Three Bengals Players Face Make-or-Break 2026 Season

Cincinnati's defense needs a boost, and these three players must prove their worth.

Published on Feb. 21, 2026

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The Cincinnati Bengals have several players on their roster who are entering a 'make or break' season in 2026. Defensive end Joseph Ossai, defensive tackle T.J. Slaton, and cornerback Dax Hill all need to step up their production this year to secure their futures with the team.

Why it matters

The Bengals' defense has struggled in recent years, and these three players represent key pieces that could help turn things around. Their performances in 2026 will determine whether they remain part of Cincinnati's long-term plans.

The details

Ossai, a third-round pick in 2021, has yet to live up to expectations with just 38 tackles and 14.5 sacks in five seasons. The Bengals may be forced to re-sign him due to a lack of pass rushers, but he needs to show significant improvement to warrant a long-term deal. Slaton, a fifth-round pick, ranked 116th out of 134 defensive linemen in 2026 and is entering the final year of his contract. The Bengals' defensive line has been an issue, and Slaton must prove he can be a difference-maker. Hill, a former first-rounder, found a home at cornerback last season but has just three career interceptions and was responsible for three touchdowns. He'll either need to earn an extension or play on the fifth-year option to prove he's the long-term answer at the position.

  • Ossai was a third-round pick for the Bengals in the 2021 draft.
  • Slaton signed with the Bengals as a free agent last offseason after spending four years with the Green Bay Packers.
  • Hill ended the 2025 season ranked 49th out of 114 cornerbacks by Pro Football Focus.

The players

Joseph Ossai

A defensive end for the Cincinnati Bengals who was a third-round pick in the 2021 draft. He has yet to produce at the level the team had hoped, with 38 tackles and 14.5 sacks in five seasons.

T.J. Slaton

A defensive tackle for the Cincinnati Bengals who was a fifth-round draft pick out of Florida. He ranked 116th out of 134 defensive linemen in 2026 and is entering the final year of his contract.

Dax Hill

A cornerback for the Cincinnati Bengals who was a first-round pick. He found a home at cornerback last season but has just three career interceptions and was responsible for three touchdowns.

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The takeaway

The Bengals' defense has struggled in recent years, and the performances of Ossai, