Cincinnati Bengals will target pass rush and defensive upgrades, leveraging a top NFL draft pick and free agency to rebuild for 2026 contention.
The Cincinnati Bengals enter the 2026 offseason looking to address the weaknesses that kept them from returning to the playoffs in 2025. After finishing 6-11 and third in the AFC North, Cincinnati faces a roster reset with several key areas of need, particularly on the defensive side of the ball.
Improving the pass rush will be a primary objective for head coach Zac Taylor and Director of Player Personnel Duke Tobin. Tobin told reporters that the biggest offseason priority is bolstering the pass rush, a unit that struggled with consistency and production last season due to injuries and lack of pressure generation.
Veteran Trey Hendrickson missed significant time, and younger options such as Myles Murphy and 2025 first-rounder Shemar Stewart did not consistently fill the gap.
The immediate offseason calendar gives Cincinnati a clear timeline for action. The legal tampering period and free agency allows the Bengals to pursue external help, and the 2026 NFL Draft looms shortly after. Cincinnati will hold the No. 10 overall pick, a position that can be used to add impact talent early, particularly on defense.
However, defensive concerns extend beyond just edge rush. Cincinnati ranked near the bottom of the league in critical defensive categories in 2025, including stops behind the line of scrimmage and consistent quarterback pressure. Addressing those issues could involve both free-agent signings and targeted draft selections.
Roster Moves, Free Agency Strategy and Positional Priorities
Several notable players on the 2025 roster will hit the open market, including edge rusher Hendrickson, interior lineman Joseph Ossai, and safety Geno Stone, among others. Hendrickson is expected to be among the more sought-after free agents available league-wide, with a substantial market expected for his services given his production history.
On offense, the Bengals are relatively stable at the skill positions with All-Pro talents like Ja’Marr Chase and Tee Higgins under contract through 2029, reducing the urgency for major additions at wide receiver. However, there may be internal focus on player development and depth additions, particularly given the wear and tear of the 2025 season.
The offensive line also draws attention, as continuity and protection will be essential for maximizing the passing game around Joe Burrow and the wideouts in 2026.
With a prime need on the defensive front and secondary, Cincinnati’s No. 10 first-round pick could be used to address either edge rush in a stacked draft class. Back in November, ESPN’s Matt Miller’s mock draft projection had the Bengals selecting Auburn edge rusher Keldric Faulk with a top pick, a player praised for his size and flexibility as both an inside and outside rusher.
Overall, the Bengals are expected to focus on defensive upgrades, with particular emphasis on pass rush and secondary help, while managing the offensive side of the roster through targeted depth additions. The combination of free agency and the draft will shape Cincinnati’s strategy as the team seeks to close gaps that limited its success in 2025.