Cincinnati Bengals Release First Depth Chart of 2026 Season

The Cincinnati Bengals released their first depth chart of 2026 with the first preseason game against the Lions on the horizon. While there aren’t any groundbreaking surprises, there is a lot of information on where the coaching staff stands on some positional questions surrounding the roster.

There is obviously plenty of time before Week 1 for the depth chart to change, but the first look allows for tracking how different players move around as the year goes on.

Wide Receiver

Andrei Iosivas did not have a great season in 2025, leading to an all-important offseason for the 26-year-old wideout. It became even more crucial once Cincinnati took Colbie Young in the fourth round of the NFL Draft, and the rookie has been making standout plays in the opening stages of training camp to push for the WR3 role.

As it stands now, Iosivas is the third wide receiver on the depth chart, with Young slotting in as a backup along with Mitchell Tinsley and Charlie Jones.

Tight End

Seven tight ends made the initial depth chart, and Drew Sample took the top spot. Mike Gesicki followed as the TE2, and breakout candidate Erick All Jr. came in all the way down at TE4 behind Tanner Hudson.

Some fans may see All having that breakout season, but for now, the Bengals feel more comfortable with their veterans in the room. It could also be a surprise to some that Sample is currently being put over a guy like Gesicki.

Defensive End

It’s no secret that four different edge rushers will see significant playing time for the Bengals in 2026, but as it shakes out now, Boye Mafe and Myles Murphy take the starting spots on both sides of the defensive line. Cashius Howell has been pushing to potentially start as a rookie, with strong performances in training camp, but as of now, he sits behind Mafe and Murphy.

Shemar Stewart also comes in as a backup, but he could also be one to monitor as he returns from injury as the regular season approaches.

Safety

Bryan Cook was brought in during the offseason to step in and replace Geno Stone as a starter, but there were still questions about who would be starting at the other safety position. Jordan Battle returns as a starter from last year, but the Bengals also brought in Kyle Duggar to compete for the position.

Battle is listed as the starter for now, but Duggar will challenge him for the spot throughout training camp and the preseason.