Bengals to Spend Big This Offseason to Support QB Joe Burrow

Team plans to focus on improving struggling defense after listening to Burrow's feedback

Published on Feb. 8, 2026

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The Cincinnati Bengals are reportedly planning to spend more than usual this offseason to improve their team, especially on the defensive side of the ball. According to NFL Network's Ian Rapoport, the Bengals will listen to quarterback Joe Burrow's input and invest in the roster, with a focus on enhancing the defense which struggled last season.

Why it matters

This offseason is a critical one for the Bengals as they look to build on their recent success and contend for a playoff spot. With the rest of their division potentially going through transition years, the Bengals have an opportunity to separate themselves by aggressively upgrading their roster, particularly on defense.

The details

The Bengals have several needs on defense, including at safety, cornerback, linebacker, and along the defensive line. By spending more this offseason, they can address those areas through free agency and the draft, potentially landing instant-impact starters like Ohio State safety Caleb Downs. This aggressive approach is a departure from the Bengals' more conservative offseason strategies in recent years.

  • The Bengals finished the 2025 season with a 9-7 record and missed the playoffs.
  • Quarterback Joe Burrow made comments at the end of the season urging the team to be more aggressive in improving the roster.
  • The 2026 NFL Draft is scheduled for April.

The players

Joe Burrow

The Bengals' star quarterback who has led the team to the playoffs in two of his first three seasons in the NFL.

Ian Rapoport

NFL Network reporter who broke the news of the Bengals' offseason spending plans.

Caleb Downs

Ohio State safety prospect who could be a target for the Bengals with the 10th overall pick in the 2026 NFL Draft.

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What they’re saying

“But I do expect the Bengals and take his words and spur them on a little bit to really spend this offseason. I expect the Bengals to enhance and support everything Joe Burrow does. To spend probably more on the defense than anything else.”

— Ian Rapoport, NFL Network Reporter (NFL Network)

What’s next

The Bengals will have the 10th overall pick in the 2026 NFL Draft, where they could target a defensive player like Ohio State safety Caleb Downs to help improve their struggling defense.

The takeaway

The Bengals' reported plan to spend more this offseason and listen to quarterback Joe Burrow's feedback shows their commitment to building a championship-caliber roster around their young star. This aggressive approach could pay dividends as the team looks to take the next step and return to the playoffs.