With the NFL offseason almost wrapped up and training camp coming to a close soon, it’s a good time to take a look at each NFL team’s offseason recap as we get just a few weeks away from the start of the regular season. Let’s take a look at the Cincinnati Bengals’ new team and analyze the team’s incoming and outgoing players as they shape up for the 2026 season.
The Cincinnati Bengals’ offseason priority was pretty straightforward: fix the defense that has been ailing them for the past few years and make new signings in free agency. Cincinnati was aggressive throughout the offseason, spending a large chunk of cap space on veteran additions and completely reshaping their defense.
The biggest move of Cincinnati’s offseason was trading their No. 10 overall pick in the 2026 NFL Draft to the Giants for defensive tackle Dexter Lawrence and also signing him to a one-year, $28 million extension through the 2028 season. In what was a heavily debated move, the Bengals decided to roll the dice and trade for an established star that could put them in a better position to win now rather than a new player they can develop. Lawrence is still one of the top defensive linemen in the NFL and truly a game-wrecker in one-on-one matchups.
Alongside Lawrence, the Bengals also signed Jonathan Allen and Boye Mafe in free agency to completely change the look of their defensive front. Allen was signed to a two-year, $26 million deal and Mafe to a three-year, $60 million deal. The trio of Allen, Lawrence and B.J. Hill gives Cincinnati one of the more formidable defensive interiors in the league.
The Bengals added more players to their defense, investing in their safety unit with the signings of Bryan Cook and Kyle Dugger. Cook was signed to a three-year, $40.25 million deal and is a Cincinnati native and former University of Cincinnati standout, marking a homecoming for Cook. Dugger signed a one-year contract with Cincinnati.
Although their new defensive interior looks strong on paper, their pass rush could possibly take a step back in 2026 after the departure of Trey Hendrickson, the Bengals’ biggest loss of the offseason. Hendrickson signed a four-year, $112 million deal with AFC North rivals Baltimore Ravens. Hendrickson’s production is not going to be easy to replicate at all, but the Bengals will be hoping the additions of Lawrence, Allen and Mafe are enough.
The Bengals also lost two contributors in their secondary in Cam Taylor-Britt and Geno Stone. Taylor-Britt signed with the Colts in free agency on a one-year deal, which means Cincinnati will be relying more heavily on cornerbacks Dax Hill and DJ Turner II to step up this season. Stone signed with the Buffalo Bills.
The Bengals had seven draft selections but traded away their first-round pick in exchange for Dexter Lawrence. Continuing with the theme of the offseason for Cincinnati, their first two picks were on the defensive side of the football, drafting edge Cashius Howell with the 41st overall pick and cornerback Tacario Davis with the 72nd overall pick.
Both picks were deliberate and will help replace the losses of both Hendrickson on the edge and Taylor-Britt at cornerback. Howell won SEC Defensive Player of the Year at Texas A&M after recording 11.5 sacks in 2025, and he’ll join a young pass rush group featuring Mafe, Myles Murphy and Shemar Stewart.
Cincinnati did everything in their power this offseason to fix the defense that has been on the receiving end of criticism ever since Joe Burrow has been leading the Bengals. Cincinnati’s offense has rarely been the issue, as they have a strong foundation built around stars such as Burrow, Ja’Marr Chase, Tee Higgins and Orlando Brown Jr., but the problem has been getting the defense to play at the same elite level as the offense.
The Bengals can’t be faulted for their effort this offseason, making huge signings, trades and investing early in the draft in defensive talent. The Bengals didn’t just add unproven talent but a multitude of experienced veterans and promising young talent in Lawrence, Allen, Mafe, Dugger and Cook, while also drafting Howell and Tacario Davis. After an aggressive offseason, the Bengals’ front office has set the team up for success if the effort put into their defensive overhaul pays off. If the Bengals’ new defense can perform up to expectations and the offense plays at the same high level we’re used to, the Bengals could be in store for a big season and return to the playoffs.
Make sure to check out our NFL page for more content like this!
You can like The Game Haus on Facebook and follow us on Twitter for more sports and esports articles from great TGH writers!
Players must be 21 years of age or older or reach the minimum age for gambling in their respective state and located in jurisdictions where online gambling is legal. Please play responsibly. Bet with your head, not over it. If you or someone you know has a gambling problem, and wants help, call or visit: (a) the Council on Compulsive Gambling of New Jersey at 1-800-Gambler or www.800gambler.org; or (b) Gamblers Anonymous at 855-2-CALL-GA or www.gamblersanonymous.org.
