Full Breakdown
Bengals Sign Five Draft Picks and Ten Undrafted Free Agents Ahead of Rookie Camp
5/9/2026, 2:37:51 AM
Core Signings: Five 2026 Draft Picks Join Roster
On May 8 the Bengals announced contracts for center Connor Lew (Auburn, 4th-round, 128th), wide receiver Colbie Young (Georgia, 4th-round, 140th), offensive tackle Brian Parker II (Duke, 6th-round, 189th), tight end Jack Endries (Texas, 7th-round, 221st) and defensive tackle Landon Robinson (Navy, 7th-round, 226th). Second-rounder Cashius Howell and third-rounder Tacario Davis remain unsigned.
Background & Context
The Bengals entered the 2026 draft without a first-round pick after trading it for defensive end Dexter Lawrence, prompting a focus on mid-round depth. The signings also include 10-11 undrafted free agents and a waiver claim for linebacker Swayze Bozeman.
Player Profiles & Statistics
Lew (6-4, 310 lb) started 25 of 31 games at Auburn (2023-25). Young (6-4, 218 lb) logged 116 receptions for 1,437 yards and 13 TDs at Miami and Georgia. Parker (6-5, 310 lb) played 40 games (33 starts) at Duke, earned second-team All-ACC twice and third-team All-American (2025). Endries (6-5, 245 lb) started 39 games at California and Texas, catching 124 passes for 1,376 yards and seven TDs. Robinson (6-0, 295 lb) recorded 153 tackles, 18.5 TFL, 14.5 sacks, two forced fumbles and a blocked kick in 38 games at Navy, earning first-team All-AAC twice and AAC Defensive Player of the Year (2025).
Official Statements & Team Actions
The Bengals confirmed the five signings, the 10-11 undrafted free agents, the Bozeman waiver claim, and that Howell and Davis remain unsigned pending contracts.
On-the-Ground Perspectives
Lew praised outreach from veterans Ted Karras and Orlando Brown Jr.; Parker highlighted returning home and joining a team he grew up watching.
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
Sources list either ten or eleven undrafted free agents and differ on whether cornerback Ceyair Wright was among them; contract terms are not disclosed.
What’s Next
The signed rookies will attend rookie minicamp and training camp, while the Bengals have not yet announced contracts for Howell and Davis.
Verbatim Quotes
- “I get to go back home and be a part of something that I grew up rooting for. It's surreal going to the games with my friends growing up and now here I am in the same locker room as Joe Burrow.” — Brian Parker II, Offensive Tackle
- “He texted me right after I got drafted and so did Orlando. I called both of them later on that week. They are great guys and people you want to be around.” — Connor Lew, Center
- “You know the Bengals are a team that is right there. Everybody knows what the Bengals can be and I'm excited to come in here and do my part,” — Connor Lew, Center
- “Once I master it from that approach, I feel comfortable playing any position.” — Brian Parker II, Offensive Tackle
- “a dream come true,” — Connor Lew, Center
