The Cincinnati Bengals have a pass rush problem - and it’s not exactly breaking news. After investing draft capital in recent years to find a long-term solution opposite Trey Hendrickson, the results haven’t lived up to expectations.
The young talent on the roster has flashed at times, but the overall production just hasn’t been there. In fact, the Bengals finished dead last in the league in pass rush win rate this season - a stat that cuts through the noise and tells you all you need to know: quarterbacks had too much time, too often.
That’s why this offseason, Cincinnati’s top priority is clear - they need to find a way to generate more heat off the edge.
According to ESPN’s Aaron Schatz, the Bengals’ front office should be looking to “add juice to the pass rush,” and that starts with the 2026 NFL Draft. The good news?
This year’s class is loaded with edge talent, and Cincinnati might be in a prime spot to grab one. Schatz points to names like David Bailey (Texas Tech) and Keldric Faulk (Auburn) as potential first-round targets - both explosive athletes who could bring immediate help and long-term upside.
But it’s not just about adding another edge body. If the Bengals believe in the development of young players like Shemar Stewart and Myles Murphy - both of whom have shown glimpses of being part of the solution - the team could shift its focus to the interior.
Schatz suggests a space-eating defensive tackle like Caleb Banks (Florida) could be the missing piece. A presence like Banks could collapse pockets from the inside and free up edge rushers to finish plays - the kind of complementary move that can elevate the entire defensive line.
Still, the draft alone might not be enough. Cincinnati needs help now, and that’s where free agency comes in.
Schatz predicts the Bengals will go after not just one, but multiple veteran edge rushers. Think names like Joey Bosa, Yetur Gross-Matos, D.J.
Wonnum, or Charles Omenihu. That’s a mix of proven playmakers and ascending talents who could bring much-needed experience and production to a young group.
Bosa, in particular, would be a headline-grabbing addition - if the Bengals can make the numbers work.
And that’s the catch. Cincinnati isn’t known for handing out big guaranteed deals in free agency, and that could be a sticking point when competing with teams that are more aggressive with their wallets. The front office will have to find the right balance - players who fit their scheme, bring leadership, and are willing to buy into what the Bengals are building.
The bottom line? If Cincinnati wants to get back into playoff contention and make a serious run, they can’t afford to roll into 2026 with the same issues up front.
The pass rush needs reinforcements - and this offseason offers a chance to fix it, through the draft, free agency, or both. Now it’s up to the Bengals to make the right moves.