Hendrickson has represented the Bengals for five seasons, shining bright as one of the top edge rushers in the league. He was part of the team that made the Super Bowl in the 2021-22 campaign, where the Bengals lost to the Los Angeles Rams.

While Hendrickson continued putting up amazing numbers, the Bengals haven’t been able to return to those heights. Injuries and inconsistent play have prevented them from getting back to the playoffs for three consecutive seasons.

NFL insider Dan Graziano appeared on ESPN’s NFL Live show on Wednesday. It was there where he provided insight on Hendrickson’s future with the franchise.

“If you’re setting up for a trade, it’s kind of hard to imagine a team wanting to trade something for a 31- to 32-year-old edge rusher on a franchise or transition tag number, given the depth we’re seeing in the free agent market, in the draft this year at the edge position. So I think in the end, it’s likely that they part ways, and Cincinnati knows it has to pretty much rebuild its entire defensive line and help on the back end as well, after the year they just had on defense,” Graziano said.

“It has been a nice ride. I would be very surprised if he was either tagged or if they came to terms with a new master deal with Trey Hendrickson. It’s been a nice ride. Feel like this is a good time in the timeline, after what we went through last off season, maybe it’s time for Trey to finish his career somewhere else,” another insider remarked on the panel.

Will Trey Hendrickson stay with the Bengals?

The NFL Live crew has their doubts pic.twitter.com/6uNw3qrrw7

— NFL on ESPN (@ESPNNFL) February 25, 2026

What lies ahead for Trey Hendrickson, Bengals

Trey Hendrickson served his time well with the Bengals. However, it might be best to part ways if he and the front office don’t come to an agreement on a new deal.

Hendrickson appeared in 72 regular-season games throughout his five years, making the Pro Bowl for four consecutive seasons from 2021 to 2024. He also won the Deacon Jones Award in 2024, given to the sacks leader every season, for making 17.5 sacks.

The Bengals will hope to end their playoff drought with Joe Burrow and Ja’Marr Chase continuing to headline the franchise. Improving the defense will be a top priority this offseason.

The post NFL Insider begs Bengals to let Trey Hendrickson walk in free agency appeared first on ClutchPoints.

Manny Navarro noted that it “feels like it is all unraveling,” and for a brief moment, it certainly appeared that way.

However, the important aspect of Mesidor’s draft outlook is that he returned to finish the game, turning the injury scare into merely a footnote rather than the central story.

Scouts will ultimately evaluate Mesidor’s overall performance: he is Miami’s most disruptive front-seven player, capable of tilting protections and a defender that offenses must account for on obvious passing downs.

Moreover, Mesidor is not a one-dimensional rusher who disappears if he doesn’t succeed on the first step. NFL.com’s succinct summary captures his style well: he brings high effort, a fluid rushing technique, and a varied approach that utilizes finesse or power, depending on the opponent.

Physically, he aligns well with the current “NFL edge” template more than most realize. He is listed at around 6-foot-3 and 265 pounds, which is substantial enough to set an edge while still being light enough to maintain a quick first step. This size also provides a team with flexibility in how they utilize him.

He can function as a traditional 4-3 defensive end, stand up in a 3-4 front as a rush linebacker, or even kick inside on passing downs in certain packages, especially when the goal is to challenge guards who struggle with speed and adept handwork.

Thus, when considering the “best destinations” for Mesidor, the focus should be on finding a team whose defensive scheme aligns with his strengths, allowing him ample opportunities to succeed.

And here we go with three potential destinations that would be suitable for Akheem Mesidor in the 2026 NFL Draft.

Chicago Bears

The Chicago Bears are the best fit if you’re looking for immediate impact and a clear role in this NFL Draft. Their defensive front in 2025 struggled to consistently pressure quarterbacks unless Montez Sweat took charge himself.

As a result, offenses were able to play comfortably against them.

Mesidor can make a difference for Chicago, as he is designed to be that other guy who punishes offensive linemen when the protection focuses on Sweat.

When tackles overset to protect the edge against Sweat, Mesidor’s ability to win inside can create problems. He also has the strength to keep tackles honest, and if an opponent plays too soft against him, he has the power to push them backward and collapse the pocket.

This is important for Chicago, as its defense needs disruptions that can alter down-and-distance situations, such as hurries that force quick checkdowns or pressures that speed up a quarterback’s internal clock. These plays can help an average secondary perform better in the NFL Draft this year.

Carolina Panthers

Carolina is a fit for a different reason. Their defense has been lacking an edge presence capable of changing the way offenses call protections, and while they have had effort players and flashes of talent, they haven’t maintained enough consistent pass rush to compete against modern offenses that can quickly release the ball and challenge defenses to win in two seconds.

If the defense is unable to do so, they can easily become overwhelmed by a barrage of quick completions.

Mesidor is a good sign for the Panthers that needs to bring a style that creates immediate issues without forcing the defense to blitz and risk getting burned. He can effectively utilize a speed-to-power technique, which is essential when facing fast-paced teams.

Pure speed rushers might get neutralized by rapid throws, but a power rusher who can collapse the pocket changes the launch point and makes quick throws less comfortable for the quarterback. This is where Mesidor adds value, even if he doesn’t always get to the quarterback.

The Panthers can also use him creatively, and his versatility allows him to be part of those NASCAR-style formations where the best rushers take the field, someone slides inside, and the protection has to reveal its intentions, and they need him to be a reliable disruptor who prevents the quarterback from finding a rhythm.

If the Panthers draft him, it will be with the expectation that he plays early and frequently. Not as a savior, but as a stabilizing force for a front that has previously been too easy to block. He could be a good pick in this NFL Draft for Carolina.

Cincinnati Bengals

Cincinnati stands out as a top destination for an edge rusher like Mesidor, especially due to its current pass rush challenges. The Bengals have experienced periods where one player dominated pressure production, while at other times, the entire defensive front has struggled.

This inconsistency can quickly weaken the defense, as an ineffective pass rush makes it difficult to implement desired coverages. When quarterbacks have ample time in the pocket, defenses are left hoping for mistakes, which is not an effective strategy against strong offenses.

He fits the Bengals’ needs because he can contribute to the rotation without being limited to a part-time role.

Early in his career, he can handle the dirty downs, set the edge against the run, and still bring a strong pass-rushing presence. As he hones his skills and develops counters against NFL tackles, he will become even more effective.

The Bengals will also benefit from Mesidor’s work ethic. He approaches each play with the determination to finish, rather than just aiming to look good, and this difference may seem subtle, but it can greatly impact games.

In summary, while Mesidor may not be the “cleanest” prospect, lacking the rare athletic traits that check every box, he is undeniably useful in a way that coaches can rely on.

He possesses effective rush tools, the strength to convert speed into power, and practical counters.

Ultimately, the “best destination” for an edge rusher like Mesidor should not merely be about matching aesthetics with a team. It should instead be a situation where his inherent strengths lead to third-down victories, and where the coaching staff can comfortably utilize him on the field from the start, without needing to shield him from the demands of the role.

So, in which team should he be drafted in the NFL Draft?

The post 3 best Akheem Mesidor destinations in 2026 NFL Draft appeared first on ClutchPoints.

While Burrow’s season was cut short, his efficiency remains undeniable, earning him a third Pro Bowl selection after throwing 17 touchdowns in only eight games. The organization is now focused on maximizing its championship window by surrounding him with a more balanced, durable roster.

A critical part of that roster construction involves finding reliable insurance behind their star signal-caller. Jeremy Rauch of FOX19 reported that head coach Zac Taylor said it is fair to say the team will be looking to add a QB in some capacity through the draft or free agency.

This update highlights the front office’s commitment to keeping the offense functional even if Burrow faces future health setbacks, a lesson reinforced by last season’s 6-11 finish. Taylor’s plan suggests the Bengals are exploring all avenues to secure a backup who can stabilize the unit during high-stakes moments.

This push for depth coincides with public calls for defensive reinforcements. Star receiver Ja’Marr Chase recently voiced his expectation that the organization add veteran talent, specifically to support a defense that struggled significantly in 2025.

With a pivotal decision looming regarding veteran pass-rusher Trey Hendrickson and the need to revamp the defensive unit, the Bengals are prepared for an aggressive offseason.

By addressing both the backup quarterback position and the defensive regression, Cincinnati aims to return to Super Bowl contention and ensure that the prime years of Burrow and Chase are not spent on the sidelines.

The post Bengals’ Zac Taylor gives update on plan to give Joe Burrow another backup QB appeared first on ClutchPoints.

Faulk is a classic NFL draft archetype. He is a player who looks like what you envision when you think of a certain position on the football field. He has the size, skills, and athleticism that you see in current players who are dominating the league. However, the consistent production simply hasn’t been there.

At 6-foot-6, 285 pounds with long arms and fluid movement, Faulk is what NFL defensive line coaches dream of. At that size, he should be one of the impressive performers at the NFL combine.

In three years at Auburn, though, Faulk hasn’t dominated. He has an excellent sophomore season (7.0 sacks, 11.0 tackles for a loss), setting him up for a potential jump into the top 10 or even five of the 2026 NFL Draft. Unfortunately, he has just 2.0 sacks and 5.0 TFLs in his 2025 campaign. Now, teams have to figure out if he is the upside prospect he looked like in 2024 or a flash in the pan.

The good news is, Faulk is 20 and won’t turn 21 until two days before his first NFL game. He also has—by all accounts— tremendous character on and off the field and is a natural leader on his team.

So with all that in mind, where are the three best Keldric Faulk destinations in 2026 NFL Draft?

Cincinnati Bengals

In the latest ClutchPoints 2026 NFL Mock Draft, Faulk goes No. 10 to the Cincinnati Bengals. This makes sense for several reasons.

First, the Bengals desperately need to upgrade their defense, especially when it comes to the pass rush. Trey Hendrickson is (finally) a free agent, so the one Bengal who has proven they know how to put pressure on the quarterback is now gone. Faulk could fill that hole immediately if his development comes fast.

That said, his development doesn’t have to come fast. Cincy’s defense is bad, and it is likely a two-to-three-year process to rebuild it. Plus, the team drafted Shemar Stewart in the first round last season, who can pick up the slack as Faulk finds his footing.

And speaking of Stewart, the 6-foot-5, 267-pound pass rusher had a similar scouting report coming out of Texas A&M. The Bengals obviously like size and physical ability, which both Stewart and Faulk have in droves. If Cincinnati can hit on both of these players, they could have a dominant defensive line for years to come.

Lastly, it is the Bengals. So, adding a high-character player is never a bad idea.

Detroit Lions

Keldric Faulk could take the Bengals from zero to respectability if he hits. For the Detroit Lions, Faulk could push the D from good to great.

The former Auburn Tiger has a wide range of draft outcomes in April, ranging from the top 10 to the early 20s. If he falls a bit on the draft boards, it may be the best thing for him and it could be a steal for the team at pick No. 17.

Detroit already has an excellent defensive line, loaded with young, talented players. But as so many teams have demonstrated in the past—including the Super Bowl champion Seattle Seahawks—a team that can get pressure with four players is an incredibly dangerous thing. Al-Quadin Muhammad has a breakout season with 11.0 sacks, but at 31, he’s not the long-term partner for Aidan Hutchinson.

By drafting Faulk (and re-signing Muhammad) the Lions could have one of the best pass rushes in the league next year, especially with Faulk’s potential to move inside on pass-rush downs. Plus, he could develop into a three-down partner for Hutchinson and set the team up for years to come.

Dallas Cowboys

Last but not least, the Dallas Cowboys could scoop up Keldric Faulk either at 12 or 20.

When Jerry Jones traded Micah Parsons, they didn’t just lose one of the best pass-rushers in the league. They also lost the ability to line up in multiple looks. One of the best things about Parsons is that he could line up as a traditional defensive end or an off-ball linebacker. With him gone, the defensive alignment got a lot more predictable.

Another issue that may push Faulk down draft boards is that he is a bit of a tweener. He doesn’t have the elite explosion at 285 pounds that the best edge rushers do, nor does he have the stout, bottom-heavy build of many of the best defensive tackles.

While some teams will see that as a negative, smart franchises will see that as an advantage. Putting Faulk on the edge on early downs and sliding him inside as an interior pass rusher on later downs will allow his team to give different looks while keeping much of the same personnel on the field.

For all of Jones’ faults as a general manager, he does have an eye for unique talents, and Faulk could be exactly that.

The post 3 best Keldric Faulk destinations in 2026 NFL Draft appeared first on ClutchPoints.

The mock draft by Kiper has the Bengals drafting Rueben Bain Jr. with their pick in the first round at No. 10. The Bengals are in desperate need of help on defense. Their defense has been awful over the last few seasons, and it’s one of the biggest reasons they fell off so much this year. If the Bengals grab Bain, this defense immediately has a playmaker to rebuild that side of the ball.

Kiper’s analysis of Bain to the Bengals read: “If Bain is still on the board at No. 10, the Bengals should sprint the card in with his name on it. This has been a very rough defense for a few years now, and things could look a lot worse if Trey Hendrickson leaves in free agency.

“Last year’s Shemar Stewart pick hasn’t yielded immediate returns, either. But Bain can wreck opponents’ game plans. He brings power, speed, and bend, and he had 9.5 sacks in 2025. Defensive coordinator Al Golden could move him around on the D-line to find matchup advantages and turn him loose in the pass rush.”

The Bain pickup would be a win-win for the Bengals because, as talented as he is, he can replace Trey Hendrickson if he leaves, and if he stays, it could be a great duo on defense for Cincinnati to build around.

During his three seasons in Miami, Bain dominated. He had 121 total tackles, 67 solos, 20.5 sacks, four forced fumbles, and one interception. He was also a massive reason why the Hurricanes made it to the national championship game this past season, thanks to a three-sack game against Texas A&M in the opening round of the College Football Playoff and a total of five sacks.

The post The star Mel Kiper would be ‘sprinting’ to draft if he falls to No. 10 for the Cincinnati Bengals appeared first on ClutchPoints.

The Bengals enter 2026 staring at a crossroads. Their offense remains explosive, capable of trading haymakers with anyone in the AFC. Their defense, though, has slipped into liability territory. If Cincinnati wants to reassert itself as a legitimate contender rather than a cautionary tale of wasted prime years, one free agent move stands above the rest. They need a defensive tone-setter in the middle of the field.

Defensive collapse

The Bengals’ 2025 campaign was a frustrating exercise in “what if.” They finished 6-11 and missed the postseason for the second consecutive year. Burrow remained a high-caliber pilot. He navigated injuries and inconsistencies while keeping the offense competitive. However, the defense never found its footing.

Cincinnati regressed into one of the league’s most porous units. The secondary struggled to stabilize after key departures. The pass rush lacked consistent depth beyond its top edge threats. Too often, the Bengals found themselves in shootouts where the margin for error was razor thin-and too often, the defense blinked first.

By season’s end, it became painfully clear that the “Super Bowl window” was being propped open almost exclusively by the offense. That’s not sustainable in an AFC loaded with balanced rosters.

Biggest flaw

Heading into 2026, Cincinnati’s most glaring issue resides in its defensive front seven, particularly at linebacker. The Bengals ranked near the bottom of the league in defensive metrics in 2025. They struggled to stop the run and failing to generate consistent pressure without help.

Complicating matters is the uncertain future of Trey Hendrickson. If he departs, Cincinnati loses its most reliable edge presence. That leaves a defense already thin in impact talent facing even greater instability.

The linebacking unit has been described internally as dire. In 2025, the Bengals leaned heavily on youth and inexperience, and the results were predictably uneven. The unit posted the lowest collective performance grade in the league. They frequently missed tackles and miscommunicated in coverage.

Making a statement

Unlike many franchises facing defensive overhauls, the Bengals possess something rare: flexibility. With the NFL salary cap projected to reach $301-$305 million, Cincinnati sits seventh in the league with approximately $53.4 million in available space. Potential extensions form the foundation of the payroll. However, the front office has managed the books carefully enough to remain aggressive. That war chest is earmarked for change.

If Hendrickson departs, his financial slot can be redirected toward stabilizing the front seven. Cincinnati doesn’t need multiple mid-tier additions. It needs one blue-chip defender who recalibrates the unit’s identity.

The fix: Devin Lloyd

Devin Lloyd is precisely that player. Entering free agency at 27 years old, Lloyd is in the sweet spot of his career. He is experienced enough to command respect and young enough to anchor a defense for years. He also comes off a breakout campaign in Jacksonville, where he was the only linebacker to post 80.0-plus performance marks in run defense, coverage, and pass rushing. That versatility is exactly what Cincinnati lacks.

The Bengals need someone who can align in multiple fronts, blitz effectively, and diagnose zone concepts before they develop. Lloyd checks all those boxes. His ability to affect the pocket as a blitzer adds a layer of juice that can partially offset the loss of Hendrickson’s edge production. Of course, the fit goes deeper than metrics.

Cincinnati’s 2025 defense was plagued by missed tackles and poor communication. Lloyd’s film shows discipline and controlled aggression. He rarely overruns plays. In a young locker room searching for defensive leadership, that matters.

There’s also schematic alignment to consider. The Bengals’ defensive system demands linebackers who can operate in space. Lloyd has demonstrated comfort in both man and zone assignments. He can function as the green-dot communicator, which Cincinnati sorely lacked in 2025.

Reopen the window

The AFC is unforgiving. Kansas City will make a comeback. Baltimore remains physical. Buffalo reloads annually. The Patriots will continue ascending. Cincinnati cannot afford another season where Burrow throws for 300 yards only to watch a fourth-quarter defensive breakdown undo the effort.

Devin Lloyd represents structural correction, not cosmetic change. He reinforces the run defense and reduces pressure on a secondary that struggled with coverage consistency. He provides durability in a unit that cycled through injuries. Most importantly, Lloyd brings balance back to a roster tilted too heavily toward offense.

The Bengals’ Super Bowl aspirations are just dormant, waiting for defensive reinforcement. With cap flexibility in hand, Cincinnati has an opportunity to send a message: the offense no longer stands alone. Devin Lloyd is the highlight of that message.

The post 1 free agent who would fix Bengals’ biggest flaw heading into 2026 season appeared first on ClutchPoints.

The team announced on their X, formerly Twitter, account that not only have they extended corner back Jalen Davis on a one-year contract extension, but also re-signed running back Kendall Milton, also on a one-year contract.

“We have signed CB Jalen Davis to a one-year contract extension. We have also re-signed free agent HB Kendall Milton to a one-year contract,” the account wrote on Friday afternoon.

Davis will be entering his sixth season in the NFL with Cincinnati in 2026, starting three times with the team during that stretch, while Milton has been on the majority of the franchise’s practice squad for the past two seasons.

The Bengals are looking to address defense, appease Joe Burrow

One would think this is just the start of what will be a prolific offseason, especially as the Bengals address the lowly defense from last season, which Ian Rapoport of the NFL Network expects. There’s no denying that Cincinnati believes a team led by quarterback Joe Burrow could win a lot of games, but there is work to be done.

“Now, [Joe] Burrow was clear talking during the Pro Bowl,” Rapoport said on Feb. 8. “He likes Cincinnati, saying basically during the press conference. He kind of just had a bad day. Those are allowed, sometimes even at press conferences. But I expect the Bengals to enhance and support everything Joe Burrow does to spend probably more on the defense than anything else.”

The Insiders on @NFLGameDay with @JudyBattista, @TomPelissero & @MikeGarafolo: Changes to replay assist are coming; #Dolphins likely to move on from Tua Tagovailoa, plus latest on Tyreek Hill; #Bengals plan to spend to support Burrow; No trade talks yet for #Eagles WR AJ Brown. pic.twitter.com/Nx39oIQWQx

— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) February 8, 2026

“I do expect the Bengals to take his words and kind of use it to spur them on a little bit to really spend this offseason,” Rapoport continued.

Cincinnati is looking to improve after finishing with a 6-11 record, putting them third in the AFC North.

The post Bengals make 2 big signings early in offseason appeared first on ClutchPoints.

Spending big would be a lot more feasible with a lot of cap space. This offseason, the Bengals are slated to have over $52 million to work with, which is the seventh most cap space in the league. There is room to create even more cap space, which could lead to a massive offseason spending spree, something that has to be intriguing for a team like the Bengals.

Despite having one of the best quarterbacks in the NFL and making a Super Bowl appearance not long ago, Cincinnati has now missed the playoffs three years in a row. They need to add pieces to get over the hump, and they just watched last offseason’s biggest free agent spenders, the New England Patriots, be rewarded with a Super Bowl appearance after spending big. So, what moves can the Bengals make to create even more cap space?

Cincinnati doesn’t need their backup running back anymore

Running backs have short career lifespans in the NFL. Samaje Perine has already been in the league longer than most ball carriers. The Oklahoma product, who was drafted in 2017, has had three separate stints with the Bengals. Clearly, they trust him. While he is still a solid pass blocker and someone who can be relied on to take a few carries per game as the backup, Perine is likely to see regression in the coming years.

After all, Perine is 30 years old, which is somewhat of a death sentence in the NFL. The Bengals would be smart to move on from Perine now and replace him with a younger running back in the draft. The cap savings by moving off his $2 million deal could be allocated to signing free agents.

