Conflicting Takes Emerge On Bengals 2026 Offseason Haul So Far

It's a pick-your-poison type of landscape for Cincinnati's offseason verdict. Insiders like The 33rd Team's Ari Meirov and FOX Sports' Jordan Schultz think Cincinnati's done a great job.

They both posted their thoughts on X this week.

"I was a big fan of what the Bengals did, opening up their pocketbooks and paying three impact defensive players," Schultz said. "Boye Mafe, Brian Cook, and Jonathan Allen. Now we know this offense with a healthy Joe Burrow can be the best in the league. We also know this defense has had significant struggles. 

"They needed to add more, and they did with those additions. Now, they join a young core that includes DJ Turner, Dax Hill, BJ Hill, Miles, Murphy, Shamar, Stewart, Demetrius Knight, all young playmakers at different levels of the defense. I also don't think they're done. Keep in mind, Cincinnati has added players late in free agency last year, like Dalton Risner and Noah Fant, I could see that happening again."

Meirov had similar thoughts.

"I like what they've done so far. Boye Mafe is an ascending player. Bryan Cook comes in. They have not had a safety on the back end ever since Jesse Bates left as a free agent. You get Bryan Cook for three years and Jonathan Allen, defensive tackle, veteran player, former guest here on the show, three years and $26 million. I still think there's more money they could be spending here. 

"They could restructure Joe Burrow's contract. They could restructure Ja'Marr Chase's contract. They have not done either of those yet. Obviously, we've all heard about it over the years and how they're very methodical with their spending, but this is a team. When you have Joe Burrow, and hopefully he's healthy, you always have a Super Bowl window."

There is not much indication that the Bengals will restructure Burrow's contract this season, but as always, the offense is a strong high point with one of the best passers in the NFL and continuity along the offensive line.

If the defense steps up to just slightly bad levels instead of awful, then Cincinnati can compete for the playoffs. Check out the full thoughts from all three below and YouTube grades from our James Rapien as well:

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