The Bengals’ 2026 offseason isn’t about starting over-it’s about course-correcting before the window slams shut. Joe Burrow is expected back at full strength, Ja’Marr Chase is still playing like the best wide receiver in football, and the offense remains stacked with playmakers.
But after a 6-11 season that spiraled out of control following Burrow’s injury, Cincinnati is staring down some hard truths. The defense collapsed, the roster lost its balance, and now the front office has no choice but to recalibrate-fast.
Let’s be clear: the Bengals still have a shot to contend. But they’ve got to make some tough roster decisions to free up cap space and redirect resources, especially on the defensive side of the ball.
That means saying goodbye to some familiar names. Three veterans in particular stand out as likely cap casualties, and each move would signal a shift toward a more sustainable, defense-first approach.
A Season of “What Ifs”
The 2025 campaign was a slow-motion unraveling. It started with promise, but everything changed when Burrow went down with a turf toe injury against Jacksonville. What followed was a 1-8 stretch that knocked Cincinnati out of playoff contention for the third straight year.
Veteran Joe Flacco stepped in and held his own-his late-season chemistry with Tee Higgins even bordered on Pro Bowl-worthy. Ja’Marr Chase was electric all year, leading the league in receptions and earning First-team All-Pro honors. Running back Chase Brown broke out with a 1,000-yard season, giving the offense a much-needed sense of balance.
But none of that could overcome the elephant in the room: the defense.
A Defense in Free Fall
Cincinnati’s defense didn’t just regress-it imploded. The Bengals finished last in nearly every major defensive category, including a league-worst 28.9 points allowed per game. The run defense was especially leaky, allowing opponents to dictate tempo and control field position.
Losing Trey Hendrickson to a season-ending core muscle injury was a major blow. Without his pass-rushing presence, the defensive front lost its teeth, and the secondary paid the price. The lack of pressure exposed coverage gaps and led to a cascade of breakdowns.
There were a few bright spots-cornerback DJ Turner II showed real promise, and offensive line prospect Dylan Fairchild flashed potential. But the defense’s inability to get off the field left the offense with zero margin for error.
Time to Reallocate Resources
With around $55 million in projected cap space, the Bengals have room to maneuver. But if they want to make real changes-particularly on the defensive line and in the secondary-they’ll need to create even more flexibility. That starts with cutting veterans whose production no longer matches their price tags.
BJ Hill - Interior DL
Hill has been a foundational piece of the Bengals’ defense during their recent playoff runs. A strong interior presence, he brought consistency against the run and flashed as a pocket disruptor. But 2025 told a different story.
At 31, Hill’s explosiveness dipped noticeably. His individual win rate dropped, and the Bengals’ defensive front struggled to generate any meaningful pressure. They gave up 4.7 yards per carry, often losing at the point of attack.
Hill’s leadership still matters, but his $12.1 million cap hit in 2026 is hard to justify. Cutting him would free up nearly $5 million before June 1, and even more if designated post-June. With younger linemen like Kris Jenkins and McKinnley Jackson waiting in the wings, this feels like a natural transition point.
Mike Gesicki - Tight End
Gesicki was brought in to add a vertical element to the Bengals’ tight end room. And in spurts-especially in red-zone packages-he delivered. But consistency was a problem, and his blocking limitations became a liability, particularly with Burrow sidelined.
His role shrank as the season wore on, and with a $7.6 million cap hit looming in 2026, the Bengals could save about $3.3 million by moving on. Tight end Erick All is expected back from injury, and the 2026 draft class offers solid depth at the position. Cincinnati can find a cheaper, more complete option without losing much in the passing game.
Cody Ford - Offensive Line
Ford’s versatility has always been his calling card, but in 2025, the Bengals needed more than flexibility-they needed reliability. Injuries forced him into extended action, especially at right tackle, and the results were mixed at best.
He struggled against top-tier edge rushers, which only added to the pressure Burrow faced early in the season. His $3.4 million cap hit in 2026 isn’t massive, but cutting him would free up nearly $3 million. That money could be used to bring in a more dependable swing tackle or invest in a developmental draft pick.
A Philosophical Pivot
Cutting Hill, Gesicki, and Ford wouldn’t just be about trimming fat-it would represent a shift in how the Bengals are building this team. With Burrow healthy and Chase in his prime, the offense doesn’t need a total overhaul.
But the defense? That’s where the real investment needs to happen.
Interior pressure, safety help, and depth across the board are all on the shopping list. Names like Jaylinn Hawkins and Coby Bryant could bring much-needed versatility, but none of that happens without cap space.
The AFC isn’t getting any easier. If the Bengals want to capitalize on their championship window, they need to act with urgency-and a little ruthlessness.
The pieces are still there. Now it’s about reshaping the roster to make sure 2025 was a detour, not a derailment.