Bengals Revamp Defense Around Joe Burrow for 2026 Playoff Bid

The Cincinnati Bengals head into the 2026 NFL season with Joe Burrow returning as the focus of a roster overhaul aimed at ending a three-year playoff drought, after a 6-11 finish in 2025. Cincinnati’s offseason has centered on strengthening the defense, while the team also faces a full slate that includes marquee home matchups and an international game.

Cincinnati traded the No. 10 overall pick to the New York Giants for three-time Pro Bowl defensive tackle Dexter Lawrence, a move intended to bolster a defensive front that struggled last season. The Bengals also added edge rusher Boye Mafe and safety Bryan Cook through free agency, alongside other defensive additions including Jonathan Allen, and a series of steps to improve pass rush and run defense. The changes come as the Bengals try to address a defense that, in 2025, allowed substantial points and total yards while injuries disrupted performance.

Burrow, who missed eight games in 2025 with a toe injury, returned in November and played well in the games he started. He is expected to lead an offense built around JaMarr Chase and Tee Higgins and powered by Chase Brown’s role in the backfield. Keeping Burrow healthy remains a...