As the 2026 offseason approached, many knew it would be a pivotal spring for the Cincinnati Bengals. What wasn’t as clear, however, was just how seriously the typically cautious franchise would approach the opportunity.
As it turns out, Cincinnati’s front office answered the call for an “all-in” offseason, complete with a significant overhaul of the defensive unit. Boye Mafe, Jonathan Allen, Bryan Cook, Kyle Dugger, and others were added in free agency, while the team also swung a blockbuster trade
for Dexter Lawrence II.
Add in a very intriguing draft class and a highly uncharacteristic Joe Burrow contract restructure, and these aren’t the same old Bengals.
The national media have taken notice as well. Sports Illustrated recently pegged Cincinnati—and, more specifically, Joe Burrow—as one of the winners of the 2026 offseason. Gilberto Manzano writes:
This might be the year that Burrow and his explosive offense finally get some help from the defense.
The trade for star defensive tackle Dexter Lawrence II will give the Bengals a player who can push the pocket and set the table for the edge rushers. Trey Hendrickson is no longer around after signing with the Ravens, but there’s pass-rusher depth with the arrival of Boye Mafe and the second-round selection of Cashius Howell.
While I’m expecting the defensive line to be better, I don’t see the back end of the defense making a sizable improvement. However, having a bend-but-don’t-break defense with a quality pass rush could be enough for Burrow and his high-scoring offense to make it work and end a three-year playoff drought.
While the departure of Hendrickson’s regular double-digit sack production will be missed, the hope is that the Bengals can recreate that output—and then some—from a variety of players in different spots along the defensive front. Mafe, Lawrence, and Howell are the notable new additions, but getting more production from Myles Murphy, last year’s first-round pick Shemar Stewart, and others will also be key to the Bengals’ defensive success in 2026.
Manzano doesn’t seem as high on the back end of the Bengals’ defense, though he later clarifies his stance on DJ Turner II, Dax Hill, and others. However, Cook is already asserting himself as a field general during spring workouts. An improved and more diversified pass rush should also benefit the secondary.
As for Burrow specifically, what Manzano didn’t mention in the broader picture is that the team sent a message to its star quarterback that it’s serious about getting back to the Super Bowl. Cincinnati added complementary pieces to the offense through the draft and by re-signing key veterans, but even with a defense-focused offseason, Burrow believes this is the most talented roster he’s been a part of in years.
Of course, all of this exists only on paper at this point. This upgraded roster will have to prove itself when September arrives.