The dead money on Perine’s contract is only $200,000, so there isn’t much of a financial disincentive from moving on from the running back. Perine has done a lot for the Bengals, and that is admirable, but NFL general managers need to know when to cut bait, and now may be the time to do so.

Bengals can move on from one of their interior defensive lineman

The Bengals could free up cap space by moving on from one of their defensive tackles. B.J. Hill is set to make $12.1 million this upcoming season, and Tedarrell Slaton is on a deal that will pay him $9.1 million. The dead money is significantly cheaper than their cap hits for both of them.

Hill’s dead hit is $7.3 million, and Slaton’s dead money would be at $2.5 million. The Bengals’ defense is a nightmare, so while getting rid of contributors on that end is risky, the team really just needs to hit the reset button with their defense. While they shouldn’t release both of these defensive tackles, one of them is expendable.

Of course, the Bengals can’t make cap-saving moves just to save money. They need to translate their spending power into actually making big and aggressive moves in free agency. If they do so, then they could certainly pull a move from the Patriots’ book and leapfrog into contention.

The post 2 moves Bengals must make to clear salary cap space in 2026 NFL offseason appeared first on ClutchPoints.

The defense, in particular, is a major concern. The Bengals were arguably the worst defense last season, allowing even the worst teams on offense to run up the score on them. Some players on the team are ready to be replaced, as they’ve likely overstayed their welcome in Cincinnati. Let’s look at which free agents the Bengals should let go this offseason.

Bengals’ free agents

The biggest free agent for the Bengals this offseason is star pass-rusher Trey Hendrickson. Hendrickson, who had a contract dispute with the team earlier this season, is set to test the market. Keeping Hendrickson on the team is their top priority, but it will be difficult for the team to do that.

There are other players on the Bengals’ defense who will hit free agency. Safety Geno Stone’s two-year contract with Cincinnati is up, and so is cornerback Cam Taylor-Britt’s rookie deal. Pass rushers Cam Sample and Joseph Ossai will also test the market this year.

On the other side of the ball, the most notable free agent is quarterback Joe Flacco. Flacco backed up Joe Burrow this season and even started for the Bengals while Burrow was injured. Other free agents on offense are tight end Noah Fant, offensive linemen Cordell Volson and Dalton Risner, and quarterback Jake Browning (restricted free agent). The Bengals have 15 free agents this offseason.

Geno Stone, S

In a year where the Bengals’ shoddy tackling stood out, Geno Stone was the worst offender on the defense. The former Baltimore Ravens safety had a penchant for haphazardly throwing his body around instead of properly tackling the ball-carrier. That often led to big plays from the opposing team. The most egregious incident was in Week 9, when Stone missed a routine tackle on Colston Loveland that led to a game-winning touchdown for the Bears.

There’s virtually no upside in keeping Stone on the team: Jordan Battle is great as the other safety, and his missed tackles are not a one-off issue. The Bengals would simply be better off without Stone on the roster next season.

Cameron Taylor-Britt, CB

Once upon a time, Cameron Taylor-Britt was the future of the Cincinnati Bengals’ defense. During his first two seasons, Taylor-Britt emerged as one of the better lockdown cornerbacks on the team. While there were some issues here and there, the hope was that CTB could work through these issues and become the lockdown corner every championship team needs.

Instead, Taylor-Britt regressed throughout the season. His 2025 campaign was his worst one so far: CTB got picked on by the Bengals’ opponents so much that he was benched later in the season. He allowed a 67.9% completion rate when targeted last year.

Most projections online peg Taylor-Britt’s market value to be around $9 million this season. That’s a bit too high for a player like CTB. If the Bengals are unable to keep the cornerback on a lower deal, it’s better to let the cornerback walk.

Joseph Ossai, EDGE

One of the biggest weaknesses of the Bengals last season was their pass-rush, or their utter lack of a competent pass-rush. With Hendrickson sidelined with an injury for most of the year, Cincinnati’s inability to generate pressure outside of their star. It’s clear that a rehaul needs to happen, especially with Hendrickson’s exit seemingly becoming more inevitable.

Joseph Ossai is one of these pass-rushers who hasn’t quite made a name for himself over the last few seasons. His most notable moment over the course of his career was his penalty in the 2023 AFC Championship Game that gave the Chiefs prime field position. While he’s improved since then, the improvement hasn’t been enough to warrant keeping him on the team.

With Myles Murphy coming into his own and another top-10 pick on the horizon, the Bengals could feasibly let Ossai go. Like Taylor-Britt, Ossai’s projected contract is around $9 million: a touch too high for a player who hasn’t recorded more than five sacks in one season.

Statistics taken from ProFootballReference.com

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The franchise tag is a tool that allows NFL teams the chance to prevent their best impending free agents from hitting the open market. So, who are the top candidates to be tagged, and should their respective teams actually put the franchise tag on them?

What is the franchise tag?

There are three types of free agents in the NFL. Unrestricted free agents are players whose contracts have expired who have four or more accrued seasons under their belt. They are free to sign with any team around the league.

Restricted free agents have three accrued seasons and an expired contract. The original team of a restricted free agent has the option to tender a contract to these players. If a tendered player agrees to a contract elsewhere, the original team can either match that salary and retain the RFA, or they will be compensated with the draft capital associated with the tender. There is a first-round tender, a second-round tender, and an original-round tender, so not matching an offer sheet would net a team one of these picks in the NFL Draft. Of course, the greater the tender, the higher the contract value. There is also a right-of-first-refusal tender that doesn’t have draft capital tied to it.

Lastly, there are exclusive rights free agents, players with fewer than three accrued seasons, and an expired contract. These players are not allowed to negotiate with other teams if their original team offers a one-year deal.

Teams can prevent their players from hitting free agency altogether by putting the franchise tag on them. The franchise tag is a one-year contract, but it comes at a pretty penny. Usually, teams that use the franchise tag on a player will look to lock that player up on a long-term contract. There are three tag types, and teams can only tag one player per offseason.

The first option for tagging a player is the exclusive franchise tag. The one-year contract is worth no less than the average of the top five salaries at a player’s respective position or 120 percent of the player’s previous salary, whichever is greater. Using this tag ensures exclusive negotiating rights with the tagged player, so said player must agree to sign the tag or sit out the season. This is a rarely used tag because it can make stars disgruntled, but it is also the easiest way to ensure losing an elite player doesn’t happen.

There is also the non-exclusive franchise tag. This is also a one-year deal worth no less than the average of the top five cap hits at the player’s respective position or 120 percent of the player’s previous deal. The difference is that players slapped with this tag are allowed to negotiate long-term contracts with other teams. If a player agrees to a deal elsewhere, the tagging team is given a choice. They can either match the contract or let him leave for his new team, in exchange for two first-round picks. This is the most commonly used franchise tag.

The third tag at a team’s disposal is the transition tag. It is a cheaper alternative to the franchise tag, but it comes with the risk of losing a player for nothing. The bargain comes in the form of the transition tag being worth the average of the top-10 contracts at a player’s position. However, if a player signs a long-term offer sheet with another team and the tagging team doesn’t match the contract, they won’t be compensated with any draft capital.

Last year, only two players were franchise tagged: Tee Higgins and Trey Smith. It was the fewest amount of tags used since 2006. That will surely change in 2026.

Franchise tag positional values

Note: Projections provided by overthecap.com

Quarterback: $47,321,000 (franchise tag) – $40,799,000 (transition tag)

Wide receiver: $28,824,000 (franchise tag) – $25,029,000 (transition tag)

Offensive line: $27,924,000 (franchise tag) – $25,305,000 (transition tag)

Linebacker: $28,197,000 (franchise tag) – $23,613,000 (transition tag)

Defensive tackle: $26,311,000 (franchise tag) – $21,608,000 (transition tag)

Defensive end: $27,322,000 (franchise tag) – $22,908,000 (transition tag)

Cornerback: $21,414,000 (franchise tag) – $17,951,000 (transition tag)

Safety: $20,876,000 (franchise tag) – $16,485,000 (transition tag)

Tight end: $16,319,000 (franchise tag) – $13,869,000 (transition tag)

Running back: $14,536,000 (franchise tag) – $11,728,000 (transition tag)

Kicker/Punter: $6,900,000 (franchise tag) – $6,240,000 (transition tag)

Candidates for the tag

Kenneth Walker, Seattle Seahawks, RB: 

To tag or not to tag?: Non-exclusive franchise tag

The idea of letting Kenneth Walker walk in free agency was a lot more feasible just a few weeks ago. At the start of the postseason, the Seahawks had one of the best running back tandems in football, with Walker splitting carries with Zach Charbonnet. Then, Charbonnet tore his ACL, which could end up holding him out for all of next season. Walker would go on to rush 27 times for 135 yards in Super Bowl 60 en route to being named the Super Bowl MVP, too.

The prospect of losing a player who has become such an important part of Seattle history seems too much for the Seahawks to bear, so expect Walker to be franchise tagged.

Kyle Pitts, Atlanta Falcons, TE: 

To tag or not to tag?: Non-exclusive franchise tag

Kyle Pitts was the highest-drafted tight end in NFL history. While he had an impressive rookie season, he hadn’t lived up to his potential for most of his Atlanta Falcons tenure. That led to trade rumors and a near inevitability that Pitts wasn’t a franchise tag option coming into the 2025 season. Then, the tight end lived up to his potential to put up the second-best numbers among all players at his position group this past season.

Pitts hasn’t been consistent throughout his career, which could make the Falcons hesitant to commit to him long-term. The potential he showed this season makes losing him in free agency too risky, though, so letting Pitts prove himself on a one-year franchise tag seems smart for Atlanta.

Trey Hendrickson, Cincinnati Bengals, DE: 

To tag or not to tag?: Don’t tag

The Cincinnati Bengals have been hesitant to give their players long-term contract extensions. Trey Hendrickson has been a prime example of this. The defensive end has two seasons with 17.5 sacks to his name, including the league-lead in that regard in 2024. However, he and the Bengals have butted heads ever since, leading to a lengthy holdout. Their relationship may be too far gone, so Hendrickson seems destined to walk in free agency.

George Pickens, Dallas Cowboys, WR: 

To tag or not to tag?: Non-exclusive franchise tag

The Dallas Cowboys are another team that hasn’t given their superstars the money they deserve when they deserve it. Dak Prescott and CeeDee Lamb weren’t given contract extensions until the eleventh hour to do so, and Dallas opted to trade Micah Parsons instead of paying him.

Dallas can’t make the same mistake with George Pickens. After trading for the receiver, Pickens developed into one of the top statistical producers in the league. He and Lamb form arguably the best receiver duo in the NFL, so bringing him back should be paramount.

Daniel Jones, Indianapolis Colts, QB: 

To tag or not to tag?: Don’t tag

Daniel Jones was a draft bust with the New York Giants. He then won a quarterback competition with the Indianapolis Colts and immediately turned them into one of the best offenses in the league. Unfortunately, the Colts started to falter, and things fell off a cliff when Jones tore his Achilles tendon. While Jones seemed like a great fit for the Colts, his future is in doubt. He is rehabbing from one of the worst injuries in sports and may miss all of next season.

The silver lining is the Colts might be able to bring Jones back for cheaper than they would have had he not gotten hurt. Plus, most teams either already have their franchise signal caller or will prefer to get one in the draft rather than taking a gamble on an injured veteran with up-and-down career production. The Colts shouldn’t tag Jones, but they should try to re-sign him on the open market under the premise that he will be the starter once he is back from injury.

Travis Etienne, Jacksonville Jaguars, RB: 

To tag or not to tag?: Non-exclusive franchise tag

A handful of teams made the leap from bottom dwellers to postseason powerhouses this past season. The Jacksonville Jaguars were one of them. The team will want to add talent in free agency, not lose it, in order to take the next step forward. However, they shouldn’t franchise tag Travis Etienne and should instead allocate the money saved by not bringing him back elsewhere to improve the roster.

The Jaguars have enough running back depth. Also, after Trevor Lawrence’s breakout season and with the hope that Travis Hunter and Brian Thomas Jr. will have better seasons next year, the Jaguars may lean on their passing game going forward. Paying running backs is always risky due to their short career lifespans and the high chance for injury at the position. Jacksonville should let Etienne walk in free agency.

Jaelan Phillips, Philadelphia Eagles, DE

To tag or not to tag?: Don’t tag

The Philadelphia Eagles won Super Bowl 59 in large part because of great defensive depth. They then lost Milton Williams, Josh Sweat, Isaiah Rodgers, Darius Slay, and others in free agency, which played a big part in their demise during the 2025 season. Philadelphia actually did a good job of bringing in reinforcements, but losing any more defensive talent would hurt.

The team traded for former first-rounder Jaelan Phillips at the NFL trade deadline, and the edge rusher broke out with his new team. The Eagles would certainly love to have him back, but he isn’t worth the lofty price tag that comes with a franchise tag. The Eagles should try to re-sign him, but without tying him to the huge one-year deal.

The post NFL franchise tag: Candidates, position values, who should and shouldn’t be tagged in 2026 appeared first on ClutchPoints.

Following a season in which the defense struggled to support the team’s high-powered offense, star wide receiver Ja’Marr Chase has been vocal about the team’s direction. “Everybody has an opinion at the end of the day, and an opinion sometimes just is a right to be heard,” Chase stated, according to a report from SI. “But I can’t judge people on what they feel. I know all I can do is control what I can control, and that’s my play. And what my play does is only how far I can lead the team to success or not.”

Regarding his expectations for the front office to add veteran talent, Chase added, “Yeah. I mean, everybody pretty much knows what we need. I’ve said it out in the media. All I gotta do is sit back and watch. I can’t control that, so all I gotta do is control my production. I mean, at the end of the day, I’m just stating my opinion on what I think we need. So, you know, I sit back, let the organization do what they do, and I just gotta let my play do the rest.”

The offense remains strong with star players like Chase and Tee Higgins, but the future of the defense depends on several crucial decisions, particularly regarding pass-rusher Trey Hendrickson.

Hendrickson has been productive when healthy, but the team must decide whether to invest heavily in the 31-year-old or use that salary cap space to revamp a defense that ranked near the bottom of the league. With their championship window wide open but gradually closing, the Bengals’ ability to address the defensive regression by 2026 will be key to their chances of returning to Super Bowl contention.

The post Bengals’ Ja’Marr Chase says quiet part out loud about front office not wasting him, Joe Burrow appeared first on ClutchPoints.

Injury nightmare

The 2025 Bengals season was largely defined by the loss of Joe Burrow to a significant injury. After a promising 2-0 start, Burrow suffered a severe Grade 3 turf toe injury in Week 2. That effectively ended his season and forced the team to rely on a rotating cast of quarterbacks. Sure, the offense saw elite production from Ja’Marr Chase and a breakout year from Chase Brown. Still, the team struggled to find week-to-week consistency, particularly on a defense. They ranked near the bottom of the league in most defensive categories. Despite flashes of brilliance, the Bengals finished 6-11. They missed the playoffs for the third consecutive year and secured the No. 10 overall pick in the upcoming draft.

Defensive overhaul

Heading into the 2026 NFL Draft, the Bengals’ roster strategy is almost entirely focused on a massive defensive overhaul. The most glaring void sits along the defensive line. The potential departure of Trey Hendrickson places both defensive tackle and edge rusher atop the priority list. Beyond the trenches, the secondary remains a dire concern. Yes, DJ Turner and Dax Hill have shown development flashes. That said, the safety room lacks a true force multiplier. There will always be temptation to add another offensive weapon for Burrow or find a long-term successor at offensive tackle. However, the organizational consensus is to maximize their championship window. Cincinnati must rebuild a defense that has struggled to pressure quarterbacks or contain the run.

Here is a roundup of which prospects the pundits are picking for Cincy.

EDGE Keldric Faulk, Auburn

Tim Crean, ClutchPoints

One of the most polarizing names linked to Cincinnati at No. 10 is Auburn edge defender Keldric Faulk. Physically, Faulk looks like he was built in a prototype lab. He stands 6-foot-6 and weighs around 285 pounds with rare length and power.

Scouts view him as a classic “traits over production” projection. Sure, his collegiate tape flashes dominance. Consistency, though, remains the evaluative debate. For Cincinnati, however, the appeal is clear. Pairing Faulk with Shemar Stewart would create one of the most physically imposing young edge duos in football.

S Caleb Downs, Ohio State

Garrett Podell, CBS Sports

If Cincinnati opts for best player available, Ohio State safety Caleb Downs continues to surface as a popular projection. The hometown connection only amplifies the narrative. However, his evaluation stands firmly on merit.

Downs is widely described as a defensive force multiplier. His instincts, tackling efficiency, and positional versatility allow him to impact every defensive layer. Analysts have compared the discourse around Downs to the pre-draft conversation surrounding Kyle Hamilton.

For a Bengals secondary that struggled with communication and explosive plays allowed, Downs represents stabilization and star power. Slotting him next to Jordan Battle would immediately elevate the structural integrity of the back end.

CB Mansoor Delane, LSU

Nate Tice & Charles McDonald, Yahoo! Sports

Cornerback remains another defensive pivot point in Bengals mock discussions. LSU’s Mansoor Delane is gaining traction as the class’s potential CB1. After transferring and elevating his draft stock at LSU, Delane’s coverage polish has caught evaluators’ attention.

He brings strong recovery speed and competitive ball skills. Cincinnati’s secondary has lacked those traits in recent seasons. Selecting Delane would diversify the defensive rebuild beyond the trenches. It would also provide a long-term solution against the AFC’s elite receiver talent.

Given the Bengals’ investment in defensive line assets in recent drafts, shifting focus to cornerback would represent a strategic rebalancing of defensive resources.

CB Jermod McCoy, Tennessee

Daniel Jeremiah, NFL.com

Another cornerback appearing in early projections is Tennessee’s Jermod McCoy. His draft stock hinges heavily on medical evaluations. Though he missed the 2025 season due to an ACL injury, his 2024 tape showcased lockdown coverage ability.

McCoy’s instincts, route anticipation, and press-man capability make him one of the class’s most intriguing risk-reward prospects. Teams selecting him are betting on a return to pre-injury explosiveness.

For Cincinnati, the gamble could be justified. If healthy, McCoy offers CB1 upside at a position of dire need. He can potentially deliver long-term value exceeding his draft slot.

Defense-first draft path

As mock draft season intensifies, the reality is that the Bengals’ defensive deficiencies are shaping every projection pathway. Whether through edge disruption, secondary versatility, or cornerback lockdown potential, Cincinnati’s No. 10 pick is widely expected to anchor a defensive reset.

The offensive core remains championship-caliber when healthy. Ja’Marr Chase is elite. The ground game has life. Joe Burrow’s return restores the franchise’s ceiling.

Until, however, the defense can consistently get stops, pressure quarterbacks, and hold late leads, Cincinnati’s postseason ambitions will remain theoretical.

This draft isn’t about luxury but about structural repair. And whichever defender hears his name called at No. 10 will immediately carry the weight of reshaping the Bengals’ future.

The post Bengals’ 2026 NFL Mock Draft roundup post-Super Bowl as draft season ramps up appeared first on ClutchPoints.

Chaotic season

The Bengals’ 2025 campaign was a masterclass in chaos that spiraled into a 6-11 finish and their first losing season since 2020. The unraveling began early when Burrow suffered a turf toe injury in Week 2. That sidelined him for nine games and forcing the offense into survival mode. Jake Browning struggled to steady the ship, prompting a midseason trade for veteran Joe Flacco, whose experience briefly stabilized the attack.

Even amid the turbulence, offensive production still flashed. Chase remained quarterback-proof, dominating coverage regardless of who delivered the football. Chase Brown emerged as a legitimate ground threat. He surpassed the 1,000-yard mark and provided balance the Bengals had long sought.

However, the defense undermined every offensive surge. Under coordinator Al Golden, Cincinnati finished dead last in multiple major categories. Pass-rush inconsistency and secondary breakdowns became weekly storylines. A late Burrow return highlighted by a Thanksgiving win over Baltimore offered hope. Still, the cumulative damage, paired with Trey Hendrickson’s lingering hip injury, cemented a third-place AFC North finish.

Financial flexibility

Unlike some contenders squeezed by bloated contracts, Cincinnati enters 2026 with enviable financial maneuverability. The Bengals possess roughly $53.8 million in available space. That’s top 10 flexibility across the NFL.

That breathing room stems from strategic structuring. Tee Higgins’ extension was front-loaded. Ja’Marr Chase’s mega-deal carries a manageable near-term hit. Of course, Joe Burrow’s $48 million cap number can be manipulated via bonus conversion if needed. The Bengals also hold restructuring levers capable of unlocking an additional $50 million in space. With 15 players entering free agency, the front office can retain internal contributors or weaponize their flexibility in the trade market.

Roster priorities

Cincinnati’s depth chart imbalance is glaring. Offensively, the Bengals boast elite weaponry. Defensively, they remain structurally fragile. The pass rush deteriorated as Hendrickson battled injury. Meanwhile, the run defense ranked near the league’s basement. Reinforcements along the defensive front are non-negotiable.

The secondary also faces transition. Geno Stone and Cam Taylor-Britt will approach free agency. As such, safety becomes a pressing need. Offensive line depth remains a secondary concern. However, the broader mandate is to stop relying on Burrow to win weekly shootouts. If Cincinnati wants postseason longevity, it must construct a defense capable of complementing its offensive firepower.

