3 Breakout Candidates for the Cincinnati Bengals

3 Breakout Candidates for the Cincinnati Bengals

Cam Taylor-Britt

Cam Taylor-Britt has had an up-and-down career with the Bengals. In his sophomore season, he played fast and with confidence en route to four interceptions in 12 games played. Although he would notch three more interceptions last season, he just didn’t seem to be the same player he was in 2023, as he allowed 700-plus yards in coverage. Taylor-Britt spoke about his struggles and the road back to redemption last week to Ben Baby from ESPN and stated, “I don’t think I played with confidence. Yes, I can go out there and stay hyped and everything, but I hate for somebody to catch a ball, and I think it happened too many times. Happened too many times, and that’s what kind of knocked that [confidence] down.”

Look for the fourth-year veteran to return with a vengeance in 2025, as he should be the opening-day starter at boundary corner as he enters a pivotal contract year.

Chase Brown

The player on the Bengals roster whose stock is the highest at the moment is third-year running back Chase Brown. In 2024, Brown was a revelation around the league with his speed, agility, and elusiveness in space. He would end his sophomore season just shy of 1,000 yards rushing to go with 360 yards receiving and 11 total touchdowns. Brown’s improved ability at catching the ball out of the backfield and gaining big yards on screen plays, and the addition of rookie sixth-round thumper Tahj Brooks, should be a formidable tandem, adding another element to an already potent Cincinnati offense.

Joseph Ossai

Another player possibly primed for a big season is EDGE Joseph Ossai, who’s fresh off a one-year, $7 million prove-it type deal. With the Trey Hendrickson saga churning in the background and rookie Shemar Stewart yet to sign, the reps Ossai are getting seem even more important. He’s been in a backup role his entire tenure in stripes, and new defensive coordinator Al Golden will likely find creative ways to get him more involved at the top of the DE rotation. If Ossai can finally break through, the defense should be increasingly balanced and an upgrade from the unit in 2024. This would be a welcome sight for all of Bengaldom on what could be a special year in Cincinnati.