2026 Offseason Launches with Proven Offense, Rising Defense

The 2026 offseason has kicked off with promising developments for the Bengals. Notable progress has been observed in both the offensive line and the defense, setting the stage for a compelling upcoming season.

Proven Offense to Lead the Charge

As the Bengals prepare for the offseason, they boast their strongest offensive line in the Taylor Era. This revamped line includes the emerging talent, Amarius Mims, the first-round pick from 2024, who has quickly become an asset at right tackle. During the season finale, Mims excelled in pass-rate efficiency, ranking sixth among tackles, and impressively did not concede any sacks or pressures.

• Dylan Fairchild, a third-round pick in 2025, came in as the second-highest graded guard in his draft class for pass blocking.
• The Bengals’ offensive line finished tied for 10th in sack percentage, marking their first top-ten finish since 2014.

The effectiveness of the offensive line is crucial for maintaining Joe Burrow’s pass-first offensive strategy. Veteran Orlando Brown Jr. emphasizes the importance of culture within the team. “It’s our foundation,” Brown remarked, highlighting the leadership present in the squad.

Defense on the Rise

Last season witnessed a drastic improvement in the Bengals’ defense, especially following a tumultuous offseason. A core group of young leaders emerged, contributing to significant gains on the field. First-round pick Myles Murphy showcased his potential by achieving a career-high of 5.5 sacks in the latter half of the season.

• Murphy’s performance included four sacks within the last eight games, against quarterbacks under pressure.
• DJ Turner II, a second-round pick in 2023, earned attention as the Defensive Player of the Year and received Pro Bowl recognition.
• Turner led the NFL in passes defensed for a substantial portion of the season and had one of the best seasons for a Bengals cornerback since 2009.

Meanwhile, safety Jordan Battle, another 2023 third-round draft choice, led all NFL defensive backs with a remarkable tally of tackles. He was also the only defensive back to record at least four interceptions alongside 100 tackles.

Promising Future Ahead

During the last stretch of the season, the Bengals turned the ball over 13 times in just seven games, a testament to their defensive resurgence. Their six-sack game against Browns rookie quarterback Shedeur Sanders marked a seasonal high, underscoring the blend of youthful vigor and experienced strategy.

Orlando Brown expressed the team’s focused approach stating, “We are taking a hard look at everything we do as we approach this offseason with determination to build a championship-caliber roster.” With a commitment to excellence, the Bengals aim to meet the expectations of both the organization and its passionate fanbase.