They can possibly start with these blockbuster trades.

All-in defensive anchor

If the Bengals choose to make a statement move, acquiring Maxx Crosby would represent the loudest possible declaration. Crosby has become synonymous with relentless motor, elite production, and locker-room leadership. Cincinnati’s defense desperately lacked those in 2025.

Sending the 10th overall pick plus future draft capital to Las Vegas would be costly but transformational. Crosby instantly becomes the emotional and tactical centerpiece of the defense. He replaces Hendrickson’s waning availability with a durable, prime-aged disruptor.

Beyond production, the cultural shift matters. Cincinnati has long carried a reputation for fiscal conservatism. Trading premium draft capital for an elite veteran would signal a philosophical evolution aligned with Burrow’s championship timeline. Pairing Crosby with a reloaded secondary could elevate the Bengals from defensive liability to balanced contender overnight.

Aggressive reset

Blockbuster trades sometimes about calculated exits. Trading Trey Hendrickson to Detroit represents precisely that scenario.

Hendrickson’s production when healthy remains elite.Aavailability and contract uncertainty, though, complicate his future. Entering a contract year with no guarantees and coming off a hip injury, Cincinnati risks watching his value depreciate or losing him outright.

A tag-and-trade maneuver netting second-round capital allows the Bengals to pivot younger. It will also allow the to reallocate cap resources toward other needs. For a potential trade partner like the Lions, Hendrickson could be the final pass-rush piece. For Cincinnati, the move clears financial runway for extensions and external acquisitions.

It’s a difficult but strategically coherent decision. Championship teams must anticipate decline before it arrives, not after.

Offensive overload

Yes, defense dominates Cincinnati’s offseason narrative. That said, another blockbuster pathway lies in doubling down on offensive firepower. Trading for DJ Moore would create perhaps the NFL’s most matchup-proof receiving trio alongside Chase and Higgins.

The logic isn’t redundancy but insulation. Burrow’s turf toe injury exposed how dependent the offense was on vertical timing routes. Moore’s yards-after-catch dynamism introduces a horizontal dimension capable of sustaining drives even when protection breaks down.

Sending a second-round pick plus a developmental receiver like Andrei Iosivas could entice Chicago. For Cincinnati, the acquisition transforms the offense into a schematic nightmare. This three-headed monster would force defenses to choose between deep coverage, intermediate containment, or run support.

Offseason demands boldness

The Bengals’ championship blueprint is already half-built. Burrow is the foundation. Chase and Higgins are structural pillars. However, the framing around them remains incomplete.

Trading for Maxx Crosby would redefine defensive identity. Moving Trey Hendrickson would reset long-term cap strategy. Acquiring DJ Moore would create offensive inevitability few teams could match.

For Cincinnati, the stakes are simple. Conservative roster management keeps them competitive. Blockbuster aggression could finally return them to the Super Bowl stage.

The post 3 potential Bengals blockbuster trades that would shake up entire 2026 offseason appeared first on ClutchPoints.

Cincinnati’s front office should feel plenty of motivation to fix the situation this offseason. Especially while Burrow, Ja’marr Chase, and Tee Higgins are all still in their primes.

The Bengals need to focus on fixing their defense before the 2026 season. Cincinnati’s defense allowed 380.9 yards per game during the regular season, which ranked 31st in the NFL. Only the Commanders were worse.

Cincinnati enters the offseason with $54.50 million in cap space. That should leave the Bengals with enough budget to to add a few impact players on defense. But they may not be brand names.

Which players should Cincinnati go after during free agency?

Below we will explore three sneaky good free agents who the Bengals should considering signing this offseason.

Bengals should add A.J. Epenesa to solidify EDGE after Trey Hendrickson

The Bengals have likely seen the last of Trey Hendrickson.

Even if Cincinnati decides to tag and trade Hendrickson (which I think would be a mistake), they’ll still need to replace his production.

To make matters worse, Cincinnati is also set to lose Joseph Ossai and Cam Sample to free agency. That leaves the Bengals with a surprisingly big need at EDGE this offseason.

But Cincinnati does not need to go out and land a big fish in free agency. Instead, I think they can get by adding a solid contributor. That is, as long as they’re willing to draft another edge rusher in the 2026 NFL Draft.

Epenesa could be the perfect addition for the Bengals.

The six-year pro has been a consistent contributor in Buffalo. He has plenty of tape that shows he can both set an edge in the run game and get after the quarterback.

Epenesa is not an elite edge rusher, but he would significantly raise the floor for Cincinnati’s production from the position.

Spotrac estimates that Epenesa could land $6.4 million on a new contract. I think signing him to a two-year, $13 million contract would be a sound investment.

Epenesa would join Shemar Stewart and Myles Murphy as Cincinnati’s primary edge rushers.

While that is not an awesome group, it should keep the Bengals from feeling pressured into selecting another first-round edge rusher no matter what.

Should the Bengals reunite with D.J. Reader?

Perhaps the Bengals could reunite with a familiar face to round out their defensive line.

Reader spent four seasons in Cincinnati after playing his rookie contract in Houston. He was a mainstay on Cincinnati’s defensive line during their Super Bowl run back in 2021.

Reader is not the dominant force he once was. But he is a stout run defender who could also be a great mentor to some of the team’s younger defensive players.

In an ideal situation, Reader would only come on the field on early downs to help clog up running lanes. He does not have much juice as a pass rusher, especially in his early 30s.

Spotrac estimates Reader’s market value at $3.9 million per season. That’s a great price if Cincinnati gets him on a one-year contract, and a defendable move for a two-year deal.

This is another move that isn’t flashy but that could certainly pay dividends for Cincinnati during the fall.

Tony Adams could be a solid replacement for Geno Stone

The Bengals are also set to lose some key contributors in their secondary.

Both Geno Stone and Cam Taylor-Britt look destined to test free agency and receive raises by signing elsewhere.

I think replacing Stone is one of the most important holes that Cincinnati needs to fill this offseason. Thankfully, I think Tony Adams is the perfect replacement.

Adams is a talented free safety who could thrive in a change of scenery. He flashed some great play early in his career, starting 15 games and logging three interceptions back in 2023.

I don’t think there’s much to read into Adams play well, but not great, in 2024 and 2025. His situation in New York was simply not conducive to success.

Adams did suffer a season-ending groin injury back in December. If the Bengals do pursue him, they should do so with the understanding that he may not start in Week 1.

Ultimately, it may all come down to price and contract structure with Adams.

Spotrac lists his market value at $6.5 million per season. That makes a three-year, $20 million contract a likely starting point for negotiations with the 27-year-old safety.

Cincinnati could also consider adding a veteran like Jimmie Ward at free safety as a one-year patch.

Personally, I prefer the long-term investment in a talented, and younger, player like Adams.

The post 3 sneaky good NFL free agents Bengals must sign in 2026 offseason appeared first on ClutchPoints.

With Trey Hendrickson likely moving on this summer, recently, Field Yates of ESPN broke down a player whom he thinks the Bengals should select at number 10 in this year’s draft: Edge rusher Rueben Bain Jr. of Miami.

Yates noted that “(Bain) makes up for his more compact frame with overpowering strength and quick hands. Bain earned ACC Defensive Player of the Year honors this past season, dominating opposing offenses on the way to the CFP Championship game.”

Indeed, Bain was a dominant force for the Hurricanes throughout the 2025 season, helping them defy expectations by making it all the way to the 2025 national championship game, which they lost in a narrow fashion to Indiana.

Yates pointed out that the Bengals selected another pass rusher, Shemar Stewart, last season, but that he had just one sack as a rookie. Cincinnati took a chance on Stewart in large part because of his measurables at the NFL Draft combine, which checked a lot of boxes that teams look for when trying to find an elite pass rusher.

“Bain is the exact opposite archetype, with 20.5 sacks in three seasons but a lack of premiere physical traits,” Noted Yates.

Last offseason, the Bengals were able to come up with a patchwork solution to their Trey Hendrickson dilemma by keeping him around for the 2025 campaign, but it appears that a divorce is on the horizon this year. Even with Hendrickson on the field, the Bengals were still largely a listless defensive unit for most of last season.

In any case, the NFL Draft is slated for late April in Pittsburgh.

The post The Bengals’ perfect Trey Hendrickson replacement in new ESPN mock draft appeared first on ClutchPoints.

Familiar frustration

The Cincinnati Bengals’ 2025 campaign carried an unmistakable sense of deja vu. After entering the year with postseason expectations, the franchise instead stumbled to a disappointing 6-11 record. Their playoff drought extended to three consecutive seasons. The season’s trajectory shifted almost immediately when Joe Burrow suffered a season-ending turf toe injury in Week 2. Forced to recalibrate offensively, Cincinnati limped to another 4-8 start. That mirrored the sluggish openings that had plagued recent campaigns.

Burrow did deliver an emotional Thanksgiving return in a blowout win over Baltimore. However, the broader structural damage had already been done. The defense regressed sharply, ranking 30th in points allowed. They also finished near the bottom of multiple advanced categories. Even Ja’Marr Chase’s league-leading reception total could not compensate for systemic defensive breakdowns. The Bengals closed the year with their first losing record since 2020. That has set the stage for a turbulent offseason defined by roster recalibration and financial triage.

Impact despite injuries

Hendrickson’s individual campaign reflected the team’s frustration. He showed flashes of dominance interrupted by untimely setbacks. Appearing in just seven games, he still recorded four sacks, 16 tackles, and eight quarterback hits. His early-season disruption remained evident, highlighted by a two-sack, forced-fumble performance against Detroit.

However, a hip and pelvis injury suffered in Week 6 derailed his momentum. Though he attempted a brief return, the ailment ultimately ended his season prematurely. Even in limited action, Hendrickson maintained an elite 90.0 PFF pass-rush grade. That reinforced that his efficiency and technique remain intact when healthy.

Contract dynamics

Hendrickson’s contractual path all but guarantees his exit from Cincinnati. Following a tense negotiation period, the two sides agreed to a revised one-year, $29 million structure for 2025. That effectively voided future control years. The Bengals will absorb a modest dead-cap charge due to void mechanisms. Still, the agreement was always designed as a bridge to free agency.

Despite the injury-shortened season, market projections remain robust. Evaluators continue to value his 17.5-sack production from previous campaigns. Contract forecasts hover near two years and $50-plus million. For contenders seeking immediate pressure without long-term financial entanglement, Hendrickson’s profile is uniquely attractive.

Here are some of his potential landing spots.

Indianapolis Colts

Indianapolis emerges as the most seamless schematic landing spot. Defensive coordinator Lou Anarumo, who oversaw Hendrickson’s most productive Bengals seasons, now architects the Colts’ defense. That familiarity should allow Hendrickson to operate instinctively within pressure packages he already understands.

The Colts’ 2025 season exposed pass-rush volatility. After a blistering 7-1 start, injuries derailed their defensive consistency. Pending free agency across the edge rotation has also created structural uncertainty. Reuniting Hendrickson with Anarumo would immediately stabilize the front while maximizing his efficiency within a proven system.

Chicago Bears

Chicago’s rise under Ben Johnson has been fueled primarily by offensive explosiveness. Yet their 2025 divisional title run revealed a bottom-tier pass rush incapable of consistently closing games. Yes, the interior defensive line flashed developmental promise. That said, the edge lacked a true one-on-one dominator.

Hendrickson fills that void instantly. His hand usage and pass-rush sequencing would provide the alpha presence Chicago has lacked since its previous elite edge era. Chicago also has ample cap flexibility and a contender’s trajectory. As such, the Bears could transform from balanced playoff entrant to legitimate Super Bowl disruptor by adding a proven closer.

Dallas Cowboys

Dallas represents a different kind of fit. It’s driven by identity reconstruction. Following the seismic trade of Micah Parsons, the Cowboys’ defensive architecture shifted away from its hybrid chaos model toward a more traditional front structure. While the offense remained explosive, the defense lacked a defining edge tone-setter.

Hendrickson’s resume fits the Cowboys’ acquisitional DNA. Owner Jerry Jones has historically pursued veteran stars capable of elevating championship windows. Pairing Hendrickson with Dallas’ interior talent would restore late-down pass-rush bite. It could also preserve their offensive-led contention model. This addition could prove decisive.

San Francisco 49ers

San Francisco’s interest would be rooted in urgency. A season ravaged by injuries left their pass rush depleted. This culminated in one of the league’s lowest sack totals. Even with Nick Bosa projected to return to full strength, the lack of a complementary edge threat left opposing protections free to overload his side.

Hendrickson provides the perfect bookend solution. His ability to win in isolation prevents offenses from sliding protection entirely toward Bosa. For this roster, a shorter high-value deal aligns financially while preserving competitive immediacy. In many ways, this pairing represents mutual redemption. That means health for Hendrickson and pressure restoration for San Francisco.

Urgency and upside

Trey Hendrickson enters free agency as a player defined by elite production history and recent physical uncertainty. Yet contenders rarely shop for perfection. They shop for impact. Indianapolis offers familiarity. Chicago offers elevation. Dallas offers spotlight recalibration. San Francisco offers championship urgency.

Wherever he signs, Hendrickson’s presence will accelerate defensive ceilings and reshape postseason matchups. For teams on the brink, he may eventually be the difference between pressure and collapse when January arrives.

The post 4 best Trey Hendrickson free agent destinations in 2026 NFL offseason appeared first on ClutchPoints.

Rapoport spoke on “NFL GameDay” about how Cincinnati won’t even entertain offers for Burrow, as he is their obvious quarterback of the future. While there was a lot of drama built after some comments made by Burrow during this past season, there was some intrigue from other teams in the NFL, but that doesn’t appear to be likely.

Instead, the team is looking to improve with Burrow next season.

“This is a trade topic. You’re gonna see Joe Burrow’s name pop up on the bottom of the screen. Bengals fans, do not freak out,” Rapoport wrote. “I do not expect Joe Burrow to be traded. I do expect teams to call the Cincinnati Bengals after it appeared that Burrow expressed some discontent with Cincinnati late in the season. They are the Bengals. He is their franchise quarterback, not expected to go anywhere. But I do expect the Bengals to take his words and kind of use it to spur them on a little bit to really spend this offseason.”

The Insiders on @NFLGameDay with @JudyBattista, @TomPelissero & @MikeGarafolo: Changes to replay assist are coming; #Dolphins likely to move on from Tua Tagovailoa, plus latest on Tyreek Hill; #Bengals plan to spend to support Burrow; No trade talks yet for #Eagles WR AJ Brown. pic.twitter.com/Nx39oIQWQx

— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) February 8, 2026

Where the Bengals are looking to improve

While it was a nightmare season for the Bengals, the team is looking to bounce back with Burrow under center, but it seems like the franchise will focus more on improving the defense.

“Now, Burrow was clear talking during the Pro Bowl,” Rapoport wrote. “He likes Cincinnati, saying basically during the press conference. He kind of just had a bad day. Those are allowed, sometimes even at press conferences. But I expect the Bengals to enhance and support everything Joe Burrow does to spend probably more on the defense than anything else.”

Cincinnati looks to improve after finishing 6-11, which put them third in the AFC North.

The post Bengals rumors: Ian Rapoport makes offseason prediction that Joe Burrow will love appeared first on ClutchPoints.

The best player on that side of the ball for the Bengals is star pass rusher Trey Hendrickson, with whom the team came to terms on a temporary contract solution prior to last season.

Now, more is coming to light on what could be on the horizon between the two sides amid rumors of a departure.

“Our understanding is that the Bengals are still considering using the franchise tag. Now, could it be a tag and trade possibility? Perhaps. It sounds like all options are on the table for Hendrickson right now, but it is not a foregone conclusion that his time in Cincinnati is over,” reported NFL insider Mike Garafolo, per Ian Rapoport on X, formerly Twitter.

Hendrickson had another productive year in 2025, but even with him in the lineup, the Bengals were still among the worst defensive units in the NFL, making it a big question whether the team should commit heavy resources to him, or look to use those assets to try to build a more well-roudned defensive team.

If Joe Burrow is able to stay healthy (which is a major if), there is little question about the viability of the Bengals’ offense, which is headlined by star wide receivers Ja’Marr Chase and Tee Higgins. However, the Bengals’ defensive regression is becoming impossible to ignore, and if they don’t find a way to get that fixed this offseason, they could be looking at a fourth straight season of missing the playoffs in 2026.

In any case, clearly, there is much to sort out on the Hendrickson front before next season gets underway.

The post Bengals rumors: Will Trey Hendrickson get franchise tagged amid departure speculation? appeared first on ClutchPoints.

Kay Adams asked Bengals WR Ja’Marr Chase which Pro Bowler he would want added to Cincinnati’s roster. Chase did not have to think long before giving his answer.

“I wanna go with your boy from Vegas, though. Maxx Crosby,” Chase said on Wednesday via Up & Adams.

Cincinnati’s offense is already loaded with playmakers, and the defense has been a problem for a few years now. It should be no surprise that Chase wants an elite pass rusher to join the team.

His teammate, WR Tee Higgins, quickly chimed in and made a soft pitch for Crosby to come to Cincinnati.

“Hey Maxx, man, come on to the Bengals, man,” Higgins added.

Adams agreed with both players, saying she could “see him in Cincy.”

Just a few years ago, the concept of any team trading for Crosby would be dismissed as ridiculous. The superstar pass rusher signed a three-year, $106.5 million contract extension in 2025 that seemingly put any trade talks to bed.

But a lot has changed since then, and a Crosby trade seems more possible than ever.

One NFL executive claimed that Crosby is “done in Vegas” after so many coaching regime changes. That accurately reflects how the Raiders have been spinning their wheels for years. It does make sense that, eventually, Crosby will want to compete for a Super Bowl with a contending team.

The real question for Cincinnati is would they be willing to pay whatever it costs to acquire Crosby?

One NFL insider suggested that Crosby could be worth more than Micah Parsons in a trade. If that is true, a potential Crosby trade would be an absolutely huge move by the Bengals.

It will be interesting to see how the Bengals approach the upcoming offseason. But Bengals fans should not get too attached to the idea of trading for Crosby.

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The league has historically prioritized quarterback protection following high-profile injuries such as Carson Palmer’s 2005 playoff knee injury and Tom Brady’s ACL tear in 2008.

“I still have that mindset. I don’t think it should be roughing the passer when they land on us,” he told ESPN’s Kevin Clark during an appearance on “This Is Football” podcast. “I don’t think being slapped in the head should be roughing the passer. It honestly annoys me because it affects games in a negative way at random times. And they can call it or not call it. It needs to get out of the game. I know CTE (Chronic Traumatic Encephalopathy) is a thing these days and all that, but it’s football. We signed up to play it.

“I do think the guys in my generation might benefit a little bit from having that mindset, because the guys coming into the league these days look at me like I’m crazy. Like, ‘What do you mean you want receivers to get laid out over the middle, and you want guys to land on you?’ I’m like, ‘Yeah, guys, that’s football.’ There’s certain things that shouldn’t be penalties. … We signed up to get concussions. We signed up to get hurt. It is what it is. You might not like that, but it’s what we kinda did when we decided to play this game.”

Joe Flacco went on a rant with @bykevinclark about how football 15 years ago was tougher.

“I don’t think it should be roughing when they land on us. Or being slapped on the head is roughing. It affects games in a negative way.”

Full clip is must-watch. pic.twitter.com/2y5tQ5XtSs

— Ari Meirov (@MySportsUpdate) February 4, 2026

Flacco split the 2025 season between the Cleveland Browns and Cincinnati Bengals. After opening the year as Cleveland’s starter and going 1-3, the Bengals acquired him following Joe Burrow’s turf-toe injury. With Cincinnati, Flacco completed 61.7 percent of his passes with 13 touchdowns and four interceptions across six starts. He completed 251 of 416 passes for 2,479 yards, 15 touchdowns, and 10 interceptions over 13 regular-season games.

Flacco finished his 18th NFL season with his first Pro Bowl selection. While acknowledging that Burrow’s presence in Cincinnati will limit his starting chances, the 41-year-old clarified that his decision to play in the 2026 season will depend on opportunities to get on the field. Even for a fleeting stop, Flacco made the most of his time with the Bengals, completing appearances for three AFC North teams in his career.

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Season derailed by injury

The Bengals’ 2025 campaign was a frustrating saga of “what ifs.” It ultimately culminated in a 6-11 record and a third consecutive year without a postseason appearance. The season’s trajectory shifted dramatically when Burrow suffered a turf toe injury against the Jaguars. He landed on Injured Reserve and triggered a brutal 1-8 stretch in his absence.

Veteran Joe Flacco stepped in admirably. He even forged a Pro Bowl-caliber late-season connection with Tee Higgins. Still, the Bengals could never fully recover from the midseason spiral. Ja’Marr Chase remained transcendent. He led the NFL in receptions and earned First-team All-Pro honors. Meanwhile, Chase Brown delivered a breakout 1,000-yard rushing campaign that added balance to the offense.

Yet even those bright spots couldn’t offset the team’s core deficiency.

Defensive failures

If Burrow’s injury altered the trajectory, the defense sealed the outcome. Cincinnati finished dead last in nearly every major defensive metric. They surrendered a league-worst 28.9 points per game. Run defense was particularly porous. Opponents consistently controlled tempo and field position.

