The Cincinnati Bengals will be busy this offseason, with a lot of work that needs to be done to improve the defensive side of the ball.
Every position on the defensive side of the ball could use some help, one of which is the cornerback spot. And on offense, while the WR and TE rooms are set, offensive line help, a backup QB, and the running back room are worth addressing.
And the Bengals are already getting to work. The Bengals announced two roster moves, with an extension for a cornerback and a re-signing of a running back, both to one-year deals, for the 2026 season. The Bengals offseason is underway.
Bengals begin offseason moves with RB, CB re-signings
“We have signed CB Jalen Davis to a one-year contract extension,” The Bengals announced. “We have also re-signed free agent RB Kendall Milton to a one-year contract.”
Neither of these signings is the biggest one for the Bengals, but they’re important to help construct a complete roster for the 2026 NFL season.
First, Jalen Davis is a quality backup cornerback. The 30-year-old cornerback has spent eight seasons in the NFL, six of which have come with the Bengals.
For the first time in his career, Davis made a start, starting three games this past season. He finished the year with one interception, one pass defended, one forced fumble, one sack, and 20 tackles for an overall career year.
More: Bengals get good news amid $50 million contract projection for Trey Hendrickson
He also allowed only a 60.4 passer rating in coverage, more than good enough for the Bengals to justify extending him as they did. At worst, he’s a good backup. And at best, he could be a viable starter for Cincinnati in 2026.
Kendall Milton, on the other hand, is a 24-year-old running back who’s played in three games in his NFL career. He’s run the ball twice, for just two total yards, and has played just 10 offensive snaps the last two seasons.
Milton is a practice-squad player primarily, and his familiarity with the Bengals is worth spending a little bit to keep him around for another year.
While neither of these players, Milton or Davis, is the most important player, they play key roles as depth for the Bengals roster. Both are back, as the Bengals are officially getting their offseason started.
