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3 biggest Bengals storylines heading into training camp

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3 biggest Bengals storylines heading into training camp

Originally posted on CincinnatiBengalsCommunity
By Aaindri Thakuri | Last updated Jul 23, 2026 6:33 PM ET

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Bengals training camp is finally here, and several important questions remain before Cincinnati begins the 2026 season. From contract decisions to joint practices and new defensive additions, the coming weeks could shape how the roster looks heading into Week 1.

Joe Burrow has the offense ready, as he himself has said that the Bengals have the best roster he has ever seen for the 2026 season. But can this revamped, dominant defense finally bring the Lombardi Trophy home?

Let’s look at some of the reported biggest storylines of the Cincinnati Bengals.

Cornerback DJ Turner extension remains one contract to watch

The Cincinnati Bengals often take their time extending star players like Tee Higgins, Ja’Marr Chase, and Trey Hendrickson. However, CB DJ Turner II is in a unique spot.

Cincinnati delayed his extension while spending heavily to rebuild its defense this offseason. Now that their budget is set, a report from Matt Fitzgerald of Stripe Hype suggests the team should sign him soon.

“Now that a fuller salary cap picture for the coming years is in focus,” Fitzgerald noted. “Turner should be rewarded in short order.”

Drafted in the second round in 2023, Turner has played three seasons on a four-year, $6.16 million rookie contract.

Over 45 games, he has recorded 113 tackles, two interceptions, 33 pass deflections, one sack, and two forced fumbles, proving himself as a key starter on the Bengals’ defense.

The Cincinnati Bengals will test the waters with the Chicago Bears

The Cincinnati Bengals and Chicago Bears will hold a joint 2026 training camp practice. The session takes place on Thursday, August 20, at Cincinnati’s facility.

The Chicago Bears almost reached the NFC Championship last season after quarterback Caleb Williams pulled off a thrilling playoff comeback against Green Bay.

“Unlike the games in the preseason, where it’s a lot of backups fighting for roster spots,” Fitzgerald added, “joint practices will give us a real glimpse into where the Bengals are at in relation to the Bears.”

Joint practices typically feature more first-team repetitions than preseason games, making them one of Cincinnati’s best opportunities to evaluate its roster before Week 1.

Boye Mafe to meet the team’s expectations to be the Bengals’ next elite Edge Rusher

The Cincinnati Bengals took a huge step by signing edge rusher Boye Mafe to a three-year, $60 million contract. Cincinnati expects him to be a true star on defense, not just a solid contributor.

Per reports from Matt Fitzgerald, testing his skills in training camp against elite tackles like Orlando Brown Jr. will help him prepare quickly.

“The idea is for this to be a hybrid defender who can scream in off the edge as a pass rusher,” Fitzgerald added. “Set the edge versus the run, and drop in coverage as an off-ball linebacker type.”

Defensive coordinator Al Golden plans to place Mafe in a flexible hybrid role. Mafe flashed big talent in Seattle, where he recorded 20 sacks from 2022 to 2025.

How quickly Mafe adapts to Golden’s hybrid role could determine whether Cincinnati’s revamped defense reaches the level the organization envisioned this offseason.

This article first appeared on CincinnatiBengalsCommunity and was syndicated with permission.

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