The loss of star pass rusher Trey Hendrickson to a season-ending core muscle injury further exposed structural weaknesses. Without a consistent pass rush, the secondary crumbled under sustained pressure.

Young contributors like DJ Turner II flashed promise. Offensive line prospect Dylan Fairchild also showed developmental upside. That said, the defense’s inability to generate stops left the Bengals’ offense with zero margin for error.

Free agency priorities

Cincinnati’s 2026 free agency strategy is shaped by that defensive collapse. With roughly $55 million in projected cap space, the front office should prioritize an overhaul of the defensive front and secondary.

Interior disruption sits atop the wish list. Veterans like BJ Hill have declined. Hendrickson’s uncertain future only magnifies the need for a dominant interior force. The safety room also demands reinforcement after a season widely criticized for blown coverages and missed tackles.

Targets such as Jaylinn Hawkins or Coby Bryant could provide versatility and stability. However, acquisitions require financial flexibility, which can only be created through roster cuts.

DL BJ Hill

Few players embodied Cincinnati’s defensive identity during its Super Bowl window more than Hill. A dependable interior presence, Hill once thrived as both a run plugger and pocket disruptor.

2025, though, revealed decline. At 31, his explosiveness waned. His individual win rate dropped as part of a defensive line that struggled to generate pressure. Cincinnati allowed 4.7 yards per rush, frequently losing the battle at the point of attack.

Leadership remained valuable, but production no longer justified the cost. Hill carries a $12.1 million cap hit in 2026. Releasing him would free approximately $4.8 million pre-June 1. He would have even greater savings available via a post-June designation.

With younger linemen like Kris Jenkins and McKinnley Jackson ready for expanded roles, Hill’s contract has become expendable in a defense-first rebuild.

TE Mike Gesicki

The Mike Gesicki signing was designed to add athletic mismatch potential to Cincinnati’s passing attack. At times, it delivered highlight-level production, particularly in red-zone packages.

Consistency, however, never full materialized. Gesicki’s blocking limitations proved especially problematic during Burrow’s absence. His snap versatility diminished, and his role became increasingly situational.

Gesicki is set to carry a $7.6 million cap hit in 2026. Releasing him would generate roughly $3.3 million in immediate savings. Those could be redirected toward defensive reinforcements.

Tight end Erick All is expected back from injury. The 2026 draft class also offers strong depth at the position. Cincinnati could replace Gesicki’s receiving production at a fraction of the cost while adding more balanced blocking ability.

OL Cody Ford

Cincinnati’s offensive line has long been scrutinized. 2025 did little to quiet concerns. Injuries and inconsistency forced Cody Ford into extended action, particularly at right tackle.

The results were uneven at best. Ford struggled against elite AFC North edge rushers. This contributed to the pressure that exacerbated Burrow’s injury situation earlier in the year. While his positional flexibility held value, reliability remained an issue.

Ford carries a $3.4 million cap hit for 2026. Moving on would recoup approximately $2.9 million. That’s modest but meaningful in aggregate cap management.

As the Bengals aim to stabilize the line around Orlando Brown Jr and Ted Karras, upgrading swing-tackle depth becomes essential. Ford’s roster spot may ultimately be sacrificed for a more dependable veteran or a developmental draft option.

Hard decisions

Championship windows demand ruthless evaluation. Cincinnati’s is no exception. Cutting BJ Hill, Mike Gesicki, and Cody Ford would not simply be about cost. It would represent a philosophical pivot toward defensive reinvestment and roster efficiency.

With Joe Burrow returning, Ja’Marr Chase in his prime, and the AFC more competitive than ever, the Bengals cannot afford another wasted season.

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The play of the night came in the first half at San Francisco’s Moscone Center. With the NFC squad knocking on the door, Detroit Lions quarterback Jared Goff tried to squeeze a short pass to Bijan Robinson near the goal line. Chase, playing safety for the AFC, read the route like a veteran cornerback.

The superstar wideout snared a ridiculous one-handed interception, turned upfield, and didn’t stop until he hit the end zone 50 yards later. To cap off the 2026 highlight reel, Chase punctuated the pick-six with a perfect backflip.

“JA’MARR CHASE PICK SIX?!?!?!” the NFL’s official account posted, capturing the collective shock of fans watching the receiver dominate on the “wrong” side of the ball.

JA'MARR CHASE PICK SIX?!?!?!

Pro Bowl Games on ESPN
Stream on @NFLPlus and ESPN App pic.twitter.com/0dKz1AQVEq

— NFL (@NFL) February 4, 2026

While Chase’s defensive gem gave the AFC an early spark, the NFC’s depth eventually took over. Dallas Cowboys star George Pickens earned Offensive MVP honors, leading an 18-point comeback for the NFC. On the other side of the ball, Antoine Winfield Jr. secured Defensive MVP honors, largely thanks to two interceptions that came, ironically, off tipped passes from Chase.

Despite the defensive highlight, the Bengals were well-represented on the scoreboard. Joe Burrow connected with De’Von Achane on a creative trick play, and Joe Flacco found Tee Higgins for a touchdown earlier in the contest. According to the box score, the NFC’s two-QB system of Jalen Hurts and Dak Prescott proved too much to handle, as they combined for seven passing touchdowns to seal the win.

For Ja’Marr Chase, the night was a reminder of why he’s a perennial All-Pro. Whether he’s hauling in deep balls from Burrow or picking off Pro Bowl quarterbacks, the man is simply a playmaker.

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Flacco completed his 18th year in the league, having represented seven teams in that span. Since leaving the Ravens after 10 seasons, he played for six squads over the last eight years.

While he remains a quality quarterback at age 41, there has been noise on whether he might call it a career. Flacco, who just turned 41 in January, says he isn’t ready to retire during his Feb. 2 appearance on the Up & Adams Show with Kay Adams.

“Listen, I want to play football. I don’t know what that looks like. It’s tough, you never know what teams are thinking. You try and be as proactive as possible but I don’t necessarily know I’m an expert in anything besides just going out there and playing football. All the other stuff, all the other games behind the scenes, and all that stuff. I just have no clue when it comes to that. So I’m kind of going to sit around and just do what I know, which is get back to working out and keeping myself in shape and ready to go. I would still, like always, like a chance to go play meaningful football,” Flacco said at the 5:54 mark.

What lies ahead for Joe Flacco, Bengals

Joe Flacco has done a lot in the NFL, helping the Ravens win a Super Bowl in the 2012-13 campaign. When he ultimately retires, he might go down as one of the most unsung quarterbacks in league history.

Flacco finally got to cross an accomplishment off his checklist: making the Pro Bowl. With star players declining invitations to the annual event, Flacco accepted his offer to take part in the entertaining contest. He comes on as an injury replacement for Buffalo Bills quarterback Josh Allen.

Flacco spent the first four games of the 2025 campaign with the Cleveland Browns before they sent him to the Bengals. Throughout 13 appearances, he made 10 starts as he went 2-8. He completed 251 passes for 2,479 yards and 15 touchdowns and 10 interceptions.

Flacco is a free agent for the 2026 offseason. He can stay with the Bengals to be a quality backup behind Joe Burrow or begin a new chapter somewhere else.

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The Bengals’ organization made the announcement on X, formerly known as Twitter. This will officially be Burrow’s third Pro Bowl appearance in his six-year career. He will be joining Shedeur Sanders and Joe Flacco in representing the quarterbacks for the AFC.

That's 3x Pro Joe.

: https://t.co/rYjtA06Mc7 pic.twitter.com/9Kt2ATRiX7

— Cincinnati Bengals (@Bengals) February 1, 2026

Things have noticeably changed in recent years, as the Pro Bowl games haven’t seemed to gain the attention of the players within the league. Some happily attend the event leading up to the Super Bowl, while others have declined the offer.

This season, the AFC’s quarterback room will be featuring Burrow, Sanders, and Flacco, who have had an interesting 2025-26 campaign to say the least. Field Yates of ESPN points out how the three quarterbacks have intertwined with one another on the Bengals and the Cleveland Browns.

“Joe Burrow has been named to the Pro Bowl games. So the 3 AFC QBs are now: Bengals QB Joe Burrow, Bengals QB Joe Flacco, who the Bengals traded for when Burrow was injured, [and] Browns QB Shedeur Sanders, who eventually became the starter after Flacco was traded.”

Burrow, who is 29 years old, missed nine games for the Bengals due to a Grade 3 turf toe injury. He sustained the injury during Cincinnati’s 31-27 Week 2 win over the Jacksonville Jaguars.

When healthy, Burrow played rather well. He finished the campaign with 1,809 passing yards and 17 touchdowns while completing 66.8% of his pass attempts. His 226.1 yards per game average put him on pace for 3,844 passing yards had he remained healthy.

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Now, the team is adding to its coaching staff as the 2026 offseason continues.

“The Bengals are hiring Davis Koetter — son of former NFL coach Dirk Koetter — as their assistant wide receivers coach, per source,” reported NFL insider Tom Pelissero on X, formerly Twitter. “Koetter had been at Texas for two years and at South Carolina as an analyst last year.”

Funnily enough, wide receiver is one of the few areas where the Bengals are among the best in the NFL, with Ja’Marr Chase and Tee Higgins forming one of the most lethal receiving duos anywhere in the league.

If Joe Burrow can find a way to stay somewhat healthy in 2026, there’s no reason why the Bengals shouldn’t once again be near the top of the NFL offensive ranks next season.

So, while fans may appreciate the team adding a coach from the well-respected Koetter family, most will likely still be clamoring for the team to do something about the defensive side of the ball.

It remains to be seen whether the Bengals will have another Trey Hendrickson saga on their hands this summer, after the two sides came to an agreement on a short-term, patchwork solution to their problems a year ago. However, even with Hendrickson in the fray for most of the year prior to his injury, the Bengals ranked near the bottom in most defensive metrics, which put a hard ceiling on how competitive the team could truly be, regardless of Burrow’s health.

In any case, the Bengals will now look ahead to the NFL Draft, which is slated to take place in April.

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“Bengals QB Joe Flacco has been added to the Pro Bowl roster, the first of his career. That also means the Browns had two Pro Bowl QBs this year, with Flacco and Shedeur Sanders,” Meirov wrote on X, formerly Twitter.

It’s quite a surprise that this is Flacco’s first time as a Pro Bowler, especially looking back at the years that he had with the Baltimore Ravens earlier in his career.

Flacco started this season with the Cleveland Browns, and then was traded to the Bengals after they needed someone to fill in for Joe Burrow after his injury. From Week 6 to Week 12, Flacco was second in the league in completions, tied for third in touchdown passes, and fifth in passing yards.

In Week 7 against the Pittsburgh Steelers, he threw for three touchdowns, and in Week 9 against the Chicago Bears, he had a career-high 470 passing yards. To finish the season, Flacco had 2,749 yards, 15 touchdowns, and 10 interceptions.

It’s uncertain what the future will hold for Flacco, but over the past few seasons, he’s shown that he still has enough left in the tank to help a team. It’s uncertain if that will be as a starter or a backup quarterback, but Flacco knows how to acclimate himself to a system and produce at a high level.

For the Bengals, the hope is that they can stay relatively healthy for next season, as that’s been the one thing that has held them back over the past few seasons.

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As usual, the Bengals need to figure out how to improve during the offseason.

Upgrading in the trenches should be a big priority in Cincinnati. The Bengals also had a terrible defense, so any additions on that side of the ball will be welcome.

Cincinnati needs to nail the 2026 NFL Draft if they want to have a rebound season this fall. But which players should they pursue during April’s draft?

Below we will explore a seven-round 2026 mock draft courtesy of the PFF mock draft simulator.

Round 1, Pick 10: DT Peter Woods, Clemson

Woods is a freaky defensive tackle prospect who could add some serious juice to Cincinnati’s pass rush.

He is a 6-foot-3, 315-pound defensive tackle who possesses impossible first-step quickness for someone of his size. Woods is not the most consistent run defender, but the Bengals would draft him because he can get after the opposing quarterback.

There are a few question marks on Woods’ profile that keep him from being a perfect prospect. However, his incredible size and ability to create havoc in the backfield should make him worthy of a top 10 pick.

This pick is a little bit of a gamble, but it fills a big need on Cincinnati’s defense line. So I won’t be too harsh about this selection.

Good pick in the first round.

Round 2, Pick 41: S A.J. Haulcy, LSU

The Bengals could really use another safety on a rookie contract to pair with Jordan Battle.

Both Geno Stone and Tycen Anderson are not under contract in 2026, which leaves a gaping hole at free safety for the Bengals. Adding someone like Haulcy could be a great move for Cincinnati.

Haulcy projects as a nickel corner/safety hybrid that is in much demand in modern NFL defenses. He could thrive in that role, but his elite zone coverage skills could also put him in play at free safety too.

Haulcy excels at generating turnovers and has enough heft to deliver big hits at 222 pounds. His size also helps him when defending the run.

Personally, I think this would be a great pick by Cincinnati even if they have to figure out his exact role during training camp.

Round 3, Pick 72: C Jake Slaughter, Florida

Cincinnati currently has no long-term plan at center. Ted Karras is only under contract through 2026 and Lucas Patrick is set to hit free agency. That should make drafting a young center a priority for the Bengals.

Slaughter was a two-time captain for the Gators and looks like a solid all-around prospect.

His scouting reports are filled with words like solid, adequate, average, and sound. But they aren’t necessarily used just to put him down.

There is value in being a well-rounded prospect, though his lack of a true superpower could limit his upside. But NFL teams may forgive him after being battle tested in the SEC.

The Bengals could raise the floor of their center position by drafting Slaughter. Protecting Burrow is a must, so having “adequate” depth is surprisingly important for Cincinnati.

This is a solid pick, even if the Bengals spend money on a center during free agency.

Round 4, Pick 110: DT Skyler Gill-Howard, Texas Tech

Gill-Howard offers the same type of penetration that Woods does. But he goes about it in a completely different way.

The senior out of Texas Tech is a former wrestler who boasts great leverage and hand placement. In that sense, his disruption comes from his finesse and incredible technique.

Gill-Howard’s incredible body control led him to dominate as a run defender in college. But his lack of elite size might prevent that from translating to the NFL.

There’s also the fact that Gill-Howard’s 2025 season was cut short due to an ankle injury. He is not a perfect prospect, but that’s why he’s available in the fourth round.

Cincinnati should still take a shot on Gill-Howard as a rotational player who can do it all.

Round 6, Pick 188: C Parker Brailsford, Alabama

The Bengals double up on centers in this scenario, adding Brailsford out of Alabama.

We have to start with Brailsford’s size. He is only 6-foot-2 and 290 pounds, which is well below the ideal size for an NFL center. Brailsford boasts some nice mental processing skills that help compensate for his size. But at this point, it is still fair to question his ceiling in the NFL.

I do like the process of taking multiple shots at the interior of the offensive line.

Perhaps Brailsford could begin his career as a depth piece at both center and guard. He could even get on the field sometimes if the Bengals want to run pin and pull running concepts.

Round 6, Pick 198: DT James Thompson Jr., Illinois

Adding yet another defensive tackle feels a bit like overkill. But I can see what the Bengals could like about Thompson.

Thompson played all over the defensive line at Illinois after transfering from Wisconsin. He boasts great size at 6-foot-5 and 300 pounds.

He had a few splash plays during the East-West Shrine Bowl, including a sack on the opening drive and an impressive tackle for loss later in the game.

Unfortunately, Thompson was unable to finish the game after suffering an injury. The medical evaluation will be crucial for him at the NFL Scouting Combine.

Round 7, Pick 226: EDGE Mason Reiger, Wisconsin

Reiger is another prospect who dominated at the East-West Shrine game.

The Wisconsin edge rusher logged four tackles and three sacks, including a clutch strip sack during the second quarter. He played so well that he was named the game’s Defensive MVP.

Cincinnati could use more juice at edge rusher, especially if Trey Hendrickson does not return in 2026.

Reiger may only serve as a rotational edge rusher during his rookie season, but every bit helps.

It is also easy to wonder about his upside after dominating at this week’s East-West Shrine game.

The post Bengals’ 7-round 2026 NFL Draft according to PFF mock draft simulator appeared first on ClutchPoints.

According to Jordan Schultz, Higgins and Chase made team history this season.

“The last time the Bengals had two WRs make the Pro Bowl together was in 2007 with Chad Johnson and T.J. Houshmandzadeh. Now they’ve done it again with Ja’Marr Chase and Tee Higgins.”

It’s been 19 years since the Bengals have had two receivers in the Pro Bowl. It’s very rare, but if there was any team to do it in this era, it would be the dynamic duo of Chase and Higgins. Those two are extremely talented and will continue to do damage with a healthy Joe Burrow next season. The Bengals can be very good, but not having a healthy Burrow has not allowed for their full potential to be shown.

Here is Higgins’ simple reaction to making the Pro Bowl. A “prayer” emoji keeps it light, but it shows that he is grateful for the honor. The honor, however, is forming a new meaning, and every player will have a different reaction to it in the future.

The Pro Bowl has turned into a joke as of late. With Shedeur Sanders being added as a replacement in the AFC at QB, fans around the league are starting to realize that the Pro Bowl doesn’t mean anything other than a popularity contest.

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Bengals running back Chase Brown dropped a definitive take about Burrow’s future in Cincinnati.

“Joe’s not going anywhere,” Brown told Bryan DeArdo of CBS Sports. “I think that was totally blown out of proportion. It was definitely a good talking point for people. … It gave the media a lot to talk about and probably made [Burrow’s] Twitter notifications go off, but Joe’s not going anywhere.”

The possibility of Burrow leaving the Bengals first surfaced this season after he made some eyebrow-raising comments during a December press conference.

“If I want to keep doing this, I have to have fun doing it. I have been through a lot. And if it’s not fun, then what am I doing it for?” Burrow said, per The 33rd Team’s Ari Meirov.

Those comments, paired with the hopeless feeling surrounding the Bengals in 2025, caused some to worry that Burrow may retire early like former Colts QB Andrew Luck. Or perhaps attempt to force his way out of Cincinnati by demanding a trade.

Of course, Burrow did no such thing and even finished the regular season for the Bengals.

Apparently the idea of Burrow leaving the Bengals has followed the team into the offseason. It probably didn’t help that Burrow made a stern statement after Cincinnati missed the playoffs in 2025.

“We certainly are not where we need or want to be, not where I expect to be,” Burrow said. “We have to figure it out.”

Cincinnati needs to do whatever they can during the offseason to surround Burrow with talented players. Keeping Burrow healthy, and giving him a capable defense, could help the Bengals compete for a playoff berth this fall.

It will be interesting to see how the Bengals approach free agency and the draft this offseason.

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Following a chaotic Divisional Round weekend, Burrow took to X, formerly Twitter, for the first time since 2023 to address the “what is a catch” debate that hijacked the national conversation. Two specific plays, one involving the Buffalo Bills and another in the Chicago Bears vs. Los Angeles Rams matchup, left fans irate. Burrow, however, isn’t buying the outrage.

“The amount of ppl that don’t understand what a catch is in the rule book flabbergasts me,” Burrow posted. “And it’s not the officials. The two plays yesterday were not difficult calls, and they got them both right.”

The controversy centered on bang-bang plays where receivers appeared to lose control while hitting the turf. In the Bills’ narrow loss to the Denver Broncos, a crucial interception was upheld in what was a scrappy catch. Later, the Rams benefitted from a similar ruling against the Bears.

While fans screamed for consistency, the stats tell the story of how tight these games were. In the Bills’ loss, Josh Allen threw for 283 yards and three touchdowns, relying on those contested catches to move the chains.

Burrow, who spent the latter half of the season recovering from injury, clearly spent his downtime studying the nuances of the NFL rulebook. His “strong statement” serves as a reminder that while the catch rule remains the most polarizing topic in sports, the players on the field often see the game differently than the fans in the stands.

Whether you agree with “Joe Cool” or not, his return to social media has officially turned up the heat on the road to the Super Bowl.

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According to Ian Rapoport of the NFL Network, Pitcher will interview for the open offensive coordinator job with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, as Taylor gave permission to the coach to speak to teams that need play-calling coaches.

“The Bucs will interview Bengals offensive coordinator Dan Pitcher for their vacant OC job this week, sources say, an opportunity made possible by coach Zac Taylor giving Pitcher permission to speak to teams with play-calling OC opportunities. A significant development,” Rapoport wrote on X, formerly Twitter.

With Taylor calling plays for Cincinnati, it is interesting to see Taylor allow Pitcher to interview for another OC job, though he is also “very much in the mix” for the Cleveland Browns’ open head coaching gig, according to James Rapien of Sports Illustrated.

“Bengals offensive coordinator Dan Pitcher is still ‘very much in the mix’ for the Browns head coaching job, league sources have confirmed…The Browns are expected to bring in multiple candidates for second interviews, including Pitcher, sources say,” Rapien wrote.

Bengals’ Dan Pitcher in mix for Browns’ head coaching role

As the Bengals missed the playoffs once again, Taylor is looking to bounce back hugely, though the team could be missing a voice like Pitcher on the offensive staff. Besides the Tampa Bay gig, Pitcher could be in line for Cleveland’s next head coach, which would be a move that has the team go after a candidate that could be considered a candidate in the future, as reported by NFL insider Jordan Schultz.

