The Cincinnati Bengals are stepping into the 2026 offseason with a clear focus on their franchise leader, Joe Burrow. Despite a challenging 2025 season, hampered by a turf toe injury, teammates like Chase Brown and Ja’Marr Chase have quickly dismissed any trade rumors as media exaggeration. NFL insider Dianna Russini confirmed that the Bengals have no intention of sending Burrow to the Minnesota Vikings or any other team.
Even with his season cut short, Burrow's efficiency shone through, earning him a third Pro Bowl nod after throwing 17 touchdowns in just eight games. The Bengals are now laser-focused on maximizing their championship window by building a more balanced and durable roster around him.
A key part of this strategy is finding reliable backup for their star quarterback. Jeremy Rauch of FOX19 reported that head coach Zac Taylor mentioned the team is likely to look for a quarterback through the draft or free agency.
This move underscores the front office's commitment to keeping the offense running smoothly, even if Burrow encounters future health issues-a lesson learned from last season's 6-11 finish. Taylor's approach indicates that the Bengals are leaving no stone unturned in their quest to secure a backup who can stabilize the team during crucial moments.
This pursuit of depth aligns with public calls for bolstering the defense. Star receiver Ja’Marr Chase recently expressed his desire for the organization to add veteran talent, particularly to support a defense that struggled in 2025.
With significant decisions looming, such as the future of veteran pass-rusher Trey Hendrickson, the Bengals are gearing up for an aggressive offseason. By addressing both the backup quarterback role and defensive challenges, Cincinnati aims to return to Super Bowl contention, ensuring that the prime years of Burrow and Chase are spent chasing glory, not watching from the sidelines.