The Cincinnati Bengals made significant upgrades during the offseason, including a draft class that enhances their roster depth. They selected seven players and are nearing the 90-man roster limit ahead of rookie minicamp.
Key points
Cincinnati Bengals upgraded their defense in the offseason
The team drafted seven players in 2026
71 players were under contract before the draft
Bengals are nearing the 90-man roster limit
Rookie minicamp is scheduled for May 8
Cincinnati BengalsJoe BurrowJoe FlaccoJosh Johnson
The Cincinnati Bengals had a busy offseason with some big upgrades on defense and a draft class that adds quality depth in areas of need.
A total of 71 players were under contract when the 2026 NFL Draft began, and the Bengals selected seven players over the final two days after not having a first-round pick. Several undrafted free agents came to terms with the organization following the conclusion of the event, and the team will likely announce them ahead of rookie minicamp Friday, May 8.
That will put Cincinnati near the 90-man roster limit, and the staff will have a chance to see how a lot of the pieces fit together through the offseason workout program, which now heads into Week 3. The real evaluations won’t come until August training camp, but here’s an early 53-man roster projection and what it would look like if all seven draft picks make the team.
No surprises here. Re-signing Flacco was one of the best things that could have happened for the offense this offseason. Ideally for the Bengals, he’s just playing garbage minutes, but it’s hard to imagine a better backup for Burrow. Flacco knows the offense now and will be able to slide in seamlessly if needed.
Brown made himself even more difficult to take off the field last year with improvement in pass-catching and protection, but Perine is a solid third-down option and can spell Brown if needed. Brooks showed flashes but didn’t see enough snaps with Brown’s productivity.
Q&A
What upgrades did the Cincinnati Bengals make during the offseason?
The Bengals improved their defense and added quality depth through their draft class.
How many players did the Bengals draft in 2026?
The Bengals selected seven players during the 2026 NFL Draft.
What is the current status of the Bengals' roster ahead of rookie minicamp?
The Bengals are nearing the 90-man roster limit with 71 players under contract and several undrafted free agents expected to join.
When will the Bengals announce their undrafted free agents?
The Bengals are likely to announce their undrafted free agents ahead of rookie minicamp on May 8.
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The fourth-round pick of Young had similar vibes to that of Jermaine Burton in 2024, but he seems more reliable. He could compete with Iosivas for the WR3 spot, which could always be improved. Jones seems like the big question mark here, as he’s dealt with injuries the last two seasons. He’s got three career touchdowns on punt/kick returns, but if reliability is a concern, perhaps the tide could change. Williams, claimed off waivers from Pittsburgh, handled those duties in the last three games.
The Bengals could end up with five tight ends again if All is healthy. It’s hard to project him in the 53-man roster at this point simply because he’s missed so much time. After a really impressive start, his rookie season was halted by a second ACL tear in 2024 and further setbacks that kept him out all of last year. Endries is ready to show he’s better than a seventh-round pick.
Lew could be a steal as a fourth-round pick if he gets back to form in his return from a torn ACL. He was a projected first-round pick and considered the best center in the draft, if healthy. Parker, a local sixth-round pick, provides extra insurance and is a solid depth piece with the ability to play all five spots. Ford is the best swing tackle option still, which is the biggest concern on this roster, but he looks to have come back in better shape this year and that could make a big difference.
Jackson and Jenkins were put on notice this offseason, it seems, as the Bengals added at both of their positions to the point they are third or fourth on the depth chart now. Jenkins could be the odd man out if Robinson does make the roster, but it’s hard to project him not being on the roster at this point. Howell, a second-round pick, will be a nice addition to the rotation on the edge.
This is about as cut and dry as it gets at this point. The Bengals didn’t make any moves in free agency or the draft to improve the position.
Cornerback (6)In: DJ Turner II, Dax Hill, Jalen Davis, Tacario Davis*, DJ Ivey, Ja’Sir Taylor
Out: Josh Newton, Bralyn Lux, Jalen Kimber
Tacario Davis, a third-round pick, is an intriguing addition. He’s got elite length, and if he settles in quickly, the Bengals could end up moving Hill back inside to keep both on the field. Jalen Davis is currently the incumbent at nickel, and Taylor provides depth. The last spot will be between Ivey and Newton, probably, and Ivey is better on special teams.
Cook replaces Stone, and Dugger gives some competition to Battle, which could be the push he needs for more consistency. Jules gets the last spot, as Anthony just hasn’t done enough to this point.