At any rate, it remains to be seen if Pitcher is retained or leaves for a different role as Cincinnati looks to improve, led by Taylor and Joe Burrow.

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This ringing endorsement from an 18-year veteran highlights a level of respect for the current coaching staff that often goes unseen during a losing season, suggesting the foundation for a turnaround is already in place.

In a strategic move to bolster the offensive depth, the franchise announced via its official social media channel that it has signed TE Tanner Hudson to a one-year contract extension.

Hudson has emerged as a consistent pass-catcher and a reliable safety valve for the offense, earning the trust of the coaching staff during a year of high volatility at the quarterback position. By securing his services through the 2026 season, the team provides Joe Burrow with a proven target as they look to rebuild their offensive identity and return to the high-scoring production that defined their previous Super Bowl run.

A commitment to stability was further echoed by Zac Taylor, who recently announced that no significant changes to the coaching staff will take place this year. While the defense suffered through one of its worst statistical performances, ranking 30th in points allowed, the organization is choosing to stand by its leaders, including director of player personnel Duke Tobin.

As the offseason progresses, the focus remains on ensuring that the 2026 campaign avoids the pitfalls of the previous year. Taylor has noted that the entire building shares a sense of optimism, believing the team is on a path to significant improvement.

This collective resolve to stand together after a disappointing year shows a firm trust in the established blueprint to prove that a healthy roster is all they need to reclaim their status as title contenders.

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Recently, the 48-year-old icon has broken his silence to reflect on his time residing in the stadium, while reacting to a social media post.

Claiming himself to be “financially conscious,” Johnson addressed the incident and stated, “Nobody in the world is better at being cheaper/financially conscious than me.” The post also talked about how “Ochocinco” lived inside the stadium to save money and be the first one in training.

THIS IS WILD

Legendary #Bengals wide receiver Chad Johnson revealed that he LIVED in the team stadium for the first two years of his career.

Ochocinco lived in the stadium so he could save money & be the first one in the training room.

The only player ever to do this pic.twitter.com/0SIaGDzjH8

— MLFootball (@MLFootball) January 9, 2026

A few years ago, while speaking to Shannon Sharpe on Club Shay Shay, Johnson had opened up in detail about his stay inside the stadium.

“You gotta remember, I stayed at the stadium the first two years because I didn’t want to spend no money,” Johnson said. “What’s the point? Why are you telling me to go rent a house, go buy a house, [or] go rent a condo when everything I need is right here in the facility at Paul Brown? Showers, cafeteria, TV, couch, gaming system. What’s the point? I was so locked in. It wasn’t about having my own space.”

After staying at the stadium for two years, Johnson finally moved out of it in his third year as an NFL star. Johnson reflected that former Bengals head coach Marvin Lewis asked him to move out of the stadium.

“That’s when Marvin [Lewis] came in and also said, ‘It’s time for you to be responsible. Spread your wings. Get your own place,'” Johnson said. “So, listen, I moved right down the street.”

Based on Johnson’s past interview with Shannon Sharpe and his recent social media, it is evident that the former wide receiver was actually one of the most “financially conscious” players in the league, when compared to the other extravagant luxuries the other players enjoyed. During his 10 seasons with the Bengals, Johnson accumulated 751 receptions, 10,783 yards, and 66 touchdowns.

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Season recap

The Bengals’ 2025 NFL season was one of quiet frustration and missed opportunity. They had a 6-11 record and a third-place finish in the AFC North. From the opening weeks, it was clear the year would hinge on the health of Joe Burrow. His early-season injury robbed the franchise of its offensive engine and emotional center. Without Burrow, Cincinnati struggled to generate rhythm. They cycled through backup quarterbacks and rarely sustained momentum from one week to the next. There were flashes but nothing resembling continuity. By midseason, the Bengals were no longer chasing playoff relevance. Instead, they pivoted toward development, evaluation, and survival. It wasn’t a total teardown, but it was unmistakably a holding pattern. Protect the core, get healthy, and position the roster for a meaningful rebound in 2026.

Draft needs

With Burrow expected back under center, the Bengals’ 2026 draft priorities are less about reinvention and more about reinforcement. Defensively, the middle of the field remains a pressing concern. Linebacker play lacked consistency in both run fits and coverage responsibilities. It left the defense vulnerable on early downs and in high-leverage moments. Adding athleticism and range at linebacker is essential.

Up front, pairing another impact presence alongside BJ Hill would stabilize the defensive interior and reduce the stress on the edge rushers. On the back end, safety play was uneven. The Bengals need smarter, more instinctive defenders who can generate turnovers and communicate coverage adjustments. Offensively, the offensive line remains a familiar talking point. Protecting Burrow is non-negotiable. Sure, Cincinnati has invested here before. Still, depth and versatility are lacking. The draft must provide contributors who can step in quickly and raise the baseline across the roster.

Here we’ll try to look at and discuss the Bengals’ 3-round mock draft based on the PFF 2026 NFL mock draft simulator.

Round 1, pick 10: LB Sonny Styles, Ohio State

At No. 10 overall, Cincinnati lands one of the most intriguing defensive chess pieces in the class with Sonny Styles. A converted defensive back, Styles brings a rare blend of size, length, and coverage fluidity to the linebacker position. His background shows up immediately when he drops into zone or matches up with tight ends and backs. Those are areas where the Bengals have been exploited in recent seasons.

Styles has also made tangible strides as a run defender. He can use his long wingspan to wrap and finish plays rather than merely arrive late. The instincts are still developing, but that’s where Cincinnati’s defensive structure can help. Styles projects as a three-down linebacker who can stay on the field regardless of personnel grouping. This is a forward-looking pick. It prioritizes ceiling and modern defensive demands over instant polish.

Round 2, pick 41: S AJ Haulcy, LSU

In the second round, the Bengals turn to the secondary with AJ Haulcy. He’s a safety whose game is built on instincts and ball production. Haulcy fits best in zone-heavy concepts. That’s where he can keep plays in front of him, read the quarterback, and attack throwing lanes. That profile aligns neatly with what Cincinnati has been missing. They need a back-end defender who can generate turnovers without gambling recklessly.

Yes, Haulcy may never be a universal, scheme-proof safety. That said, his strengths are clear and valuable. Against high-level SEC competition, he’s shown the processing speed and awareness to hold his own. For the Bengals, this pick is about role clarity. Plug Haulcy into a system that accentuates his vision and anticipation, and he can become a steady, reliable starter who quietly changes games with timely takeaways.

Round 3, pick 72: WR CJ Daniels, Miami

Cincinnati rounds out its three-round haul by adding offensive juice with CJ Daniels. Daniels isn’t projected as a primary target. However, that’s not what the Bengals need. They already have Ja’Marr Chase and Tee Higgins anyway. His value lies in complementing the existing receiver room with speed, vertical ability, and alignment flexibility.

Daniels has a knack for finding space downfield and turning limited opportunities into chunk plays. That skill set pairs well with Burrow’s willingness to push the ball when protection holds. He’ll need refinement as a route runner and continued growth in play strength, but the framework is there. As a third-round selection, Daniels offers upside without pressure. That gives Cincinnati another weapon who can stretch coverage and prevent defenses from collapsing on the top options.

Why this draft fits Cincinnati’s timeline

What makes this mock draft compelling isn’t star power but coherence. Styles, Haulcy, and Daniels all address specific weaknesses without forcing the Bengals into desperate reaches. Each pick aligns with a realistic developmental arc that matches the franchise’s immediate goal. They must return to competitiveness while Burrow is still in his prime. This isn’t a flashy reset. It’s a methodical recalibration that assumes health and stability will matter more than headline-grabbing swings.

The bigger picture

The Bengals don’t need to reinvent who they are. They need to remember it. This three-round mock does exactly that. It will reinforce the middle of the defense, add intelligence and ball skills on the back end, and supply just enough offensive firepower to keep defenses honest. If Cincinnati executes something close to this in April, the disappointing 2025 season may quickly feel like a necessary pause rather than a warning sign.

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Joe Flacco, who joined the Bengals mid-season after a trade from Cleveland, is likely on his way out. But the 40-year-old quarterback isn’t leaving without showing his appreciation. Flacco was spotted leaving signed jerseys for a handful of Bengals veterans, including a special message for Taylor that suggests the culture in Cincinnati is stronger than the record shows.

“My experience with him has been unbelievable,” Flacco said regarding Taylor. “I feel so lucky to kind of have that happen.”

Joe Flacco wrote some cool messages on signed jerseys for a handful of Bengals vets.

A Cincinnati return in 2026 is unlikely, but it's clear Flacco made great relationships here — starting with Zac Taylor.

"My experience with him has been unbelievable." pic.twitter.com/MGwMLxFrml

— Charlie Clifford (@char_cliff) January 5, 2026

For Taylor, who is facing heat after missing the playoffs for the third straight year, that support matters. Flacco has seen it all in his 18-year career, from Super Bowl MVP highs to backup lows, so his praise isn’t just empty talk.

Flacco’s stint in Cincinnati was brief but memorable. He stepped in when the team needed a steady hand, throwing for 15 touchdowns and 2,479 yards across his time with the Browns and Bengals this season. While he mostly watched from the sideline as Joe Burrow took the sacks in the Week 18 finale against Cleveland, Flacco’s influence in the locker room was clearly felt.

As for what’s next? Don’t print the retirement papers just yet. Flacco has made it clear he still wants to play in 2026, though he plans to be picky about his next destination. A return to Cincinnati seems unlikely given Burrow’s status, but Flacco’s exit interview proves he’s leaving the jungle with nothing but respect for the organization.

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It’s an odd decision for a franchise that doesn’t seem to have its finger on the pulse of victory. Also, the Bengals kept Duke Tobin, the director of player personnel.

And all of these moves seem to point to continuity being king, according to ESPN.

“Our focus is on building a team that can consistently compete at the highest level, with the goal of winning championships,” owner Mike Brown said in a statement. “After thoughtful consideration, I am confident that Duke Tobin and Zac Taylor are the right leaders to guide us forward. They have proven they can build and lead teams that compete for championships. We trust their plans and expect to return to our desired level of success.”

Zac Taylor looking for a better 2026

Taylor exuded optimism for next season.

“I just feel like we’re on a path to really good things next year,” Taylor said. “I think everybody that exited this building today feels that, players, coaches, everybody involved with this thing in that this season was a disappointment, it didn’t go the way we wanted.”

And Burrow supported the decision.

“I’m very confident in our coaching staff,” Burrow said. “I know those guys work really hard to put us in good position. And I always feel well prepared and put in the best spot to succeed. From that standpoint, I think we’re in a good spot.”

Still, the Bengals put together one of the worst defensive performances of the 2025 NFL season. They finished No. 31 in yards allowed and No. 30 in points allowed. But Al Golden didn’t get the chopping-block treatment.

Of course, the health of Burrow matters. He played in only eight games this season. But the Bengals went 5-3 in those contests. Mapping that out to a full healthy season, it looks more like an 11-6 mark and a playoff berth. Maybe that’s why the Bengals are standing together in the face of a defeated year.

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“Our focus is on building a team that can consistently compete at the highest level, with the goal of winning championships,” Brown said in a statement, per Bengals.com’s Geoff Hobson. “After thoughtful consideration, I am confident that Duke Tobin and Zac Taylor are the right leaders to guide us forward. They have proven they can build and lead teams that compete for championships. We trust their plans and expect to return to our desired level of success.”

The Bengals GM and HC are milking every ounce of trust and optimism they built from a two-year stretch that included a momentous trip to Super Bowl 56 and another AFC Championship appearance during the 2022-23 campaign. How long can ownership cling to the past, though?

Will the Bengals regret their decision?

Actors who flourished decades ago are not guaranteed a lengthy stay in Hollywood’s elite. It is a cruel industry that discards those no longer deemed relevant. The NFL operates in a similar manner in many respects, but Cincinnati is often reluctant to make big shake-ups. Marvin Lewis roamed the sidelines for 16 years despite never leading the squad to a playoff win. Brown’s latest instance of maintaining the status quo will only further convince a large chunk of the fandom that the Bengals are not doing everything possible to contend for a title.

The news is not entirely surprising, however. Cincinnati is seemingly using Joe Burrow’s injury misfortune as a means to excuse its disappointing on-field results. Yes, it is certainly possible that a healthy franchise quarterback could have kept the team in the divisional race, but that is more of an indictment on the AFC North than an endorsement of the Bengals. Those who watched Cincy play week in, week out know how far this group is from a championship.

The Burrow/Ja’Marr Chase/Tee Higgins trio cannot conceal the defense’s glaring deficiencies. The organization could decide to address the problem by dismissing defensive coordinator Al Golden, but the issues are not confined to one coordinator. Following a season in which the unit cost the Bengals a playoff berth, the squad finished in the bottom-three in both yards per game allowed and points per game allowed.

One would assume that both Tobin and Taylor would be on the hook for this troubling trend, but evidently, Mike Brown does not think Cincinnati requires an overhaul at the top. The men in charge survive another Black Monday, while pressure rises to overwhelming levels for the franchise.

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Despite the disappointment, it seems like the Bengals players are taking the elimination in stride. Star wide receiver Ja’Marr Chase shared what his plans are after the final game of the season against the Cleveland Browns. Chase responded with a Cancun joke of his own.

“I’m going to go to Cancun like everybody tells me to do,” Chase told reporters, per Ari Meirov. “And I’m gonna enjoy myself, ’cause I don’t have anything else to do.”

The Bengals have already been eliminated from playoff contention since Week 15, when they lost to the Baltimore Ravens. Cincinnati’s chances of winning the division before that were already slim after a nastly losing streak in the middle of the season. Despite Joe Burrow’s return, the team was still unable to make the postseason.

As for Chase, the star wide receiver still had an elite season despite the absence of Burrow for most of it. The Bengals wide receiver collected 1,412 yards this season on 125 yards and eight touchdowns. The offense was almost never the issue for Cincinnati, as Burrow and Joe Flacco were able to utilize the insane talent on offense to decimate opposing defenses.

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The Bengals finished the season with a 6-11 record after many NFL observers expected them to compete for the AFC North title. However, quarterback Joe Burrow suffered a turf toe injury early in the season and the Bengals fell into a deep hole. The Bengals had a bit of life after he returned to the lineup, but they were just 3-3 down the stretch and never threatened to make a run at a spot in the postseason.

The Bengals have failed to make the playoffs in any of the last three seasons. Even though they have one of the NFL’s most dangerous wide receiver duos in Ja’Marr Chase and Tee Higgins and one of the most talented quarterback in Burrow, the Bengals have gone backwards in recent years.

Burrow makes his feelings known after brutal season

Burrow is very unhappy with the state of the team. Cincinnati made it to the Super Bowl in 2021 and to the AFC title game the following season, but they have struggled badly since.

Burrow sounds like he is running out of patience with the organization. “We certainly are not where we need or want to be, not where I expect to be,” Burrow said. “We have to figure it out.”

The Bengals quarterback had indicated earlier that he may be willing to move on because the team has stumbled so badly in recent years. Burrow is 29 years old and should be in the prime of his career. He has played 6 years with the Bengals and after a promising start, the team has been a major disappointment.

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After Garrett broke the record, the game was briefly paused to acknowledge the moment, similar to the way that the NBA paused a game three years ago when Los Angeles Lakers star LeBron James broke Kareem Abdul-Jabbar’s record for points.

One person who wasn’t thrilled about the mid-game festivities was Bengals head coach Zac Taylor, who made his opinion known after the game.

“We’re playing for our lives here. … In a critical moment like that… we were trying to be on the ball and tempo, and we couldn’t do anything,” said Taylor, via Ari Meirov of The 33rd Team on X, formerly Twitter.

It’s unclear exactly what lives the Bengals were playing for on Sunday, considering the team had long since been eliminated from playoff contention. However, it’s clear that Taylor was not too appreciative of the on-field ceremony for Garrett, especially in the Bengals’ home stadium.

The Bengals could certainly use a player like Garrett, considering that their defense was once again among the league’s worst this year, despite finding a way to bring back star pass rusher Trey Hendrickson following an offseason contract saga.

The Bengals have now missed the playoffs in three straight seasons, and fans are wondering if the clock might be ticking on the Joe Burrow era after it got off to such a promising start.

In any case, the Bengals are now officially in the midst of an offseason that has far more questions than answers heading into the 2026 season.

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Andre Szmyt WINS IT for the Browns on the last second field goal

pic.twitter.com/o21dNutVZk

— ClutchPoints (@ClutchPoints) January 4, 2026

While it was a nice win to end the season for the Browns, the biggest story came earlier in the fourth quarter. Myles Garrett broke the single-season sack record with his 23rd of the year. After getting shut out against the Pittsburgh Steelers a week ago, he finally got to Joe Burrow late in the game. He surpassed Michael Strahan and TJ Watt, who were tied at 22.5.

There have been rampant rumors that Stefanski would be let go at the end of the season. With just three wins heading into Week 17, there were calls for a change in Cleveland. But the two-time Coach of the Year put together a great two weeks, beating two division rivals late in the season. While that does not solve the problems from the first 16 weeks, it could help him in the final decision-making process.

Stefanski was asked after the game if he had any comment on his future, which he deflected. “This game’s not about me, I told you guys that. I’m proud of that group,” he said, per Daniel Oyefusi of ESPN.

Kevin Stefanski declined to comment on his future, saying that “this game’s not about me.” pic.twitter.com/xuA14A0Gpf

— Daniel Oyefusi (@DanielOyefusi) January 4, 2026

The Browns head into an offseason with a familiar question in Northeast Ohio: Who is the quarterback? Sheduer Sanders ended the year under center and certainly outperformed Dillon Gabriel. But DeShaun Watson will be healthy and still under contract. Is there any way the much-maligned Watson could be back on the field? Or would a new coach bring in a fourth option for signal caller?

According to reports, Stefanski is under contract for 2026, which makes a trade a possibility as well.

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I asked Ja’Marr Chase what needs to change so the Bengals can be a playoff team again.

He didn’t name anything specifically. However: “It’s pretty obvious.” pic.twitter.com/WemSJk4IVe

— Ben Baby (@Ben_Baby) January 1, 2026

“I asked Ja’Marr Chase what needs to change so the Bengals can be a playoff team again,” Baby reported. “He didn’t name anything specifically. However: ‘It’s pretty obvious.’”

There are a number of avenues the Bengals could go down to improve in 2026. One of the most obvious candidates is changes to head coach Zac Taylor’s staff, most notably on defense. Another could be letting Taylor go as well. Another scenario could include a potential move involving franchise quarterback Joe Burrow. What are the “obvious” changes that Chase is referring to?

Bengals could make multiple big offseason moves ahead of the 2026 season

Two four-game losing streaks, plus Burrow’s injury-related absence for most of the season, doomed the Bengals to another season without postseason football. Ever since losing in the 2022 AFC Championship Game, Taylor and his staff have failed to guide the team back to the postseason. Will the head coach return for his eighth season at the helm?

Chase and Burrow, along with many of their teammates, are unhappy with how this season played out. They will certainly want to return to the playoffs next year. Will both players call Paycor Stadium home next fall? Or will the “obvious” changes hinted at by Chase spell a potential end for one or both of their tenures? In any case, changes are desperately needed to get the Bengals back on track come next September.

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Neither team has anything to play for in terms of playoff seeding, but pride and organizational momentum will take center stage at Paycor Stadium. The Bengals have won two consecutive games following victories over Miami and Arizona, while Cleveland seeks back-to-back wins after their impressive defensive performance against Pittsburgh. This matchup promises to be far more competitive than the records suggest.

Joe Burrow Exceeds 300 Passing Yards Against Cleveland’s Struggling Secondary

Joe Burrow will finish with over 300 passing yards and three touchdown passes in the season finale. Despite playing in only seven games this season due to a toe injury, Burrow has been sensational since his return, posting a 100.1 QBR and completing 65.5% of his passes for 1,573 yards with 14 touchdowns and just four interceptions. The Browns’ secondary, led by Denzel Ward, has struggled considerably throughout the season despite their recent defensive improvements against the Steelers.​

Cleveland ranks 31st in rushing yards allowed but has shown improvement in defending the pass in recent weeks. However, facing a rested Burrow in a game where the Bengals’ head coach Zac Taylor has publicly committed to playing starters throughout the entire contest significantly favors Cincinnati’s offensive attack. The combination of Ja’Marr Chase and Tee Higgins gives Burrow multiple elite weapons to exploit defensive vulnerabilities.​

Burrow’s recent performance against Arizona (305 yards, two touchdowns) demonstrates his capacity to dominate inferior secondaries. The Browns’ defensive concerns in coverage, particularly in the secondary depth, should allow Burrow to operate comfortably and exceed the 300-yard threshold with room to spare. Look for at least three touchdown passes as the Bengals establish early offensive control.​

Chase Brown Will Accumulate Over 130 All-Purpose Yards Despite Reported Illness

A reminder that it’s a long season. From dud to true league winner. 5 TD’s over the last 2 weeks. Chase Brown. pic.twitter.com/JqWgx8hyIp

— Andy Holloway (@AndyHolloway) December 29, 2025

Chase Brown will exceed 130 combined rushing and receiving yards despite appearing on the injury report with an illness. The Bengals’ dynamic running back, who carries 219 rushing attempts for 947 yards and six touchdowns this season, figures to be heavily involved in Cincinnati’s offensive gameplan. While Brown was listed as not participating in practice due to illness, his involvement against a weak Browns run defense (ranked 31st in rushing yards allowed) makes him a key factor in this contest.​

The Browns’ defensive line struggles to consistently contain dual-threat running backs, and Brown’s receiving ability out of the backfield (82 targets, 65 receptions, 419 receiving yards) presents another avenue for offensive success. Burrow has established chemistry with Brown throughout the season, frequently targeting him on checkdown and wheel routes. Given Cincinnati’s commitment to playing starters and protecting draft position through win-loss records, expect the Bengals to employ Brown extensively throughout the first three quarters.​

Brown’s typical workload of 18-22 touches per game, combined with his 4.1 yards-per-carry average and reliable receiving presence, should translate to surpassing 130 all-purpose yards. The Browns’ recent defensive improvements came largely against Pittsburgh’s anemic offensive line, not necessarily through elite secondary coverage or run defense excellence.

