Bengals’ Offseason Moves Earned a Revealing Reaction From Joe Burrow
As the Cincinnati Bengals prepare for the 2026 season, there is much optimism around the franchise, driven by star quarterback Joe Burrow.
Following a busy offseason revamping the roster, headlined by acquiring Pro Bowl defensive tackle Dexter Lawrence, Burrow lauded the organization for bringing in more talent.
“I think this is the most talented roster that we’ve had since I’ve been here,” Burrow said after Wednesday’s voluntary workout via ESPN.
Cincinnati is coming off a disappointing 2025 campaign, finishing with a 6-11 record largely due to Burrow missing nine games with a toe injury and the lackluster defensive play.
The Bengals entered the offseason with an eye toward returning to playoff contention after missing the postseason in each of the last three seasons.
Much of that effort has been toward retooling their defense, which saw significant movement in free agency, including the signing of former Seattle Seahawks pass rusher Boye Mafe to a three-year, $60 million deal. Cincinnati also inked former Kansas City Chiefs safety Bryan Cook to a three-year contract worth more than $40 million.
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The Bengals’ issues have primarily been on defense, which Burrow believes the team will finally break through on that side of the ball in 2026.
“We got guys that work really hard to put themselves in position to perform well, perform to our standard,” Burrow said. “We haven’t necessarily done that for a couple of years, so we brought some guys in who have been there and done that and have their own standard of play and are going to live up to that.”
Burrow and the Bengals will have the chance to prove that they are back in the picture as a powerhouse next season.
