Big news came out of Ohio Monday as the Cincinnati Bengals officially re-signed offensive guard Dalton Risner to a one-year, $5 million deal. His contract extension makes it official that the starting five linemen to end the season will all return to protect superstar quarterback Joe Burrow in 2026. 

Although Burrow only played eight games in 2025 due to turf toe, his protectors struggled whether he was on the field or not. One thing is certain, though, and that is that Risner was the perfect fit to lift both the floor and ceiling of the entire unit. His leadership both on and off the field boosted the group to more production later in the season, and with his vocal desire to remain with the Bengals, his re-signing was a no-brainer for general manager Duke Tobin.

Cincinnati Bengals offensive guard Dalton Risner (66) | © Jeff Hanisch-Imagn Images

Following his extension, Risner detailed his excitement to remain with Burrow.

“[Burrow] has, from day one, shown his support for me and voiced his opinion on the football player that he thinks I am, and that motivates me, that makes me want to be better,” said Risner. “When I see him and the way he plays, and the way he fights for every yard, and the competitiveness he brings? Man, it just makes you want to go to work even more. So, I want to keep that dude healthy, and I want to go win some serious football games this year. I want to be a part of an offensive line that can really get this team to where we want to go.”

Most position groups prosper from increased talent, but for an offensive line room, chemistry and continuity may be even more valuable. It’s been shown on multiple occasions how tight-knit this group is with each other and Burrow, and now they are hoping it will start translating to wins. 

Head coach Zac Taylor and offensive coordinator Dan Pitcher can’t have many complaints when it comes to that side of the football. Having a 29-year-old superstar at the helm, surrounded by more star talent in wide receivers Ja’Marr Chase and Tee Higgins and running back Chase Brown, and now matched with an improving offensive line, all account for the potential for the best offense in the NFL.

With the offensive line out of the way, all focus should point towards the defense. Today marked the franchise tag deadline, and the Bengals chose not to use theirs, meaning that superstar defensive end Trey Hendrickson is officially entering unrestricted free agency.

After failing to come to terms on a multi-year deal over the past few seasons, Hendrickson announced his departure from Cincinnati through a heartfelt Instagram post. He is widely recognized as potentially the top free agent of the offseason and will command anywhere from $30-40 million annually from the team that chooses to sign him.

Cincinnati Bengals defensive end Trey Hendrickson (91) | © Joseph Maiorana-Imagn Images

While losing the 2024 NFL Sack Leader is devastating, it has been expected for several months at this point. Now it’s time for Tobin to fulfill the vision that defensive coordinator Al Golden has in place in order to get this team back to playoff and Super Bowl contention.