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Bengals End 2025 Season, Gear Up for 2026 Rebuild

1/6/2026

Summary

Bengals Prepare for 2026

The Cincinnati Bengals finished their 2025 season with a 6-11 record after a 20-18 loss to the Cleveland Browns.
Key players Ja'Marr Chase and Tee Higgins performed well, validating their contracts, while the defense ranked last in DVOA before improving after the bye week.
The Bengals are preparing for 2026 by signing players to reserve contracts and one-year extensions, with cornerback DJ Turner II prioritized for a contract extension.
Quarterback Joe Burrow highlighted the front office's intent to address weaknesses through aggressive free agency.

Summary

Bengals Retain Leadership

The Cincinnati Bengals will retain head coach Zac Taylor and director of player personnel Duke Tobin for 2026.
The decision follows a 6-11 season in 2025, with Taylor stressing roster stability and defense.
Taylor acknowledged the team struggled without quarterback Joe Burrow, who missed nine games due to injury.
With nearly $70 million in cap space and the No. 10 pick, he aims to reclaim 2021–2022 success.

History

Historical Context

The Cincinnati Bengals, founded in 1967, struggled for decades, enduring a 14-year playoff drought from 1991 to 2004. However, the team rebounded in 2021, winning the AFC North with a 10-7 record and reaching the Super Bowl for the first time since 1988. Despite recent challenges, including a 6-11 finish in 2025, they aim to rebuild with nearly $70 million in cap space for 2026.

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Bengals Prepare for 2026

The Cincinnati Bengals finished their 2025 season with a 6-11 record after a 20-18 loss to the Cleveland Browns.
Key players Ja'Marr Chase and Tee Higgins performed well, validating their contracts, while the defense ranked last in DVOA before improving after the bye week.
The Bengals are preparing for 2026 by signing players to reserve contracts and one-year extensions, with cornerback DJ Turner II prioritized for a contract extension.
Quarterback Joe Burrow highlighted the front office's intent to address weaknesses through aggressive free agency.

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