Part of the defensive rebuild this offseason was clearly to drastically improve the defensive line that struggled to create any pass rush last season.
While most fans will look at Dexter Lawrence as the key to that (rightfully so), we can’t over look the possibility of what Boye Mafe can bring to the table.
Moe Moton from Bleacher report is predicting Mafe to have a breakout year, and it make tons of sense. Mafe was a rotational player with the Seattle Seahawks. It wasn’t really about him not being
able to play a bigger role. Their defensive line was just incredibly deep, and the team wanted to rotate in fresh bodies as much as possible.
Mafe was incredibly productive when he did get a chance. Constantly being able to at least pressure the quarterback. Now he gets to play on a defensive line where it will be hard for offenses to get help blocking him on the outside with a presence like Lawrence in the middle demanding double teams.
It wouldn’t be surprising at all to see Mafe have a very solid 2026 season where he rises into double digit sacks.
7 Edge-Rushers on the Verge of a Breakout 2026 NFL Season
After a few years in Pete Carroll’s and Mike Macdonald’s defenses, Mafe can be a versatile defender within the Bengals’ front seven. That said, expect play-caller Al Golden to unleash him in the pass rush.
Elizabeth Blackburn: Lean In. Show Out. This Is Our Jungle.
The organization made significant investments in the football team and our stadium. On the verge of a new season, the next wave are key investments in our effort, time and dedication. Our players and coaches put in the work every single week. They prepare. They compete. They push forward. Our fans are very invested — we collectively want to keep raising the bar and ask that, together, we lean in even more to continue building something meaningful.
Bengals Snubbed in Latest List of Teams That Could Win the Super Bowl
The Bengals definitely deserve to be on this list. Any team with a Joe Burrow level quarterback has a shot at winning the Superbowl. They are a dark horse team, not one of the first teams people will list. However, to keep them off is just not paying attention to what they do.
Deebo Samuel, free-agent WR, could land with Bengals, per CBS Sports
“This landing spot was recommended by CBS Sports’ Mike Renner,” Jordan Dajani wrote. “Some would claim the Cincinnati Bengals have one of the best wide receiving corps in the NFL with Ja’Marr Chase and Tee Higgins, but apart from those two pass-catchers, it’s questionable. Andrei Iosivas is the No. 3, followed by players like Mitchell Tinsley, Charlie Jones and the rookie Colbie Young. Imagine Joe Burrow operating out of 11 personnel with Chase, Higgins and then Samuel running around in the slot.”
Former Bengals RB Joe Mixon reportedly done with NFL
A pretty unfortunate ending to a good career. Mixon was a huge part of turning around the culture for Cincinnati when Zac Taylor came in. He was also very productive despite the terrible offensive lines he played behind for most of his career.
