This offseason is going to be a big one for the Cincinnati Bengals. With the rest of the division changing head coaches and potentially heading into transition years, there’s no time like the present for the Bengals to contend.
Building up their team this offseason is a must, and while they’ve been conservative in prior offseasons, this year, it might be a bit different.
According to Ian Rapoport of NFL Network, the Bengals are reportedly going to listen to Joe Burrow and invest in the team in a bigger way than normal this offseason, with a focus on improving the struggling defense.
Bengals expected to listen to Joe Burrow, spend big this offseason
“But I do expect the Bengals and take his words and spur them on a little bit to really spend this offseason,” Rapoport reported. “I expect the Bengals to enhance and support everything Joe Burrow does. To spend probably more on the defense than anything else.”
The Insiders on @NFLGameDay with @JudyBattista, @TomPelissero & @MikeGarafolo: Changes to replay assist are coming; #Dolphins likely to move on from Tua Tagovailoa, plus latest on Tyreek Hill; #Bengals plan to spend to support Burrow; No trade talks yet for #Eagles WR AJ Brown. pic.twitter.com/Nx39oIQWQx
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) February 8, 2026
Entering this offseason, the Bengals have a lot of questions on the defensive side of the ball. Their safety room is not good; they need more cornerback help, their linebackers have been shaky, and their defensive line is not good enough.
There are needs all across the defense, with pass rusher and defensive back being two of the biggest needs for the Bengals this offseason.
Picking 10th overall, the Bengals will have a chance to take an instant-impact starter on defense. Caleb Downs, the Ohio State safety, would be a great pick at that spot.
But, outside of the draft, the Bengals could’ve stood still and not been active in free agency or the trade market. But, according to Rapoport, the Bengals are seemingly ready to spend this offseason.
More: Bengals urged to overhaul ‘horrific’ position group this offseason
Thanks in part to Burrow’s comments at the end of the year, which brought about trade speculation on the franchise QB, the Bengals might feel spurred to act more aggressively this offseason to improve the team.
The offense is in a great spot with Burrow, Ja’Marr Chase, Tee Higgins, Chase Brown, and some solid pieces along the offensive line.
But the defense needs major help. Their struggles this season were far too much to have a chance to contend for a playoff spot. A better defense in Al Golden’s second year as defensive coordinator would be a big boost for the Bengals’ playoff odds.
To get to such a point, the Bengals need to spend money, draft capital, and potentially players to add a lot of talent. And while in years past, they might’ve been more conservative, the Bengals are, according to Rapoport, ready to spend.
