The Cincinnati Bengals have been on a mission this offseason, shaking up their roster with a keen focus on bolstering their defense. The goal?
To claw their way back to the top of the AFC heap. And they've made some moves that have fans buzzing, including a blockbuster trade that brought in defensive tackle Dexter Lawrence from the New York Giants in exchange for the No. 10 pick in the 2026 NFL Draft.
This acquisition adds to the Bengals' impressive collection of former first-round talent. Let’s take a closer look at the key players who are expected to make a significant impact.
QB Joe Burrow (No. 1, 2020)
Joe Burrow is the heart and soul of the Bengals. Since being drafted first overall in 2020, he's been the face of the franchise.
A three-time Pro Bowler and two-time Comeback Player of the Year, Burrow's resilience is as notable as his talent. Despite battling injuries, he posted nearly 5,000 passing yards and 43 touchdowns in the 2024 season, showcasing his elite status.
QB Joe Flacco (No. 18, 2008, Ravens)
Veteran Joe Flacco returns for his second year as Burrow's backup. With a career spanning 19 seasons, Flacco brings a wealth of experience, having played for multiple teams including the Ravens, Broncos, Jets, Browns, Colts, and now the Bengals. His presence is a steadying force in the quarterback room.
WR Ja'Marr Chase (No. 6, 2021)
Ja'Marr Chase has quickly ascended to the top tier of NFL wide receivers. In his five seasons, he's consistently surpassed the 1,000-yard mark, with a standout 2024 season where he caught 127 passes for 1,708 yards and 17 touchdowns. Chase is not just a rising star; he’s arguably the best in the league.
OT Amarius Mims (No. 18, 2024)
Amarius Mims has been a reliable presence on the offensive line since being drafted. With 30 starts in two seasons, including all 17 games in 2025, Mims is proving to be a cornerstone for the Bengals’ offensive front.
DE Myles Murphy (No. 28, 2023)
Myles Murphy stepped up his game in 2025, starting ten games and setting career highs, including 5.5 sacks. His development adds depth and pressure to the Bengals' defensive line.
DT Jonathan Allen (No. 17, 2017, Vikings)
Jonathan Allen was a savvy acquisition for the Bengals, snapped up after being released by the Vikings. With a solid 2025 season in Minnesota under his belt, Allen's experience is invaluable, especially after eight productive seasons with Washington.
DT Dexter Lawrence (No. 17, 2019, Giants)
The acquisition of Dexter Lawrence was the splashiest move of the Bengals' offseason. Lawrence, a three-time Pro Bowler, brings a proven track record with 30.5 sacks and 341 tackles over his seven seasons with the Giants. His presence is expected to be a game-changer for Cincinnati’s defense.
DE Shemar Stewart (No. 17, 2025)
Shemar Stewart's rookie season was a mixed bag due to injuries and contract delays. However, with eight games under his belt, he's poised to take on a bigger role in his sophomore year.
CB Dax Hill (No. 31, 2022)
Dax Hill has been a versatile asset in the Bengals' secondary. Now settled in at cornerback, he started all 17 games last season, racking up 88 tackles, an interception, and 11 passes defended. Hill's adaptability and consistency are key components of the Bengals' defensive strategy.
With these talented former first-round picks, the Bengals are gearing up for a season that promises to be both challenging and exciting. The blend of seasoned veterans and rising stars could be the perfect formula to propel Cincinnati back into the AFC's elite circle.
In Other News...
Andrew Whitworth Just Weighed In On The Bengals Burrow Debate
Andrew Whitworths take on the Bengals quarterback chatter carried the kind of weight only a former franchise cornerstone can bring. The retired offensive tackle made it clear he sees Cincinnatis identity as already tied to Joe Burrow, pointing to the way the organization has reshaped itself around its quarterback since Burrow arrived and made a much more aggressive push to build a contender.
Whitworth also framed the discussion in a way Bengals fans know all too well: the team has invested heavily, extended key homegrown players and gone after outside help, but the whole plan still turns on Burrow staying on the field. For Cincinnati, that is the real hinge point in any championship conversation, and it is why the latest debate feels less like a roster question than a reminder of how fragile the window can be. [Read more 🡒]
Jonathan Allen Knows Exactly What Bengals Fans Feared Up Front
Jonathan Allens arrival gives Cincinnati exactly the kind of interior presence it had been searching for, but it also reinforces the idea that the Bengals are not looking to lean on one or two big bodies and call it solved. Between Dexter Lawrence, BJ Hill, TJ Slaton, Kris Jenkins, McKinnley Jackson and Landon Robinson, the depth chart has become a real competition, and the bigger picture is pretty clear: the Bengals want more than just names up front. They want enough rotation to keep the group fresh and productive.
Allen has already made his own view of the plan known, preferring a workload that keeps him from being overextended after what he felt was too much last season. That meshes with what Cincinnati is building, but it also puts a spotlight on how the snaps will actually be divided once the games start mattering. The Bengals addressed one of their most obvious roster concerns, but the exact answer to who handles the heaviest load inside is still taking shape. [Read more 🡒]
What A Real Year 2 Leap Would Mean For Shemar Stewart
Shemar Stewarts first NFL season gave the Bengals only a thin glimpse of what they drafted, and the larger question now is whether a second-year leap can turn flashes into something closer to a real role. Cincinnati needs more from the edge, and Stewarts development matters because the front office cannot keep waiting forever for a young pass rusher to become more than a project.
The path is there, but it is crowded and still unfinished. Stewart is trying to build on a rookie year that produced modest returns, and the Bengals are heading into another season with multiple players in the mix for snaps on the edge, which means every practice rep and every early-season opportunity will count. A meaningful jump would not just help Stewart, it could change the shape of Cincinnatis rotation. [Read more 🡒]