Bengals Under Pressure, Free Agency Buzz, and a Familiar Face in the AFC North Coaching Mirror
As the NFL postseason rolls on, the Cincinnati Bengals find themselves at a crossroads. The coaching carousel is spinning, free agency rumors are heating up, and early mock drafts are already zeroing in on a potential future Bengal. Let’s break down where things stand in Cincinnati - and why 2026 is shaping up to be a defining year for Zac Taylor and his team.
Marvin Lewis: The Bridge Between Eras
Before Zac Taylor took the reins, Marvin Lewis was the face of Bengals football for 16 seasons. And if there’s anyone who knows what it’s like to go toe-to-toe with the AFC North’s coaching titans, it’s Lewis. No coach has squared off more often against Mike Tomlin and John Harbaugh than Lewis - a combined 64 times over his Bengals tenure.
Now, with both Tomlin and Harbaugh still holding strong in Pittsburgh and Baltimore respectively, Lewis has reportedly reached out to both, continuing the mutual respect that defined those hard-fought divisional battles. It’s a reminder of the continuity and rivalry that have long defined the AFC North - and how the Bengals are still chasing that same level of sustained success under Taylor.
Zac Taylor: The Last Man Standing
With the recent NFL coaching changes, Zac Taylor now finds himself in an unexpected position: one of the longest-tenured head coaches in the league - and the only remaining head coach in the AFC North who hasn’t won a Super Bowl.
That reality brings with it a new layer of pressure. The Bengals have built a competitive roster, flirted with greatness, and made deep playoff runs. But in a division where Harbaugh and Tomlin continue to set the standard, Taylor’s Bengals need to prove they can do more than contend - they need to win it all.
The expectations in 2026 are clear. With a healthy Joe Burrow and a talented core, the window is wide open. But in the NFL, windows don’t stay open forever.
Free Agency Forecast: Big Names in Play
Cincinnati has historically been cautious in free agency, but that might be changing. Early buzz suggests the Bengals could be ready to make a splash this offseason, with some insiders predicting they’ll pursue marquee names - including edge rusher Joey Bosa.
Bosa, when healthy, is a game-wrecker. Pairing him with Trey Hendrickson could give the Bengals one of the most fearsome pass-rushing duos in the league. And after a season where the defense showed flashes but lacked consistency, adding a veteran presence like Bosa could be the kind of move that elevates the unit from good to elite.
Whether it’s Bosa or another top-tier free agent, the Bengals have the cap space and the urgency to make a bold move. This isn’t about building for the future - it’s about winning now.
Mock Draft Season: David Bailey the Early Favorite
It’s still early in the draft process, but one name keeps popping up in Bengals mock drafts: David Bailey.
The versatile defender is already becoming a popular projection for Cincinnati, and it’s easy to see why. He fits the mold of what Lou Anarumo’s defense values - athleticism, versatility, and a high football IQ. While the Bengals’ draft strategy will ultimately depend on how free agency shakes out, Bailey’s name is one to watch.
If Cincinnati opts to go defense in the first round, Bailey could be the kind of plug-and-play impact player who helps solidify the unit from Day 1.
Around the League: QB Dominoes and Coaching Moves
Elsewhere in the NFL, the offseason storylines are starting to take shape. The 2026 NFL Draft is expected to be light at the quarterback position, especially after Dante Moore’s decision to return to school.
That’s caused a ripple effect on draft boards, with Ty Simpson and Trinidad Chambliss now viewed as the top QB prospects. One team is even rumored to be reaching for Chambliss early - a move that could shake up the top 10.
In Denver, the Broncos’ playoff hopes took a massive hit after Bo Nix suffered a broken ankle in a thrilling 33-30 win over the Bills. With Nix out for the rest of the postseason, Sean Payton will need to turn to his backup as Denver tries to keep its Super Bowl dreams alive.
And in Atlanta, the Falcons have made a bold move of their own, hiring former Browns head coach Kevin Stefanski. It’s the first major decision under new executive Matt Ryan, and one that signals a clear desire to end the franchise’s eight-year playoff drought.
What It All Means for Cincinnati
The Bengals are entering a pivotal offseason. Zac Taylor’s seat isn’t hot - yet - but the expectations have never been higher. With a talented roster, a franchise quarterback, and the potential to add serious firepower in free agency and the draft, the time to strike is now.
The AFC North isn’t getting any easier. But if Cincinnati wants to stop chasing and start leading, 2026 has to be the year they take that next step.