Bengals Scouting Staff Hits the Road as Draft Season Kicks Off
The Cincinnati Bengals' revamped personnel department is officially on the clock. With the offseason underway, the front office is already deep in talent evaluation mode, and their first stop: the East-West Shrine Bowl practices in Frisco, Texas.
This is the first major college all-star game of the draft cycle, and it’s where scouts, execs, and decision-makers start putting faces to names and film to live reps. For the Bengals, whose scouting staff has undergone some notable changes, this trip marks the beginning of a critical stretch. The team isn’t just evaluating edge rushers and offensive linemen - they’re also evaluating how their own staff works together in real time under live scouting conditions.
And let’s not forget: the weather’s not exactly cooperating. With some unpredictable conditions rolling through Texas, the Bengals’ staff is juggling forecasts and footwork as they try to get a clear look at potential future pros. But that’s part of the job - adapting on the fly, just like on Sundays.
Micah Parsons on Mendoza vs. Burrow: “Let’s Pump the Brakes”
After Indiana’s Fernando Mendoza capped off a dream season by winning both the Heisman Trophy and the national title, the comparisons to Joe Burrow’s legendary 2019 LSU campaign started rolling in. But one NFL star isn’t buying the hype just yet.
Micah Parsons, the Dallas Cowboys’ All-Pro linebacker, made it clear he doesn’t see the two seasons as equals - at least not yet. While Mendoza’s run was undeniably special, Parsons is reminding fans that Burrow’s dominance was on another level.
That LSU team wasn’t just good - it was historic. And Burrow?
He didn’t just win - he rewrote the record books.
Still, Mendoza’s in rare company. He’s just the 10th quarterback ever to pull off the Heisman-national title double.
That’s a club with some serious pedigree, and it’s no small feat. But if Parsons is any indication, the NFL is still watching with a raised eyebrow - and waiting to see if Mendoza can carry that success to the next level.
Familiar Faces Could Return to Bengals’ 2026 Schedule
One of the Bengals’ division rivals may be dipping back into the past as they work through their coaching search, and that could have ripple effects on Cincinnati’s 2026 schedule.
While no official moves have been made, a surprising coaching hire elsewhere has kept the door open for a reunion from recent NFL history. If things fall into place, the Bengals could find themselves facing a familiar face in a new (or old) role - and in a rivalry that’s already full of storylines, that’s just one more wrinkle to watch.
Pacman Reflects on Infamous 2016 Playoff Loss to Steelers
It’s been 10 years since the Bengals’ infamous 18-16 Wild Card loss to the Pittsburgh Steelers, but for former cornerback Adam “Pacman” Jones, the memory - and the frustration - is still fresh.
In a recent interview, Jones opened up about one of the most controversial moments of that game: Cincinnati’s decision to go after Antonio Brown. The game unraveled in the final minutes, with penalties and chaos costing the Bengals a chance to advance. Jones didn’t hold back, diving into the emotions and decisions that led to that heartbreaking loss.
That night remains one of the most painful in recent Bengals history - a game that slipped away in the most Bengals way possible. And a decade later, it’s still a cautionary tale about discipline, decision-making, and the razor-thin margins of playoff football.
Joe Burrow Trade Rumors? Don’t Bet on It
Every offseason brings its share of wild trade rumors, and this year’s edition includes a doozy: multiple reports linking the Minnesota Vikings to a potential blockbuster deal for Joe Burrow.
Let’s be clear - there’s no actual traction here. The reports are out there, but nothing suggests the Bengals are even remotely interested in moving their franchise quarterback. Burrow remains the face of the franchise, and unless something truly seismic happens, that isn’t changing anytime soon.
Still, it’s the NFL. Crazy things happen. But for now, Burrow is - and should remain - the heartbeat of this Bengals team.
Mock Draft Watch: Bengals Address a Key Defensive Need
With the 10th overall pick in the upcoming NFL Draft, the Bengals find themselves in prime position to add a difference-maker - and the latest mock draft has them doing just that.
The projection? A defensive player who could help address one of the team’s most glaring concerns. Cincinnati’s defense had its moments this past season, but consistency was an issue, especially when it came to generating pressure and closing out games.
The good news: the top of this draft class offers real talent on that side of the ball. Whether it’s an edge rusher, a cornerback, or a versatile linebacker, the Bengals have options - and they’ll need to make this pick count if they want to keep pace in a loaded AFC.
Around the League: Coaching Dominoes Could Fall Soon
Championship Sunday is in the books, and that means the coaching carousel is about to speed up. Several teams still need a head coach, and now that some candidates are no longer tied up with playoff runs, we should see movement soon.
For teams looking to reset or reload, this is crunch time. The decisions made over the next few days will shape the direction of multiple franchises - and could have ripple effects across the league, including for teams like the Bengals who are watching closely.
Dolphins Promote Bobby Slowik to Offensive Coordinator
In Miami, the Dolphins are making a key move on the offensive side of the ball. Bobby Slowik, who served as the team’s passing game coordinator, is being promoted to offensive coordinator under new head coach Jeff Hafley.
Slowik’s rise has been swift, and he’s well-regarded for his work in the passing game. With Hafley bringing a defensive background, Slowik’s role in shaping Miami’s offense - and continuing to develop their quarterback - will be critical moving forward.
2026 NFL Draft QB Rankings: Mendoza, Simpson, Chambliss Lead the Way
With the draft just a few months out, the quarterback class is starting to take shape - and it’s headlined by some familiar names. Fernando Mendoza, fresh off his Heisman and national title run, leads the pack. Right behind him: Ty Simpson and Jalen Chambliss, both of whom had strong seasons and are drawing serious first-round buzz.
It’s a deep class with a mix of styles - pocket passers, dual threats, and everything in between. For teams in need of a quarterback (and there are plenty), this year’s draft could be a turning point.
Championship Sunday Injury Updates: Who Suited Up and Who Sat
Before the Patriots and Broncos, Rams and Seahawks took the field, final injury reports gave us a clearer picture of who was in and who was out.
As always, the margins in the postseason are razor-thin, and availability can be the difference between a trip to the Super Bowl and an early exit. With the stakes this high, even a single inactive player can shift the balance.
We’ll have full breakdowns of those games soon, but for now, the health of key players was a major storyline heading into Championship Sunday - and it didn’t disappoint.