Overview
- Joe Burrow told reporters Wednesday that the Bengals now “have everything we need,” calling this the most talented roster he’s had and praising changes in locker-room leadership.
- Cincinnati’s front office reshaped the defense this offseason by trading the No. 10 pick for Dexter Lawrence and signing veterans such as Jonathan Allen, Bryan Cook, Boye Mafe and Kyle Dugger.
- The team committed roughly $125 million-plus in multi-year deals to defensive starters and used early draft picks on defensive prospects to add depth and experience.
- Burrow denied reports that he issued an ultimatum to ownership and said he was less involved than past years while crediting the front office for making the moves.
- After three straight missed postseasons and Burrow’s nine-game injury in 2025, the Bengals start OTAs and will be judged on health, how the new defensive pieces perform on the field, and whether improved depth holds up over the season.