Bengals Urged to Add 'At Least' 3 Pass Rushers for Respectable Defense

The Bengals have a clear need to bolster their pass rush this offseason.

Published on Feb. 12, 2026

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The Cincinnati Bengals are being urged by analysts to add at least three new pass rushers this offseason, either through free agency or the draft, in order to field a respectable defense in 2026. The team's current pass rush group, led by Trey Hendrickson who is expected to depart, is seen as inadequate to compete at a high level.

Why it matters

The Bengals' defense struggled to generate consistent pressure last season, which limited their ability to contend for the top spot in the AFC North. With the team's championship window still open around star quarterback Joe Burrow, improving the pass rush is viewed as a critical priority to give the offense the best chance to win a Super Bowl.

The details

Analysts have highlighted the Bengals' need to add multiple new pass rushers, with The Athletic's Paul Dehner Jr. specifically calling for the team to bring in "at least three starter-level rushers" this offseason. The team's current options, including Myles Murphy and Shemar Stewart, are not seen as reliable enough to field a respectable defense on their own.

  • Trey Hendrickson is expected to leave the Bengals this offseason.

The players

Trey Hendrickson

A key pass rusher for the Bengals who is expected to depart the team in free agency this offseason.

Myles Murphy

A recent draft pick for the Bengals who has shown flashes but is not yet considered a reliable starter-level pass rusher.

Shemar Stewart

Another recent draft selection for the Bengals who, like Murphy, has not yet proven himself as a consistent starting-caliber pass rusher.

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What they’re saying

“The need multiple pass rushers across the line. ... this defense needs at least three starter-level rushers through free agency and the draft if it has any chance to rise to respectability.”

— Paul Dehner Jr., Analyst (The Athletic)

What’s next

The Bengals will need to be aggressive in free agency and the draft to address their pass rush needs, with analysts suggesting the team should target at least three new starting-caliber players at that position.

The takeaway

The Bengals' inability to generate consistent pressure on the quarterback was a major weakness for their defense last season, and addressing that issue through multiple new pass rush additions is seen as critical for the team to have a chance at contending for a Super Bowl title in the final years of their championship window around Joe Burrow.