Tedarrell Anthony “TJ” Slaton Jr. is an American professional football defensive tackle for the Cincinnati Bengals of the National Football League (NFL). Born on October 3, 1997, in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, Slaton developed his football skills at American Heritage School in Plantation before continuing his career at the University of Florida. The Green Bay Packers selected him in the fifth round of the 2021 NFL Draft with the 173rd overall pick, and he spent four seasons with the organization before joining the Bengals in 2025.
Tedarrell Slaton Bio
Tedarrell Anthony Slaton Jr. has established himself as a reliable interior defensive lineman in the NFL. Standing at 6 feet 5 inches and weighing 340 pounds, Slaton brings size and strength to the defensive tackle position. His journey from high school standout in South Florida to professional football demonstrates his consistent development and dedication to the sport. After four seasons with the Green Bay Packers, Slaton signed with the Cincinnati Bengals in March 2025, continuing his NFL career with a new franchise.
Early Life and Background
Slaton was born and raised in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, where his football journey began at American Heritage School in Plantation. During his high school years, he played under the guidance of former NFL cornerback Patrick Surtain, who served as one of his coaches. This mentorship provided Slaton with valuable insights into professional football from someone who had competed at the highest level of the sport.
At American Heritage School, Slaton developed into a formidable defensive player, attracting attention from college programs across the country. His high school career positioned him well for the next phase of his football development at the collegiate level.
Path to Professional Football
Following his standout high school career, Slaton committed to play college football at the University of Florida. The transition from high school to Division I competition required significant adjustment, but Slaton steadily carved out a role within the Florida Gators defense over four seasons from 2017 to 2020.
His collegiate development prepared him for the physical demands of professional football, and his performances at Florida caught the attention of NFL scouts. The skills he refined in college, particularly his ability to occupy blocks and disrupt opposing backfields, translated directly to the professional level.
Tedarrell Slaton Career
Green Bay Packers (2021–2024)
Slaton entered the NFL when the Green Bay Packers selected him in the fifth round of the 2021 NFL Draft with the 173rd overall pick. He signed his four-year rookie contract on May 14, 2021, and immediately joined a Packers defense looking to build around its interior defensive line. He began his rookie season listed as the second defensive tackle on the depth chart behind veteran Kenny Clark.
He made his NFL debut on September 12, 2021, against the New Orleans Saints, recording two solo tackles in the 38-3 loss. Throughout his rookie season, Slaton saw increasing playing time due to injuries along the defensive line. He recorded his first career half sack in Week 3 against the San Francisco 49ers and added another half sack two weeks later against the Cincinnati Bengals.
One of the defining moments of his rookie year came in Week 7 against the Washington Football Team when he blocked a 42-yard field goal attempt by Chris Blewitt. In Week 9 against the defending AFC champion Kansas City Chiefs, Slaton played extensive snaps in relief of an injured Kenny Clark, producing three stops in the game.
Over four seasons with the Packers, Slaton developed into a consistent contributor along the defensive line. He accumulated 186 total tackles, 5 sacks, and 4 pass deflections during his time in Green Bay, becoming a reliable presence in the middle of the defense.
Cincinnati Bengals (2025–Present)
On March 13, 2025, Slaton signed a two-year contract with the Cincinnati Bengals, joining his new team as they built their defensive front for the upcoming season. The move marked a new chapter in his career as he transitioned from the Packers organization to the Bengals.
Joining a Bengals defensive unit that has shown promise in recent seasons, Slaton provides experience and depth at the defensive tackle position. His ability to stop the run and pressure the quarterback from the interior makes him a valuable addition to Cincinnati’s defensive scheme.
Playing Style and Strengths
Slaton utilizes his size and length to occupy gaps along the defensive line, freeing up linebackers to make plays against the run. His ability to hold double teams allows the defense to flow to the football. While primarily known as a run-stuffing interior presence, he has shown the capacity to collapse the pocket and record sacks when called upon.
Notable Performances
Throughout his career, Slaton has demonstrated consistency as a rotational and starting defensive tackle. His blocked field goal against Washington in his rookie season remains one of the more memorable special teams plays from his early career. His performance against the Kansas City Chiefs in 2021, when he stepped in for Kenny Clark, showcased his ability to handle expanded responsibilities.
Tedarrell Slaton Career Statistics
Across four NFL seasons with the Green Bay Packers and entering his first season with the Cincinnati Bengals, Slaton has established himself as a productive interior defensive lineman with solid all-around statistics.
College Career Highlights
During four seasons with the Florida Gators from 2017 to 2020, Slaton appeared in 45 games with 14 starts. He recorded 98 tackles including 34 solo tackles and 10 tackles for loss, accumulated 3.5 sacks, registered nine quarterback hurries, deflected one pass, and recovered one fumble. His consistent presence in the Gators’ rotation demonstrated his reliability and durability at the collegiate level.
NFL Career Statistics
In his four NFL seasons, Slaton has recorded 186 total tackles, 5 sacks, and 4 pass deflections. His tackle production reflects his role as a consistent starter along the interior defensive line, while his sack totals indicate his ability to pressure the quarterback when positioned in passing situations.
| Competition Level | Tackles | Sacks | Pass Deflections |
|---|---|---|---|
| NFL Regular Season (Career) | 186 | 5 | 4 |
| College (Florida) | 98 | 3.5 | 1 |
Family
Personal Life
Slaton grew up in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, where his early exposure to football at American Heritage School shaped his future career path. While playing at American Heritage, he was teammates with Patrick Surtain II and Tyson Campbell, both of whom also went on to play professionally in the NFL.
Throughout his football career, Slaton has maintained connections to his South Florida roots while pursuing his professional ambitions in the NFL.
2025 Season Performance
Entering the 2025 season with the Cincinnati Bengals, Slaton joins a defensive line looking to improve its performance against both the run and pass. His experience in the Packers’ system provides him with versatility that the Bengals coaching staff can utilize in various alignments along the defensive front.
The 2025 season represents Slaton’s opportunity to establish himself as a foundational piece of the Bengals’ defense. Working alongside other defensive tackles in the rotation, he will be counted upon to provide the same steady production that characterized his tenure in Green Bay.
Slaton’s transition to Cincinnati brings new challenges and opportunities. The Bengals defense has shown improvement in recent seasons, and adding a player of Slaton’s experience and capability strengthens their interior presence. As he adapts to his new defensive scheme, his ability to disrupt opposing offenses from the defensive tackle position will be essential to the team’s success in 2025.