The Bengals Will Win 24-13 in a Defensive Struggle

Cincinnati will secure a convincing 24-13 victory to conclude their season on a three-game winning streak and finish 7-10. The Bengals’ defensive deficiencies (ranked 30th in DVOA) will be exposed by a Browns team averaging just 16.2 points per game, the second-lowest in the NFL. However, Burrow’s elite play combined with the team’s recent offensive momentum gives Cincinnati a decisive advantage in a matchup featuring two offensively challenged teams.​

The Browns’ outstanding defensive unit, ranked in the top five in DVOA, will keep the score manageable and prevent Cincinnati from running away with an early blow-out. Cleveland’s recent defensive excellence suggests they’ll create pressure on Burrow and force some uncomfortable moments, resulting in a lower-scoring affair. The under 44.5 total points line appears appropriately set for two teams that have struggled offensively throughout the season.​

The Bengals’ -7.5 point spread reflects appropriate respect for home-field advantage and Burrow’s arrival, but expect Cincinnati to exceed this margin against a Browns team with minimal offensive firepower. Expect Cincinnati to secure a 24-13 final score, demonstrating the quality differential between a team committed to closing strong and one looking toward next season’s reconstruction.

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It’s easy to see, then, why Burrow empathizes with Cleveland Browns quarterback Shedeur Sanders. Ahead of their final matchup of the season, the Bengals quarterback talked about his counterpart. Burrow said that Sanders’ handling of the media pressure was something to be praised.

“He’s certainly been under more of a microscope than any other 5th-round pick that has ever been in the history of football, and every clip that I see he seems to be handling it well,” Burrow said in a press conference, per Jordan Schultz.

Sanders has faced a different level of scrutiny than Burrow. While the Browns quarterback isn’t a first-round pick like Burrow, Sanders’ pre-draft hype and eventual fall have gotten the attention of the media. The young quarterback’s confidence was also a magnet for more inciting questions from reporters. Even before Sanders made his first official start late in the season, the rookie got more attention than the Bengals quarterback did in his rookie year.

Both the Bengals and the Browns have already been eliminated from playoff contention. For Cincinnati, Burrow’s injury early this season hurt their chances, and his return late in the season wasn’t enough to buoy their chances. As for Cleveland, the team got off to a rough start this season under Dillon Gabriel and they were never able to truly bounce back.

It will be interesting to see how Sanders matches up to Burrow in their first matchup against each other. Burow had a quiet game in the Bengals’ season opener against the Browns, recording just 113 yards and one touchdown,.

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The cycle of injury and recovery is weighing heavily on the two-time Pro Bowler. And it’s exacerbated by losing. Bengals fans were concerned Burrow would follow in Andrew Luck’s footsteps and retire early after a particularly morose press conference. The veteran QB told reporters, “If I want to keep doing this, I have to have fun doing it.”

On Wednesday, Burrow was asked to reveal his New Year’s resolution. And his answer didn’t come as a surprise. “Be happy,” the sixth-year passer responded, per WCPO 9’s Marshall Kramsky. However, he looked a tier or two below joyful while discussing it.

Joe Burrow’s New Years Resolution:

“Be Happy”#Bengals @WCPO pic.twitter.com/wfrwj0rgjB

— Marshall Kramsky (@marshallkramsky) December 31, 2025

Here’s to a happy Joe Burrow in 2026

Burrow recovered from wrist surgery and won Comeback Player of the Year in 2024. It was the second time he won the award in five NFL seasons. In 2025 Burrow was hurt again. He missed at least six games for the third time in his career.

While Burrow has played well when healthy, the Bengals will post their first losing season since his rookie year in 2020. The team went just 1-8 in his absence. Cincinnati essentially needed to run the table to reach the playoffs after Burrow’s return. But back-to-back losses to the Bills and Ravens dropped the Bengals to 4-10 and knocked them out of postseason contention.

Burrow later stressed that playing football is fun. It’s all the rehabbing from injury that isn’t enjoyable. Still, his comments following a gut-wrenching loss to the Bills in Week 14 have fans concerned.

And Burrow hasn’t helped calm fears since then. He gave a sullen response to reaching 20,000 career passing yards and shrugged off winning AFC Player of the Week. Both of those individual accomplishments occurred after the Bengals were bounced from the playoff picture.

Cincinnati will close the season with a home game against the Cleveland Browns. And Burrow could end up as a footnote in another player’s individual accomplishment as Myles Garrett hunts the sack record against the Bengals in Week 18.

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#Bengals QB Joe Burrow on facing Myles Garrett when he can get the sack record:

“I’m not gonna go out of my way to not let him get the record… I’m gonna go play football. There are going to be situations where a sack is the best of the bad outcomes of that play.”

( @Bengals) pic.twitter.com/O6HMhSNKxR

— Ari Meirov (@MySportsUpdate) December 31, 2025

Myles Garrett has been the best defensive player in the world this season and is chasing history. Currently, Michael Strahan and T.J. Watt share the record (22.5 sacks) for most in a single season. When Strahan originally broke the record, he did it against Brett Favre, who many believe dived to give him the record. Burrow’s comments echo the same sentiment, as it does not seem to be a concern for him.

Burrow has not had a good season, as he spent most of it on the injured list with turf toe. But he has been pretty solid since returning, passing for 12 touchdowns and four interceptions over five games. He has also taken 10 sacks in that timeframe, giving credence to the possibility that Garrett has a good chance to get the record this Sunday.

Burrow has a chip on his shoulder, but his lack of concern about preventing the NFL sack record might not sit well with Bengals’ fans. Regardless, he understands the situations of the football field and knows that trying to prevent a sack record might not be the best option, especially if it leads to a preventable mistake. Despite nothing being on the line, Burrow will go out and attempt to help the Bengals win by any means necessary.

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That urgency makes any defensive progress feel even more important on Cincinnati’s side, and rookie Shemar Stewart finally delivered a long-awaited moment. Ben Baby reported that defensive coordinator Al Golden was thrilled to see Stewart record his first career sack after a season that’s been repeatedly interrupted by injuries.

Golden, with the kind of humor coaches use when a storyline has dragged on for weeks, joked about the breakthrough: “I’m glad that’s out of the way so we can all move on with our lives.”

It landed because Stewart’s first sack had turned into one of those lingering topics that kept resurfacing every time the Bengals discussed their pass rush.

The sack doesn’t erase what’s been a difficult defensive year for Cincinnati, but it does give the staff something concrete to point to when talking about development, especially with the defense needing more consistent pressure overall.

On the other side of the ball, the Bengals still have Ja’Marr Chase producing at a historic pace. Jordan Schultz noted that Chase became the first wide receiver in NFL history to post 80-plus catches, 1,000-plus yards, and seven-plus touchdowns in each of his first five NFL seasons, another reminder that the offense has continued to deliver even when the season hasn’t gone to plan.

Cincinnati finishes the year at home against Cleveland on Sunday at 1 p.m. ET, with Garrett’s record chase looming and the Bengals trying to end the season with something they can actually build on.

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The Bengals will get an up close and personal look at the best pass rusher, and possibly best overall player, in the NFL next week when they take the field against Myles Garrett and the Cleveland Browns. Garrett is one sack away from setting the NFL record for most sacks in a season, and the Bengals’ shaky offensive line will be the only thing standing in the way of him and history.

On Monday, Bengals head coach Zac Taylor had nothing but praise for what Garrett brings to the table.

“Whatever we can do to win the game is what we’re going to do,” said Taylor, per Mike Petraglia of the Jungle Roar Podcast. “…He’s the best defensive player on Planet Earth… you can’t put it into words. It’s all hands on deck. He’s an absolute nightmare.”

Ben Baby of ESPN reported that “Taylor called him the best player in the league and is ‘an absolute nightmare’ to face. Taylor acknowledged that Garrett will be chasing the single-season sack record on Week 18.”

Garrett’s dominant season has taken place on what has been an otherwise putrid Browns squad, meaning the Bengals will still have a good chance to win the game, even if they are unable to stop the star from getting his hands on the NFL record for sacks in a season.

The bigger issue for the Bengals is what they will do about their own defense and pass rush, which have fallen apart this year despite bringing back Trey Hendrickson over an offseason contract saga.

In any case, the Browns and Bengals are set to kick off on Sunday at 1:00 pm ET.

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Ford’s 21-yard catch is tied for the third-longest reception by an offensive lineman since at least 2000, according to Sports Illustrated’s Jay Morrison. Only two offensive linemen have recorded longer receptions in that span: Ty Sambrailo, who gained 35 yards for the Denver Broncos, and former Bengal Jake Fisher, who caught a 31-yard pass. No other offensive lineman has matched or exceeded Ford’s yardage over the past 25 seasons.

The play occurred late in the third quarter with Cincinnati leading 30-7. Facing a first-and-10 at Arizona’s 23-yard line, Bengals head coach Zac Taylor and offensive coordinator Dan Pitcher dialed up a gadget play that had been installed earlier in the week. Ford lined up near the sideline, initially appearing to serve as a decoy. Quarterback Joe Burrow first looked toward Ja’Marr Chase, who already had two touchdown receptions, before coming back to Ford along Cincinnati’s sideline.

Ford secured the pass and powered through multiple defenders, requiring three Cardinals cornerbacks, Denzel Burke and Darren Hall, along with safety Jalen Thompson, to bring him down at the two-yard line. Most of the 21 yards came after the catch, making the play even more striking given Ford’s 350-pound frame. The reception set up a goal-line sequence that ended with a Chase Brown rushing touchdown, one of Brown’s two scores on the day.

The moment resonated throughout the stadium. Fans chanted Ford’s name as he reported eligible on the following play, and the reaction continued after the game in the locker room. The catch came on Ford’s 29th birthday.

While Ford’s reception was the headline novelty, it came in a game filled with statistical milestones. Burrow completed 24 of 31 passes for 305 yards and two touchdowns. It was his 28th 300-yard passing performance of his career, tying Andy Dalton for the most in franchise history. Chase finished with seven catches for 60 yards and two touchdowns, becoming the first player in NFL history with at least 80 receptions, 1,000 receiving yards, and seven touchdown catches in each of his first five seasons. Brown added 101 rushing yards on 22 carries, two rushing touchdowns, and 40 receiving yards.

In a season that saw the Bengals eliminated from playoff contention for a third straight year, Ford’s 21-yard reception was one of the few plays that gave the team and its fans little to celebrate during an otherwise forgettable season.

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Play of the Day: The #Bengals just lined up OL Cody Ford as an outside WR — and Joe Burrow actually threw it to him for 21 yards.

Today is Ford's birthday. pic.twitter.com/26Y8TRlVmy

— Ari Meirov (@MySportsUpdate) December 28, 2025

The Bengals (6-10) have upgraded their performance since Burrow returned from the severe sprain he suffered to his left big toe. The Bengals have won 3 of their last 5 games including 2 in a row as they head into their season finale at home against the Cleveland Browns in Week 18.

The Bengals played one of their best games of the year in Week 17 as they pummeled the Arizona Cardinals 37-14. Burrow was on top of his game as he completed 24 of 31 passes for 305 yards with 2 touchdowns and no interceptions. However, it was a pass he threw to offensive lineman Cody Ford that got his attention when he spoke to the media after the game.

The Bengals lined Ford up as a wide out and Burrow threw him a short pass on the sidelines. The big lineman caught the ball and turned upfield for a 21-yard gain. He showed relatively good speed and instincts with the ball in his hands. Burrow was incredulous at Ford’s performance. “I couldn’t believe what I was seeing,” Burrow said.

Bengals jump out early and put Cardinals in a bad position

The Bengals broke out to a 14-0 lead early in the second quarter. Burrow threw a 13-yard TD pass to star wideout Ja’Marr Chase slightly more than 5 minutes after the start of the game, and the quarterback would throw another scoring pass to Chase with 1:15 remaining in the half.

Additionally, Chase Brown added 2 rushing touchdowns and fellow running back Samaje Perine also scored on the ground.

Jacoby Brissett completed 21 of 37 passes for 212 yards and 2 touchdowns for the Cardinals.

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In the first half on Sunday against the Cardinals, Chase was electric, hauling in four passes from Joe Burrow for 47 yards and two touchdowns.

In fact, with that performance, he etched his name into the NFL record books

“#Bengals WR Ja’Marr Chase just became the first WR in NFL history to have 80+ catches, 1,000+ yards, and 7+ TDs in each of his first 5 NFL seasons,” reported NFL insider Jordan Schultz on X, formerly Twitter.

Ja’Marr Chase has been among the best wide receivers in the league since he set foot in the NFL for his rookie season with the Bengals, and he’s only continued to ascend since then, helping guide the Bengals to multiple deep playoff runs in the process.

Unfortunately, in recent years, the problem for Cincinnati has been the team’s defense, which has been among the worst in the NFL for multiple seasons, a trend that continued this year.

In any case, after the Cardinals game, the Bengals will next take the field next week at home against the divisional rival Cleveland Browns for their final game of the year.

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Frustrating season

The Bengals’ 2025 campaign has been a grind. Sitting at 5–10, Cincinnati is guaranteed its first losing season since 2020. They will miss the playoffs for a third consecutive year. The season was effectively derailed early when Burrow suffered a major turf toe injury. That sidelined him for a significant portion of the middle of the year. Without him, the offense sputtered, and the defense repeatedly failed to protect slim margins.

Weeks after Burrow’s return, Cincy booked a resounding 45–21 Week 16 win over the Dolphins. Still, that couldn’t undo the damage. A Week 14 loss to the Bills officially locked in a losing record. Cincinnati’s defense also ranks near the bottom of the league in most major statistical categories. The lone oddity? The Bengals managed to beat every AFC North rival at least once. It was a strange, hollow achievement in a season that otherwise exposed systemic issues.

Draft needs

The Bengals’ priorities entering the 2026 NFL Draft are clear and unavoidable. Defense is the headline. With Trey Hendrickson expected to depart in free agency, Cincinnati desperately needs a new edge presence capable of generating pressure without blitz-heavy schemes. The secondary also requires reinforcements at both cornerback and safety.

Offensively, the interior offensive line remains a concern, particularly at right guard. Protecting Burrow must remain non-negotiable. This mock draft leans heavily into defensive reconstruction early. They will also trust coaching and free agency to stabilize the offense while drafting foundational pieces on the other side of the ball.

Here we’ll try to look at and discuss the Bengals’ 3-round mock draft based on the PFF 2026 NFL mock draft simulator.

Round 1, pick 9: DL Peter Woods, Clemson

Peter Woods is a classic Bengals first-round type. He is powerful, versatile, and still scratching the surface of what he can become. His biggest selling point right now is run defense. Woods consistently wins at the point of attack. He can use his strength and movement skills to disrupt blocking schemes and collapse running lanes.

Scouts have compared him to Jeffery Simmons. The parallel makes sense stylistically. Of course, Woods doesn’t yet have Simmons’ pass-rush resume. Over three seasons, Woods has just five career sacks. Questions remain about his pad level and balance when disengaging from blocks. Those flaws can limit the effectiveness of his bull rush and lead to missed tackles.

Still, the upside is undeniable. Woods’ size, power, and athletic baseline give defensive coaches a moldable starter kit. With proper refinement, he could anchor Cincinnati’s defensive front for years. His combine and pre-draft workouts will be pivotal in cementing his top-10 status. However, the Bengals would be betting on traits and long-term payoff.

Round 2, pick 41: EDGE Gabe Jacas, Illinois

If Woods provides interior stability, Gabe Jacas brings the juice off the edge. Jacas is one of the most productive pass rushers in college football. At 6-foot-3 and 270 pounds, he thrives by converting speed to power and attacking tackles with inside counters once they overset.

Jacas’ production arc is exactly what teams want to see. After steady contributions early in his career, he exploded as a junior. He followed it up by leading the Big Ten in sacks this season. He plays with urgency, understands leverage, and forces quarterbacks to speed up their internal clocks.

For a Bengals defense that struggled to finish plays, Jacas offers immediate rotational value with starter upside. He won’t replace Hendrickson overnight. That said, he gives Cincinnati a credible pass-rush building block.

Round 3, pick 73: TE Max Klare, Ohio State

Max Klare is a quieter selection. He is potentially one of the smartest, though. Yes, Cincinnati’s offense isn’t broken. However, it has lacked consistent middle-of-the-field stress when defenses bracket wide receivers. Klare brings exactly that.

He’s an explosive route-runner with strong spatial awareness and a natural catch-to-attack mentality. Though Ohio State’s offense hasn’t fully showcased his skill set, his previous tape tells the story. At Purdue, Klare led the team in receiving. He proved he could be a reliable chain-mover and red-zone option.

For Burrow, adding a tight end who can separate underneath and threaten seams provides both safety and flexibility. Klare profiles as a high-value Day 2 developmental piece who could quickly outplay his draft slot.

A quiet but necessary reset

This three-round mock draft doesn’t chase flash but rather, stability. Peter Woods fortifies the interior. Gabe Jacas restores edge pressure. Max Klare gives the offense another dimension. Together, they reflect a Bengals team recalibrating after years of leaning too heavily on star power.

If Cincinnati wants to return to legitimate contention, this kind of disciplined, physical, and forward-looking draft is exactly where that climb begins.

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The Cardinals (3-12) had one of the toughest assignments in the league as they compete in the NFC West against 3 playoff teams. Starting quarterback Kyler Murray has been replaced by solid backup Jacoby Brissett, and while he has an excellent understanding about how to execute a high-level offense, he does not have the kind of supporting cast that would have allowed Arizona to be competitive on a consistent basis.

Burrow has returned to the Bengals lineup but he has made noises that he might want to play for a team that is a consistent winner and in the playoffs on an every-year basis. The Bengals have not been in the postseason since the 2022 season. However, he does have one of the best receivers in the league at his disposal in Ja’Marr Chase.

Burrow will throw 3 TD passes vs. Cardinals

Despite Cincinnati’s troubled year, Burrow is capable of dominating the game with explosive plays when he gets off to a fast start. That’s just what he will be trying to do against the vulnerable Cardinals defense. Arizona ranks 29th in points allowed as head coach Jonathan Gannon’s team is giving up 27.6 points and 350.5 yards per game.

Burrow is preparing to play his 7th game of the season and he has completed 120 of 189 passes for 1,268 yards with 12 touchdowns and 4 interceptions. His ability to see the defense, determine the best matchup for his offense and deliver the ball with both accuracy and velocity makes him one of the most talented quarterbacks in the NFL.

Few quarterbacks have the kind of partnership with a receiver the way that Burrow and Chase relate to each other. One half-glance at the line of scrimmage an instant before the ball is snapped is more than enough to let Chase know the ball is coming his way.

Chase always produces and he has caught 110 passes for 1,256 yards with 5 touchdowns and 62 of his receptions have resulted in first downs. Nearly two-thirds of Chase’s season have been played with Jake Browning or ancient Joe Flacco at quarterback for the Bengals. A full season with a healthy Burrow at quarterback is likely to see Chase approach 2,000 receiving yards.

In addition to Chase, Tee Higgins is probably the best No. 2 receiver in the NFL. He has caught 49-720-10, and Burrow will always look his way when he is getting single coverage and the game is on the line.

Additionally, Andrei Iosivas, Noah Fant and Mike Gesicki (pectoral injury, IR) have demonstrated they can contribute when healthy.

Jacoby Brissett will throw for 200-plus yards and 2 TDs

Brissett is as solid a No. 2 quarterback in the league as he started the season as the backup to Kyler Murray. He has given the Cardinals an opportunity to compete for at least half the game most weeks, but the team’s inability to play for 60 minutes is the biggest issue for the Cardinals.

However, if Brissett had been on a team like the Bengals or the Minnesota Vikings, either team might have be fighting for the playoffs instead of having a losing record.

Brissett has completed 272 of 417 passes for 2,911 yards with 19 touchdowns and 7 interceptions. He has averaged 7.0 yards per throw, and if the Cardinals had a solid running game and a crew of dynamic receivers, that number would likely be significantly higher.

