Cincinnati Bengals' Top 2026 Free Agency Needs Identified

Bengals have resources to improve this offseason, with focus on defensive line and interior offensive line

Published on Mar. 8, 2026

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According to NFL.com's Jeremy Bergman, the Cincinnati Bengals' top needs heading into the 2026 free agency period are on the defensive line and interior offensive line. The Bengals are flush with cap space and looking to bolster both the pass rush and run-stopping ability of their front seven, especially with the potential departure of veteran edge rusher Trey Hendrickson. The team also faces some depth questions on the offensive line, with a couple of reserve guards potentially leaving in free agency.

Why it matters

The Bengals are coming off a strong season and have their franchise quarterback in place, so this offseason is a critical opportunity for them to address key roster needs and take the next step as a Super Bowl contender. Shoring up the trenches on both sides of the ball will be essential to the team's success going forward.

The details

Bergman highlighted the defensive line and interior offensive line as Cincinnati's top priorities. On defense, the Bengals could lose edge rushers Trey Hendrickson, Joseph Ossai, and Cameron Sample to free agency, creating a need to rebuild the pass rush. Meanwhile, the interior offensive line also has some potential departures, with guards Lucas Patrick and Cordell Volson set to hit the open market. While those depth pieces may not be irreplaceable, the Bengals will need to find quality reinforcements to protect their quarterback and open holes in the running game.

  • The 2026 NFL free agency period begins on March 15, 2026.

The players

Trey Hendrickson

A veteran edge rusher who had a team-high 12 QB hits and 5 sacks for the Bengals in 2025 before missing half the season due to injury.

Joseph Ossai

A young pass rusher who had a team-high 12 QB hits and 5 sacks for the Bengals in 2025.

Cameron Sample

A defensive end who recorded 6 QB hits and 2 sacks for the Bengals in 2025.

Dalton Risner

The Bengals' starting right guard who was re-signed last offseason.

Lucas Patrick

A reserve offensive guard who played just 23 snaps for the Bengals in 2025.

Cordell Volson

A reserve offensive guard who did not see any game action for the Bengals in 2025.

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What they’re saying

“The Bengals need to toughen up in the trenches. While the Cincinnati defense improved slightly down the stretch, the weak link of the operation was certainly the front seven, where Trey Hendrickson was out for half the season -- and sorely missed.”

— Jeremy Bergman, NFL.com writer (SI.com)

“I think that they all happened (the signings) at different times. They weren't all Day One of free agency. Some of those guys, I remember getting Vonn Bell several days into free agency. Others helped us who came later on. Dalton (Risner), we got Dalton in August this (past) year, and he helped. We'll be prepared for the moment and see where it ends up for us.”

— Zac Taylor, Bengals head coach (SI.com)

What’s next

The Bengals will look to address their defensive line and interior offensive line needs through free agency, which begins on March 15, 2026.

The takeaway

The Bengals have the resources to make significant improvements this offseason, and shoring up the trenches on both sides of the ball will be crucial to their continued success and Super Bowl aspirations.