Katie Blackburn explains the Bengals’ decision to retain head coach Zac Taylor and de facto GM Duke Tobin after missing the playoffs, highlighting continuity, a revamped defense and a healthy Joe Burrow as they pursue a 2026 postseason return.
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 capped a busy draft weekend with two major trades—moving No. 10 to acquire Dexter Lawrence II and then trading with the Jets to grab two extra fourth-round picks—along with a bigger, tech-enhanced scouting operation. They landed seven selections: Cashius Howell (DE, Texas A&M) in Round 2, Tacario Davis (CB, Washington) in Round 3, Connor Lew (C, Auburn) and Colbie Young (WR, Georgia) in Round 4, Brian Parker II (OL, Duke) in Round 6, and Jack Endries (TE, Texas) plus Landon Robinson (DT, Navy) in Round 7. The moves reflect a strengthened draft room under Duke Tobin, with new scouts Hinch and Ramsey, and an emphasis on versatile, Burrow-fit players and value-driven picks.
Cincinnati Bengals' executive Duke Tobin emphasized the team's improved roster with wide receiver Tee Higgins but refrained from predicting the future, following the franchise tag placement on Higgins. Tobin highlighted the team's desire to keep Higgins and the difficulty in speculating potential scenarios. Bengals coach Zac Taylor expressed excitement for the upcoming season and praised Higgins' contributions, despite his injury-hampered performance in the previous season.
Cincinnati Bengals' Duke Tobin discussed the franchise tagging of wide receiver Tee Higgins, acknowledging that while the team is better with him, he did not rule out the possibility of trade talks. With Higgins seeking a lucrative deal and Ja'Marr Chase set for a bigger contract, the Bengals may face challenges in retaining both receivers beyond the 2024 season.
Bengals director of player personnel Duke Tobin expressed a desire to keep wide receiver Tee Higgins, but acknowledged the challenges of managing the team's budget with upcoming contract negotiations for other players like Ja'Marr Chase. Tobin emphasized the team's interest in retaining high-level players like Higgins, who is set to become a free agent in 2024, but noted the limitations of the team's financial "pie." Despite Higgins' recent performance and potential as a top wideout in the market, his future with the Bengals remains uncertain.
Cincinnati Bengals director of player personnel, Duke Tobin, expressed a desire to retain wide receiver Tee Higgins, but acknowledged the challenges of negotiating a new contract as Higgins becomes a pending free agent. The team faces options such as extending his contract, using the franchise tag, or allowing him to walk in free agency. With the looming need to pay Ja'Marr Chase, the Bengals must weigh the financial implications of investing heavily in their wide receiver corps.
Cincinnati Bengals' de facto general manager Duke Tobin discussed the team's need for a tight end, the importance of drafting the best player available, and the possibility of trading out of the first round in the upcoming NFL Draft. The team signed Irv Smith Jr. and re-signed Drew Sample, but if the best player available in the first round is a tight end, that's the way they'll likely go. If not, they may trade out of the first round to collect more picks.