Brissett is quite resourceful, and he will be throwing the ball to tight end Trey McBride and wideout Michael Wilson. McBride has shown he has dependable hands and can shake off coverage in order to get open. He has caught an impressive 109 passes for 1,098 yards and 10 TDs, and 58 of his receptions have resulted in Arizona first downs.
Wilson has caught 68-818-5 with 10 receptions of 20 yards or more.

Marvin Harrison Jr. has missed 4 games this season and he has a heel injury, but he could be back in the lineup against the Bengals. The Cardinals drafted Harrison with the hope that he would be as dominant as Chase of Justin Jefferson, but that has not been the case through his first 2 seasons.

Bengals should be able to take over in second half

The Cardinals can compete in this road game for 30 minutes, but they simply don’t play 60 minutes of solid football and that’s why they are buried in last place.

Expect that scenario to play out here. Arizona mistakes will likely serve as the key to this game and the game will belong to Burrow and the Bengals in the third and fourth quarters. Cincinnati picks up its 6th victory of the season, leaving the team’s fans wondering what might have been.

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In Week 16’s 45-21 Cincy win over the Miami Dolphins at Hard Rock Stadium in Miami Gardens, Florida, Burrow played like everything is on the line, passing for 309 yards and four touchdowns with zero interceptions on 25-of-32 pass completions.

For his performance against the Dolphins, Burrow has been awarded the AFC Offensive Player of the Week.

It was a nice addition to his resume, but Burrow did not seem to be too excited about the honor when asked about it in a press conference recently.

“Yeah, I played well,” the former LSU Tigers star quarterback said (h/t SleeperBengals). “Cool. I’ve done that a lot.”

Considering the circumstances, it was an understandable reaction from the former Heisman Trophy winner.

The 2025 NFL season hasn’t gone in favor of Burrow and the Bengals. After a 2-0 start to the campaign. Burrow suffered a toe injury and missed nine games in a row. During that stretch, Cincinnati faded from the playoff picture, as the team lost eight of those contests.

Despite the Bengals being out of the running for the playoffs, Burrow decided to keep playing, as though he’s got something to prove to himself.

What he showed in Week 16’s win against Miami was also a huge individual rebound for Burrow, who had a forgettable start in Week 15’s 24-0 loss at Paycor Stadium in Cincinnati to the Baltimore Ravens at home. In that game, Burrow completed 25 of his 39 passes with zero touchdowns and two interceptions.

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ESPN’s Dan Graziano and Jeremy Fowler both pushed back on the idea that Burrow is angling for an exit after that viral press conference from a couple weeks ago. Graziano said he considers it unlikely Burrow wants out, noting people have tried to “get him out of Cincinnati” for years without Burrow ever signaling he doesn’t want to be there.

Graziano added the theories about what was bothering Burrow that day have been “wide-ranging,” from something personal off the field to frustration with how the Bengals operate, but he doesn’t get the sense the team is worried about Burrow forcing his way out.

Fowler echoed that, saying his sense is the Bengals haven’t received any indication Burrow wants out, and that one team source chalked the moment up to Burrow simply having a “bad day,” while also saying, “I truly think he wants to be here,” and that Burrow has been strong in game preparation.

He also framed 2026 as a pivotal year for the direction of the franchise, even while emphasizing Cincinnati wouldn’t consider trading him and that he’s under contract for four more seasons.

And Graziano finally pointed out Burrow has been vocal before about wanting the team to make certain moves, including publicly lobbying for extensions for Ja’Marr Chase, Tee Higgins, and Trey Hendrickson.

In that same postgame window, Burrow was just as blunt about hitting the 20,000 passing-yard mark. Speaking to ESPN’s Ben Baby, he shrugged off the milestone and said it “should’ve been more,” pointing to the full season of games he missed, a typically cold, self-critical line that framed the number as lost time rather than something to celebrate.

If that side stays thin again, Fowler said he could see Burrow becoming more forceful, because there simply isn’t enough talent there to truly chase the AFC North right now.

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“I see everything everybody’s saying, I see all that, trust me,” the 26-year-old said after the win. “But I went to see a specialist and the specialist said that it was okay for me to go back out there and play my game, and that’s what I did.”

Higgins had been in concussion protocol three times since Nov. 16. He missed the Thanksgiving 32-14 win over the Baltimore Ravens, returned in Week 14’s 39-34 loss against the Buffalo Bills, then re-entered the protocol after another head injury and sat out Cincinnati’s last week shutout 24-0 loss to Baltimore. Cleared from protocol on Saturday, Higgins took extra steps before returning, including a visit to renowned concussion specialist Dr. Micky Collins in Pittsburgh on Dec. 18. The Bengals also fitted him with a new helmet and additional padding as part of their cautious approach.

Against Miami, Higgins caught three receptions for 53 yards and a touchdown. His score was his 10th receiving touchdown of the season and came on a nine-yard fade to end a 91-yard opening drive. He also caught a 35-yard pass in the first quarter that helped quarterback Joe Burrow surpass 20,000 career passing yards, making Burrow the fifth-fastest quarterback in NFL history to reach that milestone.

Despite limited practice reps and missed games, Higgins showed no visible rust. In 13 games this season, he has recorded 49 catches for 720 yards and 10 touchdowns, putting him within range of a third career 1,000-yard season if he closes strong over the final two weeks.

Cincinnati’s offense owned the game against the Dolphins. Burrow completed 25-of-32 for 309 yards and four touchdown passes, and wide receiver Ja’Marr Chase caught nine passes for 109 yards, surpassing 500 career receptions and becoming the only receiver with at least 500 catches, 6,500 yards, and 50 touchdowns in his first five seasons. Running back Chase Brown scored three total touchdowns and took in 109 yards from scrimmage.

The Bengals scored 28 unanswered points to open the second half and converted Miami turnovers into touchdowns, turning a 14-10 deficit late in the second quarter into a runaway victory. Cincinnati gathered 407 yards on offense and reached the most points of Zac Taylor’s coaching career.

While the Bengals improved to 5-10 with the win, they will once again miss the playoffs, having failed to win games when they needed to the most. They’ll finish the season with matchups against the Arizona Cardinals in Week 17 and the Cleveland Browns in Week 18.

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“For the first time really that I can remember this season, it felt like we had the opportunities to run and we were getting out-techniqued,” McDaniel said, per ESPN’s Ben Baby. “They had a good plan. They wanted to be on the finer details a little bit more than we did.” For a unit that has taken heat all year, the words carried weight.

The Dolphins landed two second-quarter touchdowns and briefly found momentum. Then the door slammed shut. From late in the second quarter until the fourth, the Dolphins were held scoreless. The Bengals defense erased rushing lanes, tightened pursuit, and forced mistakes, producing two interceptions and a forced fumble that flipped the game.

The response mattered. The Bengals entered the night already eliminated from playoff contention at 5–10, while the Dolphins sat at 6–9 after being knocked out in Week 15. Pride was the fuel. Execution followed.

A Bengals rebound that reshaped the night

The performance hit harder because of recent scars. Just last week, the Bengals defense suffered a brutal 24–0 blowout loss to the Baltimore Ravens that raised serious questions. Against Miami, however, those doubts faded. Gradually, communication sharpened. Soon after, discipline showed. By the end, the plan held.

On the other side, the offense made sure the effort counted. As the game opened up, Joe Burrow delivered four touchdown passes, surgically punishing every mistake and igniting a 35-point surge that buried the game. With each stop, confidence grew. With every score, the gap widened.

In that light, Mike McDaniel’s praise confirmed what the scoreboard already said. Cincinnati didn’t just win. Instead, it responded. The playoffs may be out of reach, but moments like this still matter. If this is the Bengals defense finding its footing, what does that say about how they finish the season?

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Burrow has been in the NFL since 2020, standing out as one of the best quarterbacks in the league. However, injuries and inconsistent play have held him and the Bengals back from achieving their potential. The 2025 season was more of the same, resulting in Burrow expressing his struggles in enjoying the game due to the lack of success.

Burrow was more like his usual self with his display against the Dolphins. He completed 25 passes out of 32 attempts for 309 yards and four touchdowns, lighting up Miami’s defense through the air.

The star quarterback reflected on his performance after the game, per reporter Ben Baby. When a reporter asked about him having fun in the matchup, Burrow made his answer very clear.

“I’m having fun playing football. Not playing football is not fun. Sitting in the locker room rehabbing all day, that’s not why you do it. This is why you do it right here,” Burrow said.

How Joe Burrow, Bengals played against Dolphins

It’s clear that Joe Burrow wants to win. Considering the Bengals’ struggles following their Super Bowl appearance in 2021, that has been a top priority for the star quarterback, resulting in his frustrations throughout past seasons.

Fortunately for Cincinnati, the unit is back on the win column after beating the Dolphins. They started off slow as Miami led 14-10 at one point. Despite this, the Bengals took full control by scoring four unanswered touchdowns throughout the second and third quarters. Miami never recovered from this, having their first-half efforts go to waste.

Chase Brown was active on the ground and in the air, having 12 carries for 66 yards and a touchdown while making four catches for 43 yards and two touchdowns. Samaje Perine followed with seven rushes for 25 yards and a touchdown.

Ja’Marr Chase was dominant against Miami’s secondary all day, leading with nine catches for 109 yards. Tee Higgins came next with three receptions for 53 yards and a touchdown, while Mike Gesicki caught three passes for 35 yards and a touchdown.

Cincinnati improved to a 5-10 record on the season, holding the third spot in the AFC North Division standings. They are above the Cleveland Browns while trailing the Baltimore Ravens and Pittsburgh Steelers. In terms of the AFC standings, they sit at 12th place. They are above the New York Jets and Tennessee Titans while trailing the Miami Dolphins and Kansas City Chiefs.

The Bengals will look forward to their next matchup, being at home. They host the Arizona Cardinals on Dec. 28 at 1 p.m. ET.

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“I missed a full season of games too, so it should have been more,” Burrow said to Baby post-game.

The Bengals have gone 2-2 since Burrow’s return, losing to the Buffalo Bills and Ravens in between their first win over Baltimore and Sunday’s win in Miami. Now, Burrow will look to lead Cincinnati to wins over the Arizona Cardinals and Cleveland Browns at home to close out a disappointing 2025. As the franchise looks forward to what could be a brighter 2026, it’s apparent that changes will be needed to see that more optimistic future. How will this offseason shape up in southern Ohio?

Bengals could undergo a host of changes this coming offseason

Now in his seventh season in charge of the Bengals, head coach Zac Taylor’s staff could certainly see changes once this campaign wraps up. Ever since the deep playoff runs made in 2021 and 2022, Cincinnati has missed the playoffs. Burrow and company were looking to change that trend this season, yet his early-season toe injury, along with one of the NFL’s worst defenses, ruined those chances.

After firing former defensive coordinator Lou Anarumo and replacing him with Al Golden, the defense has taken a major step back. Burrow’s protection on the offensive line has once again been a sore spot as well. For one of the NFL’s thriftiest franchises, it’s clear that changes are needed on the banks of the Ohio River. Will Burrow and company get reinforcements for a renewed playoff push next season, or will the Bengals take yet another step backwards?

The post Bengals QB Joe Burrow’s ice-cold truth bomb on hitting 20,000-yard milestone appeared first on ClutchPoints.

First, Higgins caught a pass over the cornerback’s shoulders, ala Randy Moss.

Tee Higgins straight-up MOSSED his defender pic.twitter.com/rFkyRDeiin

— Bengals Nation (@BengalsNationCP) December 21, 2025

Then, he got the Bengals on the board with a toe-tap touchdown in the back of the end zone.

Tee Higgins with the toe-tap MAGIC in his return for the Bengals pic.twitter.com/9yUbDDz9Ne

— ClutchPoints (@ClutchPoints) December 21, 2025

There has been plenty of speculation about quarterback Joe Burrow’s future in Cincinnati. However, the franchise has at least surrounded him with two of the best wide receivers in the league. Between Higgins and Ja’Marr Chase, Burrow will have a more than formidable arsenal for the foreseeable future.

The offensive line needs to be addressed during the offseason, but the Bengals’ biggest issue has been their defense. Entering Week 16, Cincinnati ranked dead-last in total defense, allowing 403.8 yards per game. There’s a good chance star pass rusher Trey Hendrickson walks in free agency after his contract dispute with the franchise.

The Bengals have found their foundation. There aren’t many better offensive cores than Burrow, Higgins and Chase. However, it’s clear that Cincinnati needs more to get over the hump. And if any of the trio gets injured – especially Burrow – it seems as if the Bengals’ strategy falls apart.

As the franchise star, and signed through the 2029 season, Burrow isn’t likely to go anywhere anytime soon barring a Luka Doncic trade. Neither is Higgins after signing a four-year extension. The pair will hope their special connection leads to more success in 2026.

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Although the Bengals are disappointed with the 2025 season outcome, owner Mike Brown still believes in Taylor as the right man for the job, NFL Network insider Tom Pelissero reported. Brown has historically not liked firing head coaches, and Cincinnati blames the losses on Joe Burrow’s injuries more than Taylor’s shortcomings as a coach.

“There are no signs the Bengals are planning to make major changes,” Pelissero said. “Head coach Zac Taylor has two years left on his contract. All indications are, right now, that Taylor should return. Burow’s injuries have been a driving force in the recent struggles; they’re 1-8 without him this season. Bengals owner Mike Brown is a believer in Taylor, who’s taken them to a Super Bowl, as well as another AFC Championship Game. Historically, Brown has not liked to pay coaches not to coach, so assuming that Taylor stays, the big question will be whether they make another defensive coordinator change.”

The Insiders on @NFLGameDay Morning with @TomPelissero and @MikeGarafolo: #Raiders coach Pete Carroll’s future is in doubt; #Bengals coach Zac Taylor isn't on the hot seat; A look at #Giants candidates, plus #Jets coach Aaron Glenn will return. pic.twitter.com/st2rV0cGLb

— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) December 21, 2025

Entering Week 16, Taylor’s record as the Bengals’ head coach is just 50-62-1. His legacy continues to be carried by Cincinnati’s 2021 AFC Championship and its ensuing 12-4 season that ended in the conference championship game.

However, those are the only two years Taylor managed to win the AFC North. The Bengals finished last in the division in 2023 and third in 2024, with another third-place finish in store for 2025.

NFL insider hints at Bengals defensive coordinator change

While Taylor is expected back for the 2026 season, the same cannot be said for defensive coordinator Al Golden. Pelissero reported that Golden is the biggest question mark on the current coaching staff and could potentially be replaced in the offseason.

Golden has struggled in almost every facet in his first year on the job. He was brought on to fix the team’s atrocious defense after a few stellar seasons with Notre Dame, but the Bengals rank dead last in points allowed and total yards allowed.

Cincinnati blamed defensive coordinator Lou Anarumo for the team’s shortcomings in 2024, which led to Golden’s hiring. Anarumo was immediately hired by the Indianapolis Colts and has since revived their defense, which currently ranks in the top half of the league in points allowed and has been top 10 against the run.

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After being listed as questionable on the final injury report, optimism surrounding Higgins’ availability grew significantly when NFL Network insider Ian Rapoport provided an update late in the week.

“Bengals WR Tee Higgins, working to return from a concussion and listed as questionable, is likely to play on Sunday, source said. He was a full participant on Friday,” Rapoport wrote on X, formerly Twitter.

That context matters for a Bengals offense that was completely shut out in last week’s loss to the Baltimore Ravens. Higgins missed that game after sustaining a concussion in Week 14 against Buffalo Bills, marking the second head injury of his 2025 campaign.

His full participation in Friday’s practice strongly suggests he is nearing the end, or has already cleared, the NFL’s five-step concussion protocol.

While Cincinnati is no longer in playoff contention, the final weeks of the season remain important for evaluating the roster and setting momentum heading into 2026.

Quarterback Joe Burrow will remain under center despite the team’s elimination, and having Higgins back provides a clearer picture of what the offense can look like when healthy.

The Bengals’ collapse over the second half of the season has been frustrating, particularly after rallying late last year only to fall short of the postseason. This year’s struggles have already locked in a third consecutive playoff miss, but Sunday’s matchup against Miami Dolphins (6-8) offers a chance to finish the year with competitiveness and clarity.

For Higgins, returning now is also key on a personal level. After battling injuries throughout the season, a strong close could reinforce his value as one of the league’s most impactful receivers when available.

If Higgins does indeed suit up, all eyes will be on how he responds physically — and whether Cincinnati can finally rediscover some offensive rhythm heading into an uncertain offseason.

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Before the 2020 draft began, it’s said the Dolphins offered four first-round selections to the Bengals in order to pick Burrow, according to ESPN’s Adam Schefter. Cincinnati reportedly shut down the trade offer by choosing not to even engage with Miami’s offer.

“Before the 2020 NFL draft, the Dolphins offered the Bengals four first-round picks in exchange for the No. 1 overall selection and the ability to draft Burrow, league sources told ESPN. The Bengals declined to even engage in discussions and shut down the trade inquiry before it could gain any traction, according to sources.”

Burrow, who just turned 29 years old, was considered an extremely high-caliber prospect coming out of college. He led the LSU Tigers to a national championship win in the 2019-20 season, then went on to be the No. 1 pick in the 2020 NFL Draft. In his second year in the league, Joe Burrow led the Bengals to a Super Bowl appearance, where Cincinnati lost that contest 23-20 to the Los Angeles Rams.

While he is wrapping up the sixth season of his NFL career, the Bengals are eliminated from playoff contention. The club will have to find ways to improve the roster to capitalize on Burrow’s prime after the 2025-26 campaign.

Meanwhile, the Dolphins might be looking for a replacement for Tua Tagovailoa after choosing to bench him in favor of seventh-round rookie Quinn Ewers. Things could have been different for both organizations. However, due to the Bengals turning down Miami’s four first-round picks for the rights to draft Burrow, Cincinnati seemingly has a much better quarterback situation right now.

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How the Bengals’ 2025 season fell apart

Cincinnati’s 2025 campaign has unraveled in dramatic fashion. Sitting at 4-10 through Week 15, the Bengals were officially eliminated from playoff contention after a humiliating 24-0 home shutout loss to the Baltimore Ravens. It’s the first time Joe Burrow has ever been blanked in his NFL career. The optics were grim: freezing conditions, uncleared seating, poor preparation, and a Ravens team that imposed its will from the opening drive.

That loss encapsulated the season. Defensive breakdowns became routine, the offensive line struggled to protect Burrow consistently, and injuries exposed a lack of depth across the roster. Even when Burrow flashed brilliance, the Bengals failed to complement him. The Ravens piled on three sacks and a 95-yard pick-six. Meanwhile, Cincinnati’s offense looked disjointed and outmatched. High expectations dissolved into the reality of a roster in need of serious reinforcement, particularly in the trenches and on defense.

Why the College Football Playoff matters

This is very much a corrective draft cycle for the Bengals. Cincinnati must emerge from the 2026 NFL Draft with players capable of impacting games immediately. The CFP is where those answers are most likely to reveal themselves. That is especially true for prospects who thrive when everything speeds up.

The Bengals’ needs are clear: pass rushers who can close games, linemen who can keep Burrow upright, and defensive chess pieces who add flexibility rather than liability. Several CFP standouts fit that description. They should be squarely on Cincinnati’s radar.

Here we’ll try to look at and discuss the Bengals’ must-see NFL Draft targets in the 2025-26 College Football Playoff.

R Mason Thomas, EDGE, Oklahoma

If Cincinnati is serious about fixing its defense, R Mason Thomas should command attention. The Oklahoma edge rusher brings rare first-step explosiveness and closing speed. He can consistently stress offensive tackles and collapse pockets. Thomas wins with timing, leverage, and acceleration, making him a natural disruptor.

For a Bengals defense that too often allowed quarterbacks to operate comfortably, Thomas represents a potential tone-setter. His ability to threaten the edge forces offenses to slide protection. That has ripple effects across the front. Watching how he performs against CFP-caliber offensive lines will be critical. The upside is clear, though: Thomas could be the kind of defender who changes game plans before the ball is even snapped.

Emmanuel Pregnon, OL, Ole Miss

Protecting Burrow must remain priority No. 1. Emmanuel Pregnon offers a compelling solution. The Ole Miss lineman is massive, powerful, and surprisingly nimble for his size. He anchors well in pass protection and generates movement in the run game. That gives him true every-down value.

Cincinnati’s interior line has been a pressure point for years. Pregnon’s presence could stabilize it immediately. He plays with a physical edge that shows up late in games. That is exactly what the Bengals have lacked when trying to close out opponents. His CFP tape will give evaluators a chance to see how he handles speed, power, and complex fronts. All of those mirror AFC North football.

Caleb Downs, S, Ohio State

Caleb Downs plays the game with a rare blend of instincts and explosiveness. His quick-twitch athleticism and fearless approach make him a constant presence on the back end. There are very few holes in his game.

For Cincinnati, Downs would bring versatility to a secondary that has struggled with communication and matchup flexibility. He can align deep, roll into the box, or cover tight ends and slot receivers without becoming a liability. In a division filled with physical offenses and dynamic quarterbacks, that kind of defensive intelligence is invaluable.

Arvell Reese, DL, Ohio State

Reese embodies the modern NFL defender. He’s comfortable playing multiple roles, whether that’s setting the edge, dropping into coverage, or attacking gaps. His football IQ and positional flexibility allow defenses to disguise intentions and adapt on the fly.

