Overview
- The Bengals announced on Tuesday that second‑round defensive end Cashius Howell has agreed to a rookie contract, which completes signings for all seven of Cincinnati's 2026 draft picks.
- The team did not disclose the financial terms of Howell's rookie deal in the announcement.
- Howell spent three seasons at Bowling Green before transferring to Texas A&M and broke out in 2025 with 11.5 sacks and 14 tackles for loss, earning SEC Defensive Player of the Year and unanimous All‑America recognition.
- Howell chose to attend all voluntary Bengals workouts while his contract was negotiated, saying he wanted to put himself in the best position to contribute on the field and in team communication.
- The rookie joins a pass‑rush group that includes Myles Murphy, free‑agent addition Boye Mafe, and 2025 first‑rounder Shemar Stewart, and his role will be watched closely after Cincinnati traded away its original first‑round pick in the Dexter Lawrence deal and Trey Hendrickson departed.