heads about his viability at the spot for the immediate future.
In speaking with reporters on Tuesday, Davis talked about his desire to hang on to the role and build upon his 2025 season. Jalen Davis ready and willing to fight for the starting nickel corner job in the Bengals secondary pic. twitter.
com/ohlA8XzfGt — Mike Petraglia (@Trags) May 5, 2026 “First, and foremost, it’s God — gotta have faith in God and have faith in His plan,” Davis said when asked about biding his time to get more NFL snaps. “I’ve always been ready to play, but it wasn’t God’s timing. “But his timing might be now, so I’m ready for it.