The Cincinnati Bengals are gearing up for the 2026 NFL season with a clear focus: another Super Bowl run. After missing the playoffs for three straight years, the franchise has made key roster moves to address the defensive shortcomings that plagued the 2025 campaign.
2025 in review
The 2025 season began with a promising 2‑0 start, but injuries and defensive lapses quickly derailed the effort. A turf‑toe injury sidelined quarterback Joe Burrow in Week 2, and despite a mid‑season trade that brought veteran quarterback Joe Flacco to serve as a backup, the young defense struggled to contain opponents. The team scored 30 or more points in three consecutive weeks (Weeks 7‑9) but also allowed 30 or more points in each of those games, including high‑scoring losses of 38‑42 points. By the time Burrow returned, the Bengals were out of the playoff race, extending their postseason drought to three seasons.
Key offseason additions
The biggest move came during the draft week when Cincinnati traded its No. 10 overall pick to the New York Giants for defensive tackle Dexter Lawrence II, bolstering the interior defensive line. Cincinnati native and former Bearcat standout Bryan Cook signed as a free‑agent safety from Kansas City, and former Seattle Super Bowl champion Boye Mafe joined the secondary. On offense, the Bengals locked up veteran linemen Orlando Brown Jr. and Dalton Risner to new contracts, and re‑signed Flacco as Burrow’s backup.
Key departures
Pro Bowl edge rusher Trey Hendrickson left for the Baltimore Ravens after a contract holdout. Other notable exits include defensive end Joseph Ossai (now with the New York Jets), cornerback Cam Taylor‑Britt (Indianapolis Colts), safety Geno Stone (Buffalo Bills), and quarterback Jake Browning, who signed elsewhere. The team also cut several fringe players—Charlie Jones, Cody Ford and Mitchell Tinsley—after training camp.
Coach and quarterback outlook
Quarterback Joe Burrow has repeatedly emphasized a “championship mindset” in the locker room. In May, he called this roster the most talented he has played with, and in August he declared, “This is the year.” Burrow’s confidence, combined with the new defensive pieces, sets an optimistic tone for the upcoming campaign.
2026 schedule highlights
The Bengals open the season at home against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers on September 13. The schedule includes an international game in Madrid, Spain, against the Atlanta Falcons on November 8, marking the team’s first overseas matchup since 2019. Prime‑time appearances feature a Sunday night showdown with the Pittsburgh Steelers on November 15 and a Monday night clash with the Washington Commanders on November 23. The season concludes with a New Year’s Eve game against the Baltimore Ravens on December 31.
Ring of Honor induction
On November 1, the Bengals will induct tight end Bob Trumpy (1968‑77) and running back James Brooks (1984‑91) into the franchise’s Ring of Honor, recognizing their contributions to Cincinnati football history.
With a revamped defense, reinforced offensive line, and a quarterback determined to lead the team to the Lombardi Trophy, the Bengals are poised to make a serious push for the AFC title in 2026.
Original reporting: WLWT Cincinnati — read the source article.
