Daijahn Anthony

Career StatsD-

Year	Team	GP	INT	PD	Tkl
Career		18	—	1	7
2025		5	0	0	4
2024		13	0	1	3

Current Contract

Contract Value Index (CVI)

Spotrac flags Daijahn Anthony's contract as a market-rate deal; FanVerdicts grades it D Contract Value Index because the production-to-pay ratio shakes out accordingly. Anthony is earning $1.03M AAV on a four-year rookie scale contract, a modest commitment that reflects seventh-round draft capital, but the 2025 season stats tell a damning story: four tackles across five games represents minimal on-field impact for a safety in year two of his tenure. At 25 years old with two seasons played, Anthony occupies that precarious middle ground where he's no longer a prospect deserving of patience but hasn't yet proven capable of earning a larger role—the Contract Value Index grade reflects a player whose compensation outpaces his current contribution, even at depth-chart rates. The media narrative is unambiguous: the Bengals have opened his practice window and are reportedly exploring "lesser-known names" at safety, a clear organizational signal that internal confidence has eroded despite two years in the system. His statistical resume (zero interceptions, one pass defended) and recent production floor leave no margin for error heading into 2026, and with Cincinnati's recent roster activity focused on defensive line, cornerback, and offensive positions, Anthony appears firmly outside the team's immediate priorities—making this rookie deal a sunk cost rather than a platform for growth.

Contracts in the Same Value Band

Other same-position deals the Contract Value Index also places in the D band — a quick read on where Daijahn's contract sits relative to comparable money.

Performance Analysis

Daijahn Anthony earns a D- for the Bengals at safety, a young player who has not found his footing in Cincinnati's secondary. Anthony has struggled in coverage and has been exploited by opposing offenses when on the field. His instincts and processing speed are behind where they need to be for a player in the Bengals' competitive defense. Cincinnati has better options at safety, and Anthony is at the bottom of the depth chart. He needs significant development in a short time to remain a viable NFL player.

How Daijahn Compares at the Position

Daijahn Anthony ranks 177th of 196 graded safeties by performance. That slots Daijahn between Dean Clark (D-) just ahead and Jammie Robinson (D-) just behind.

Current Sentiment

Daijahn Anthony's media perception heading into 2026 reflects the harsh reality of a young safety who has failed to capitalize on developmental opportunities within the Bengals organization. Despite two seasons in Cincinnati's system, Anthony finds himself relegated to practice squad activation discussions rather than meaningful defensive contributions, with beat writers noting his "infamous rookie moment" while simultaneously acknowledging he "has more to offer" — a diplomatic way of saying potential remains unrealized. His statistical resume tells the story: zero interceptions and just one pass defended across multiple seasons represents below-replacement-level production for a safety expected to provide depth or competition. The Bengals' reported exploration of "lesser-known names" at the safety position serves as an organizational vote of no confidence, suggesting Anthony has moved from developmental prospect to roster bubble candidate. Media coverage consistently frames him as a question mark rather than an answer, occupying that uncomfortable middle ground where he's shown just enough to avoid outright dismissal but nowhere near enough to inspire confidence in his trajectory.