Bengals 2025 Roster Breakdown: B.J. Hill Reasserts Himself as One of Cincinnati’s Main Veteran Leaders
As the Cincinnati Bengals prepare for a crucial 2025 campaign with Super Bowl ambitions riding high, defensive tackle B.J. Hill has firmly reasserted himself as one of the team’s most respected and influential veteran leaders. While Joe Burrow and Ja’Marr Chase garner most of the headlines, Hill’s presence in the trenches and in the locker room is proving to be a stabilizing force for a defense looking to bounce back from an inconsistent 2024 season.
Hill, now entering his fourth full season with the Bengals since being acquired in a 2021 trade from the Giants, has become one of the longest-tenured defensive players on the roster. In 2024, Hill tallied 5.5 sacks, 9 tackles for loss, and played all 17 games, quietly anchoring a defensive line that had its fair share of ups and downs amid injuries and youth movement. Despite the Bengals leaning heavily into developing younger talent across the defensive front, Hill’s consistency, professionalism, and football IQ have made him invaluable.
What separates Hill isn’t just his on-field production—it’s his leadership off the field. With veterans like Sam Hubbard and D.J. Reader no longer in the building, Hill’s voice has grown louder. Coaches have praised his mentoring of younger linemen like Myles Murphy and Zach Carter, particularly when it comes to preparing for high-pressure situations. Hill’s approach is old school—lead by example, speak when needed, and make every snap count.
“He’s the guy everyone looks to in tough moments,” said defensive coordinator Lou Anarumo. “B.J. isn’t flashy, but he sets the tone. His work ethic, preparation, and toughness are second to none. When he talks, people listen.”
The Bengals’ 2025 roster features a retooled mix of youth and experience, especially on defense. The secondary saw an influx of speed and versatility through the draft, while the linebacker corps remains anchored by Logan Wilson and Germaine Pratt. Yet, up front, Hill is the constant. While the team continues to develop former first-rounder Murphy into a full-time impact player, Hill’s reliability provides balance. He’s the glue guy—doing the dirty work, eating up double teams, and collapsing pockets to free up rushers around him.
Off the field, Hill has also stepped into a larger community role. He’s become one of the Bengals’ most active players in charitable events and youth mentorship programs in Cincinnati, embodying what the organization wants in a team captain and role model.
As the Bengals eye another deep playoff run and a possible return to the AFC Championship, B.J. Hill’s veteran presence could be the X-factor. In a locker room filled with explosive talent, having a grounded, experienced leader in the trenches might be what keeps the team poised under pressure. For a franchise that knows how fine the line is between contender and pretender, Hill’s influence is proving to be more important than ever.
