All articles tagged with #cincinnati bengals
Joe Burrow is targeting a 50-TD season and aiming to surpass Andy Dalton’s Bengals career TD mark, noting he’s roughly 48 TDs away. He credits an upgraded supporting cast led by Dexter Lawrence II for an explosive offense, discusses his role as Bengals ambassador and ongoing talks about flag football’s Olympics, and is experimenting with equipment like a turf-toe plate to stay healthy in 2026.
Burrow called the 2026 Bengals the most talented roster of his tenure, praising bold offseason moves—free agency, the draft, and the Dexter Lawrence trade—and saying he was involved without a mandate. He highlighted improved defense, stronger leadership, and a confident aim to win a Super Bowl, while acknowledging there’s still work to do before July and September.
Joe Burrow said the 2026 Bengals have the most talented roster since he’s been there, crediting Duke Tobin’s aggressive offseason moves (including Dexter Lawrence, Cashius Howell and multiple defensive contributors) after Trey Hendrickson’s departure. Burrow also eyes a New Year’s Eve clash with the Ravens and is aiming to break Cincinnati’s career TD record with 48 touchdowns in 2026, a path that could put him in MVP discussions as the Bengals chase a return to the playoffs.
The Bengals overhauled their defense with key free-agent signings and a trade for Dexter Lawrence, plus a strong draft led by Cashius Howell, fueling Joe Burrow's optimism as leadership improves and expectations rise for a top-tier defense in 2026.
Joe Burrow says the Bengals have everything they need after offseason upgrades to the defense (including Dexter Lawrence, Bryan Cook and Jonathan Allen) and stronger leadership, fueling optimism for a rebound season after 2025's injuries and playoff miss; the opening schedule features seven straight 1 p.m. starts, blending veteran leadership with promising rookies.
The article lays out the Cincinnati Bengals’ 2026 schedule and week-by-week predictions, arguing that a playoff return hinges on strong AFC North play, Burrow’s health, and navigating a bye-heavy midseason, with notable moments like a Madrid clash with the Falcons and a late-season stretch against Baltimore and Kansas City shaping the margin between 11 and 12 wins and a postseason spot.
Leaks suggest a busy 2026 for Cincinnati: a home opener vs the Buccaneers, a Week 9 trip to Spain, a Week 6 bye, a Madrid showdown with the Falcons on Nov. 8, a late-season Chiefs rematch at Paycor, and a Ravens TNF on New Year’s Eve; the Bengals also start with seven straight early kickoffs, host Steelers in SNF Week 10, host Commanders in MNF Week 11, and have a Week 18 vs Browns, with the full schedule releasing tonight at 8 PM.
Before the 2026 NFL schedule drop, the Bengals teased the Browns with Pokémon-themed opponent labels and assigned Pokémon to several 2026 foes; the schedule includes a Week 9 Madrid game vs the Falcons as part of a nine-game international slate, and Cincinnati has shored up its defense in hopes of helping Joe Burrow end a three-year playoff drought.
The NFL announced the Cincinnati Bengals will travel to Madrid to face the Atlanta Falcons in Week 9 (Nov. 8) at Real Madrid’s Bernabéu Stadium, with the game broadcast on NFL Network, marking Cincinnati’s third international regular-season game after London trips in 2016 and 2019.
The Bengals had long coveted Dexter Lawrence, but early trade inquiries were repeatedly shut down. After Lawrence publicly requested a trade and cited a desire to play with Joe Burrow and Clemson-era teammates, momentum built and the deal progressed, turning a longtime target into a reality.
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.
Breer’s mailbag surveys a range of topics: Joe Burrow’s potential career path could resemble Matthew Stafford’s, including a move later in his career; Maxx Crosby’s Raiders future and trade value; Elijah Sarratt’s fit for the Ravens; updates on the Seahawks’ sale; why teams value consensus draft boards; flag football contracts; Big Dom’s role with the Eagles; Vikings’ GM search options; Patriots’ hypothetical roster moves (AJ Brown trade, Clowney addition, Gonzalez extension); and the Cowboys’ looming Dak Prescott cap hit plus possible heir planning for 2027.
The Bengals’ decision on Myles Murphy’s contract is framed as progress after a late breakout season (5.5 sacks, 41 pressures, 64.2 PFF grade, 67th among 115 edge defenders). The article notes Cincinnati has bolstered its defense this offseason, with Dexter Lawrence trade rumors and discussions of salary-cap moves (including a possible Burrow restructuring) as they push toward a Super Bowl-contending window.
The Bengals declined to exercise Myles Murphy's fifth-year option (a $14.475 million cap hit in 2027) and will pursue a long-term extension, with May 1 as the deadline and ongoing salary-cap considerations guiding the decision as Murphy remains a key piece for Cincinnati.
The Cincinnati Bengals will not exercise the fifth-year option on defensive end Myles Murphy, choosing to pursue a long-term contract instead. Murphy, a 2023 first-round pick, would have earned $14.475 million in 2027 under the option and has posted 92 tackles, 8.5 sacks and a fumble across three seasons, including 5.5 sacks last year, as the team looks to keep him beyond 2027.