Bengals Vow to Bolster Defense Around Star QB Burrow

NFL insider Ian Rapoport predicts Cincinnati will focus on improving the team around their franchise quarterback.

Published on Feb. 8, 2026

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Despite some reported discontent from star quarterback Joe Burrow late in the 2025 season, the Cincinnati Bengals have no plans to trade their franchise QB. Instead, NFL insider Ian Rapoport says the team will look to enhance and support Burrow by spending more on improving the defense than anything else this offseason.

Why it matters

Burrow is the Bengals' most valuable asset, and keeping him happy and providing him with the necessary supporting cast is crucial for the team's long-term success. Cincinnati struggled to a 6-11 record in 2025, so shoring up the defense could help the Bengals bounce back and contend in the AFC North.

The details

After some comments from Burrow during the season suggested he may be unhappy in Cincinnati, there was speculation the Bengals could look to trade their star QB. However, Rapoport reports the team has no intention of entertaining offers for Burrow and is instead focused on building a winning team around him. The Bengals plan to spend more on improving the defense than anything else this offseason to enhance and support their franchise quarterback.

  • The Bengals finished the 2025 season with a 6-11 record, placing them third in the AFC North.

The players

Joe Burrow

The Bengals' franchise quarterback who is entering the offseason as the team's most valuable asset.

Ian Rapoport

An NFL insider who reported that the Bengals have no plans to trade Burrow and will instead focus on improving the team's defense around him this offseason.

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What they’re saying

“This is a trade topic. You're gonna see Joe Burrow's name pop up on the bottom of the screen. Bengals fans, do not freak out. I do not expect Joe Burrow to be traded. I do expect teams to call the Cincinnati Bengals after it appeared that Burrow expressed some discontent with Cincinnati late in the season. They are the Bengals. He is their franchise quarterback, not expected to go anywhere. But I do expect the Bengals to take his words and kind of use it to spur them on a little bit to really spend this offseason.”

— Ian Rapoport, NFL Insider (NFL GameDay)

What’s next

The Bengals will look to improve their defense through free agency and the draft this offseason in order to build a winning team around quarterback Joe Burrow.

The takeaway

Despite some reported discontent from their star quarterback, the Bengals remain committed to building around Joe Burrow and are focused on improving the team's defense to help the franchise return to contention in the AFC North.