For the Bengals, Reese offers something adaptability. Sure, evaluators would love to see more pure pass-rush reps from him. However, his ability to do everything else at a high level makes him a valuable chess piece. In the CFP, his usage and impact will be telling.

Monroe Freeling, OL, Georgia

Freeling’s development over the course of the season has been one of the more intriguing stories in college football. He steadily improved, particularly as a run blocker. That’s where his ability to displace defenders became more consistent as the year progressed.

In a tackle class lacking obvious blue-chip certainty, Freeling’s upward trajectory matters. Cincinnati could use long-term answers on the edge. Freeling’s blend of size, movement skills, and coachability makes him a worthy target. How he holds up against elite pass rushers in the CFP could solidify his status.

The path forward

The Bengals’ 2025 season has been sobering. However, it has also clarified what must come next. Joe Burrow remains the franchise. Franchises, though, only thrive when they protect their quarterback and surround him with a defense capable of finishing games. The College Football Playoff offers Cincinnati a clear window into who can handle that responsibility.

This offseason isn’t about splash. It’s about substance. For the Bengals, the answers they need may already be playing under the brightest lights college football has to offer.

The post Bengals’ must-see NFL Draft targets in College Football Playoff: R Mason Thomas, Emmanuel Pregnon and more appeared first on ClutchPoints.

Neither team has much to write home about this season. The Bengals stand at 4-10, while the Dolphins (6-8) were recently eliminated from playoff consideration.

One big question for the Bengals is what they will get out of quarterback Joe Burrow.

Bengals QB Joe Burrow will throw for 280-plus yards

Burrow has been under scrutiny after his recent comments about playing football. But he’s a professional with a high motor. Look for him to come out and play like vintage Joe Burrow.

Teammate Ja’Marr Chase said he’s trying to support Burrow, according to Fox Sports.

“If I’m being honest, I’ve never been in a situation with him where I’ve had to uplift him,” Chase said. “But going forward, I might need to because he does it for me. You never know what he might be going through.”

Burrow is coming off a game where he did next to nothing. He threw for 225 yards with no touchdowns and two interceptions. But the Bengals’ struggles haven’t been a total coaching thing, according to atozsports.com.

“I think we have great coaches,” Burrow said. “I think we’re consistently put in good positions to make plays and do our best. Obviously, there’s good games and bad games, just like players have good games and bad games. I have a lot of confidence in everybody that’s putting together the plans for us week in and week out.

“That’s not to say that changes don’t need to be made,” Burrow continued. “Not saying personnel or people, I’m just saying what we’ve been doing hasn’t worked the last couple years. So now we have to think outside the box and get creative about where we go from here.”

Bengals WR Ja’Marr Chase will get back into the end zone

After a strong start to the season, Chase has turned into a big disappointment for fantasy football managers. Despite having four big receiving efforts, Chase hasn’t been in the end zone for six straight weeks.

So, yes, it’s a bold prediction to say he will find that place against the Dolphins.

Chase said he still believes in the level of talent the Bengals have on the offensive side of the football, according to cincinnati.com.

“I mean, yeah,” Chase said. “Obviously, man, we got the best (quarterback-receiver) duo and quarterback. Every year I feel like we been getting better in the running game and (exceeding) the expectations we’ve had since last year and just getting better every year. We just got to find that piece.”

Burrow should pepper Chase with targets this week.

Dolphins De-Von Achane will total 150-plus yards

Let’s face it. The Bengals have no shot at stopping Achane. In fairness, few teams have been able to slow him down. Let’s look at his season chart for total yards:

• Weeks 1-4 — 75, 122, 91, 101
• Weeks 5-8 — 46, 150, 98, 91
• Week 9-12 — 106, 225, 165, bye
• Weeks 13-15 — 134, 105, 127

Now, let’s pull out the totals against the bottom 10 defenses in the NFL this year in terms of yards allowed.

• Commanders — 105
• Steelers — 147
• Ravens — 106

And now, Achane gets the defense that allowed more yards than anybody. The Bengals have given up 403.8 per game.

Let’s take one more statistical step, given the Bengals’ yardage number. Achane has gained 1,636 total yards this season. That’s 37% of the Dolphins’ offense (4,460).

The Bengals have allowed almost 404 yards per game. If Achane gets his usual 37 percent, that’s 149.5 total yards.

There you have it, in numbers at least.

Now, you add in that the Dolphins will have Quinn Ewers at quarterback. The Bengals can’t shut anybody down, not even a rookie in his first start. So, the Dolphins can run their normal offense and get the ball to Achane everywhere.

Here’s the overall viewpoint, according to ESPN via abc7chicago.com.

“Achane has been a solid under bet in the receiving game this year, as his enormous success as a traditional ball carrier has led to fewer touches as a receiver,” Ben Solak wrote. “The Bengals, however, are a great team for RB receiving production, as they play tons of soft zone coverage and have very shaky tacklers in the second level of the defense — checkdowns can go far with Achane against the Cincinnati linebackers.

“With Tua Tagovailoa benched and Ewers in line to start his first NFL game, all Dolphins receiving props are depressed. To insulate his rookie, expect head coach Mike McDaniel to dial up multiple designed throws to Achane, and expect Ewers to be fast to the checkdown when the Bengals pack their downfield zones. With Achane’s speed, we can get to this number [over 26.5 receiving yards] in a few catches, but I expect the playcalling will get us there over volume.”

So, which team comes away with the win? We’ll go with Burrow getting the Bengals back on track offensively. And we will discount the Dolphins’ ability to match scores with a rookie quarterback. Prediction: Bengals 27, Dolphins 23.

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Ja'Marr Chase answered questions pertaining to the Bengals front office & coaching staff today—

Q: How do you feel about the front office and this coaching staff?
Ja'Marr: "I feel great about them … I've got a great bond with the staff."

Q: Why do you think Bengals players… pic.twitter.com/VH5GyHF0MV

— Caleb Noe (@CalebNoeTV) December 18, 2025

They are limping to the close of the NFL season with a 4-10 record. The difficulty this year can be linked to an early-season injury suffered by star quarterback Joe Burrow and there have been rumors that the quarterback is tired of losing with the Bengals and that he wants to be traded. However, wide receiver Ja’Marr Chase, one of the elite players in the NFL at his position, is not looking to be traded. He threw his support behind Taylor and the team’s management when he was asked about the direction of the team.

“I feel great about them,” Chase said. “I’ve got a great bond with the staff.”

Chase was asked why players on the team felt strongly about the leadership even though the Bengals will miss the playoff for the third consecutive season.

“Probably because they’ve shown them love since they got here as rookies,” Chase said. “Over time you keep building on a relationship, and they still have one.”

Chase has been productive  again in 2025

Even though the Bengals have lost 10 of their last 12 games, Chase remains one of the most productive receivers in the NFL. He has been targeted 155 times by Bengals quarterbacks and he has caught 101 passes for 1,147 yards with 5 touchdowns. He has 10 receptions of 20 yards or more, a long play of 64 yards and 56 of his receptions have resulted in Bengals’ first downs.

This is Chase’s 5th season with the Bengals and he has been their leading receiver in each of those years. He caught a league-best 127 passes last year for 1,708 yards and 17 TDs.

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Chase addressed the topic during a media availability session ahead of Thursday Night Football. While he confirmed plans to watch the high-stakes divisional clash between the Los Angeles Rams and Seattle Seahawks, his explanation revealed how years of elite-level competition have fundamentally changed the way he consumes the sport.

WCPO 9’s Caleb Noe shared Chase’s comments on X (formerly known as Twitter), capturing his reasoning for why watching football rarely provides an escape.

“If I’m watching football, I’m gonna dissect it down. That’s why I don’t like watching it that much, because my brain starts thinking too hard.”

The comment offered insight into the mental toll carried by top-level players late in the season. Rather than enjoying games as entertainment, the former LSU Tigers standout described approaching broadcasts as an extension of film study, breaking down coverages, leverage, and execution in real time.

That mindset mirrors the current state of Cincinnati’s 2025 season. The Bengals enter Week 16 well outside the playoff picture after a difficult stretch that has tested focus and resolve. Despite the team’s struggles, Chase has remained a consistent offensive force, surpassing 1,100 receiving yards while continuing to command constant defensive attention.

For Chase, the inability to simply enjoy football underscores his commitment to mastery. The game never fully turns off, even away from the field. Each snap becomes information rather than entertainment, particularly during a season defined more by frustration than momentum.

The perspective humanizes one of the league’s biggest stars. While fans watch for escape, Chase experiences football as constant analysis, highlighting the mental demands of elite performance.

As the Bengals move through the final weeks of the season, Chase’s comments reveal a player focused on process rather than pleasure. For Cincinnati, that mindset remains one of the few constants during a challenging year.

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However, there’s another uncomfortable theory that’s floating around Joe Burrow, one that Golden State Warriors forward Draymond Green subscribes to. In a recent appearance on NFL insider Jordan Schultz’ podcast, the Warriors forward shared his theory that Burrow is not hinting at a trade, but rather his retirement. He cites Andrew Luck as the “blueprint” behind this theory.

“Joe has had some tough injuries,” Green said. “He’s battled a lot. When you start making comments like that, it signals you’re at least possibly thinking about it (retirement). That could be the reason he wants to play these last three games.”

When Schultz said that he just doesn’t see that happening, Green was quick to reference Luck’s shocking retirement back in 2019.

“Just like you didn’t see Andrew Luck,” Green argued. “No one thought Andrew Luck was about to retire… No one thought that. I think you have more of an indication on this one than you did Andrew Luck if you want to, like, peek through the weeds a little bit.”

Burrow will be entering his sixth season in the NFL next year. During that time, he’s experienced a lot of highs, including a miracle run to the Super Bowl in 2021 and another AFC Championship Game appearance the year after. Since then, though, the Bengals quarterback has struggled with injuries. Attributed mostly due to his ailing offensive line, the Bengals star has earned a reputation of being injury-prone.

Burrow had a healthy 2024 season for the first time in ages, but then his Bengals had a troubling defense that actively lost them games. This season, Burrow suffered a toe injury in Week 2 that kept him out for two months. He returned a few weeks ago, making a triumphant return against the Ravens in Week 13, but losing two games since then.

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Higgins was listed as a limited participant as he continues progressing through the league mandated concussion protocol. The injury update comes at a key moment, even with the Bengals already eliminated from playoff contention. His potential availability would help stabilize an aerial attack that has leaned heavily on the team’s remaining wide receivers in recent weeks.

The Athletic’s Paul Dehner Jr. posted the official practice report to his X (formerly known as Twitter) account, detailing the team’s mounting list of ailments ahead of Week 16. The post highlighted the unusually high number of ankle injuries across the roster and provided broader context surrounding the Bengals injury report.

“#Bengals practice update: Everyone’s ankle hurts.”

#Bengals practice update: Everyone’s ankle hurts. pic.twitter.com/G5UAwBdv9j

— Paul Dehner Jr. (@pauldehnerjr) December 17, 2025

Superstar quarterback Joe Burrow appeared on the report with a knee designation but logged full participation, signaling no expected limitation. Several contributors were not as fortunate, as Noah Fant, B.J. Hill, Kris Jenkins, Charlie Jones, and Joseph Ossai did not participate due to ankle injuries. Drew Sample remained limited with a neck issue, while Samaje Perine and DJ Turner II were among those practicing fully.

Higgins’ limited status represents a critical checkpoint within the NFL concussion protocol. A return to practice is required before independent clearance can be granted, and further progress later in the week would be needed for game availability.

The Bengals are preparing for a road matchup vs. the Miami Dolphins, where their depth will be tested again. With injuries piling up late in the season, each update carries added weight as Cincinnati evaluates who can suit up and who may need additional recovery time.

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Joe Burrow spoke to the media on Wednesday. He responded to a question about whether he ever imagined himself as a quarterback for a team other than the Bengals in his career. Burrow’s response: “You think about a lot of things.”

Joe Burrow continues to be reflective and thoughtful. From today: pic.twitter.com/JvBPvYpFCT

— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) December 17, 2025

Burrow is from the state of Ohio and has played football there for almost his entire life, except for at LSU. The Bengals took him No. 1 overall after his star-studded season, winning the national championship and the Heisman trophy.

Burrow has been a fan favorite and one of the league’s best quarterbacks in the NFL since he arrived. Injuries have gotten in the way of a great start to his career, but he has plenty of seasons left. The thought of Burrow playing for another team doesn’t sit right with a lot of people, and the Bengals should make it clear that he won’t be going anywhere as long as he is under contract.

Burrow responded to being compared to other QBs who have played for multiple teams.

“Lots of crazy things happen each year.”

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With this being the case, some are wondering if head coach Zac Taylor might be on the hot seat.

However, recently, Paul Dehner Jr. of The Athletic detailed how a secret contract extension signed by Taylor a few years ago might complicate that.

“There are a few key points surrounding Taylor’s status. For one, his contract will be a factor. Contrary to prior reports, Taylor actually has two years remaining on his contract after this season, not one,” reported Dehner Jr. “He signed a five-year extension following the Super Bowl season. Then, after reaching the AFC Championship Game in the 2022 season, he signed another five-year extension through the 2027 campaign.”

Dehner Jr. also noted that “Making and keeping (Joe) Burrow happy will always be a considerable driver of organizational direction — now more than ever. He’s always displayed support for Taylor, who’s never been shy about admitting all things run through Burrow offensively.”

Indeed, there are several factors that the Bengals would need to weigh before making a decision as drastic as firing their coach, especially when it would appear to be against the wishes of their franchise quarterback.

Of course, there have also been questions about Burrow’s viability in that role moving forward considering his growing injury history, but for now, it seems like no change is on the horizon in that regard.

In any case, the Bengals will next take the field on Sunday against the Miami Dolphins.

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From there, the conversation around the Bengals has shifted to something heavier than Week 16 game plans. ESPN noted multiple theories are circulating in the league about Burrow after he followed last week’s gloomy news conference with a rough showing in the shutout loss that eliminated Cincinnati from the playoffs.

Burrow has seemed unusually down, and Ja’Marr Chase even said, “You never know what he might be going through.”

A couple of people ESPN spoke to raised an Andrew Luck-style concern: a quarterback getting worn down by the cycle of injuries and rehab. Others pushed back just as strongly, saying Burrow is wired as an obsessive competitor who loves football, and that what you’re seeing is frustration with how the season has unraveled.

Either way, this offseason is enormous. Cincinnati is locked into its first losing season since Burrow’s 2020 rookie year and will miss the postseason for the third straight time. ESPN also pointed to major defensive roster questions, with high draft picks not panning out, and the coordinator change from Lou Anarumo to Al Golden not moving the needle.

That’s where Taylor’s job security comes in. Around the league, there’s speculation about whether the Bengals stay the course at head coach, and ESPN added that many believe Burrow’s relationship with Taylor is a real reason Cincinnati might keep him.

Late Sunday, Burrow did address the locker room, but multiple players declined to share what he said, according to Joe Danneman.

Burrow has never said he’s unhappy in Cincinnati and has recently made a point to say the opposite, but the body language, the quotes, and the timing are feeding the noise. The Bengals’ priority should be to stabilize the defense, protect the quarterback, and make sure their centerpiece still feels like this is worth the fight.

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It certainly looked like that would no longer be the case during the 2021 season, because that was the season the Bengals won the AFC North title with a 10-7 record and then went on a spectacular run in the postseason.

The Bengals defeated the Las Vegas Raiders in the Wild Card round and followed with a triumph over the Tennessee Titans in the divisional playoffs.

Cincinnati was an underdog against the Kansas City Chiefs in the AFC title game, but Burrow came through with a brilliant performance in his showdown with Patrick Mahomes and the Bengals advanced to the the Super Bowl with a 27-24 triumph.

The Bengals were looking for the first Super Bowl victory in team history, but they fell short and dropped a 23-20 decision to the Los Angeles Rams.

After a 12-4 season in 2022, it has largely been disappointment and heartbreak since. They lost the AFC title game to the Chiefs in the return engagement, but 3 straight non-playoff seasons have followed.

Burrow is able to read the tea leaves and he understands that shortcomings within the organization are likely to keep him from getting to the top as long as he remains in Cincinnati.

Vikings would be top spot for Burrow

Moving on from the Bengals would be the best thing for his career, and there are three teams that could turn out to be much better for the remainder of his career. One of those teams is ideal, while the other two could also turn out to be spots for success.

The Vikings would clearly offer Burrow the best opportunity for success, especially in the next 2-3 seasons. There are a number of advantages, starting with the presence of head coach Kevin O’Connell, known as one of the game’s premier quarterback whisperers. O’Connell had success with Matthew Stafford as offensive coordinator with the Rams.

After moving on to the top spot with the Vikings, he had a positive impact on Kirk Cousins and Sam Darnold. Both are examples of his influence on quarterbacks with flaws. He was able to coax improvement out of Cousins and help lead the Vikings to a division title in 2022 even though the team’s defense was abominable that season.

He was even better with Darnold last season. Prior to coming to the Vikings, Darnold had struggled badly with three other teams, but he became a resourceful leader and accurate passer who led Minnesota to a 14-3 record. The Vikings let Darnold leave in the offseason because they wanted to turn the position over to J.J. McCarthy

It has not been the same story with McCarthy, but there have been some recent signs of success. However, the Vikings are in last place in the NFC North, and the idea of having Burrow under center has to be dream-like to O’Connell.

It would also be ideal for Justin Jefferson, who was Burrow’s key receiver — along with Ja’Marr Chase — at LSU during their college careers. Jefferson has been rated as the top receiver in the NFL, but he has suffered this season as McCarthy has struggled as Minnesota’s QB1.

Giants and Steelers could also be success spots for Burrow

On the surface, playing for the Giants could turn out to be nightmarish for Burrow. However, when it comes to having talented receivers at his disposal, Burrow could be in great shape if he was playing for Big Blue.

The combination of wide receivers Wan’Dale Robinson and the immensely talented Malik Nabers would give Burrow a pair of wideouts who could dominate with their combination of speed, big-play ability, skill and hunger to succeed. Combine those two with running back Cam Skattebo, and the Giants would have the talent at the skill position to jump over the Dallas Cowboys and Washington Commanders in the NFC East and challenge the Philadelphia Eagles.

The Steelers are hoping to win the AFC North this season with 42-year-old Aaron Rodgers at quarterback. The Steelers (8-6) have a 1-game lead over the Baltimore Ravens, and they have won their last two games against the Ravens and Miami Dolphins.

While the schedule is tough — at Detroit, at Cleveland, vs. Baltimore — the Steelers could survive and get to the playoffs once again under head coach Mike Tomlin.

However, this appears to be the end of the line for Rodgers. The idea of the Bengals trading Burrow to the Steelers is a longshot, but he would be a wonderful fit for one of the NFL’s most beloved franchises.

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That prompted questions on the short-term future of quarterback Joe Burrow.

On Monday, Cincinnati head coach Zac Taylor confirmed that Burrow will play and start the rest of the regular season. When pressed on why he would make that decision, Taylor was quite blunt.

“Because we want to win,” Taylor said curtly, according to The Athletic’s Paul Dehner Jr.

The Bengals dropped to 4-10 on the season. But this season was supposed to be different. Burrow and the Bengals’ offense actually suited up to play during the preseason, in hopes of avoiding the slow start.

It appeared to work, as Cincinnati won each of its first two games. But in Week 3, Burrow suffered a toe injury that kept him out for much of the season. Without the former Pro Bowl quarterback under center, the Bengals went into a tailspin.

Yet, the division was still in sight with both the Pittsburgh Steelers and Ravens struggling. But on Sunday, Cincy laid an egg at home. With the team eliminated from playoff contention, some might have assumed Taylor would sit Burrow the rest of the year.

But he is healthy, and Taylor understands fans deserve more. It sounds like they are going to get it, starting in Week 16 against the Miami Dolphins on the road. Then the Bengals close the season hosting the Arizona Cardinals and the Cleveland Browns.

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In a year where injuries, regression, and frustration have piled up, the franchise player’s mindset is suddenly front and center.

Multiple players said Joe Burrow addressed the team after the game. They did not share what Burrow said, per Joe Danneman on X.

That silence almost says more than any leaked quote could. Whatever Burrow told the locker room clearly stayed in-house, which suggests his message carried enough weight that teammates were willing to protect it.

For a 4-10 team that just got blanked at home and has seen its supposed Super Bowl window slammed shut for the third straight year, that kind of internal loyalty still matters.

On the field, nothing about Sunday looked like the Bengals’ contender version. Burrow went 25-of-39 for 225 yards with two interceptions, including a crushing red-zone turnover that turned into a pick-six the other way.

Cincinnati moved the ball in spurts but repeatedly stalled on third and fourth down, finishing with just 4.2 yards per play and no points to show for it. Even Chase’s 10 catches for 132 yards came with costly drops that helped kill drives.

Head coach Zac Taylor didn’t duck the blame for the meltdown. He called the shutout “unacceptable” and put it on himself as the playcaller, vowing to dig into why an offense that once terrified the league could look this lifeless at home against a division rival.

Where the Bengals go from here will depend heavily on what was actually said in that postgame speech.

The public may never hear Burrow’s words, but his teammates’ decision to keep them private hints at a quarterback still firmly at the center of the room, even as the season around him collapses.

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