Burrow upbeat as Bengals bolster defense for 2026 prime window

Cincinnati is upgrading its defense for 2026 with four projected starters—Dexter Lawrence via trade from the Giants, plus Jonathan Allen, Boye Mafe and Bryan Cook—and drafting edge rusher Cashius Howell, in an effort to finally let the high-powered offense catch up. Burrow says the team is in its prime and excited to solidify the defense so the young players can rise, signaling a push to capitalize on the championship window.