The 2025 season was supposed to be a bounce-back year for the Cincinnati Bengals - a chance to reassert themselves as contenders in the AFC. Instead, it’s been a season to forget. With double-digit losses already locked in and a third straight year without a playoff appearance, the Bengals are staring down a critical offseason that could define the next chapter of the Joe Burrow era.
Let’s be clear: this roster had the talent to compete. But talent alone doesn’t win games - execution does.
And that’s where Cincinnati consistently came up short. Whether it was missed assignments, lack of cohesion on defense, or an offense that couldn’t stay healthy or find rhythm, the Bengals never looked like the team fans were hoping for in 2025.
Now, the focus shifts to what comes next. The good news?
Cincinnati enters the offseason with a healthy cap situation. They’ve got the flexibility to make moves - to bring in experienced veterans and fill critical holes.
But that’s only half the battle. The real question is whether the front office is ready to be aggressive and make the necessary upgrades.
Offensively, the core is largely intact. Assuming the Bengals re-sign Dalton Risner - who’s been a bright spot up front - the offensive line should return mostly intact, providing some much-needed continuity.
With Burrow expected back at full strength and weapons like Ja’Marr Chase and Tee Higgins still in the fold, there’s reason to believe this offense can bounce back in 2026. But they’ll need better protection, more consistency, and fewer stalled drives to make that happen.
The bigger concern - and where the spotlight will shine brightest this offseason - is on the defense. Simply put, this unit has been historically bad for stretches of the year.
Yes, there were flashes of competence, even a few weeks of solid play. But over the course of the season, the defense lacked identity, consistency, and impact.
The needs are clear. This team has to generate more pressure off the edge.
The pass rush just hasn’t been there, and in today’s NFL, you can’t compete without disrupting the quarterback. They also need veteran leadership at linebacker - someone who can both lead in the locker room and make plays in space.
And the secondary? It’s been a revolving door since Jessie Bates left.
Finding a reliable safety, or at least someone who can hold their own in coverage, should be high on the priority list.
Interior defensive line help is also a must. Too often, opposing offenses controlled the line of scrimmage, especially on early downs. Without push from the inside, the rest of the defense was left exposed - and it showed.
This offseason isn’t just about plugging holes. It’s about reshaping a defense that’s lost its edge and reinforcing an offense that can’t afford to waste another year of Burrow’s prime.
The pieces are there. The cap space is there.
Now it’s on Cincinnati’s front office to make the right moves - because the window to contend won’t stay open forever.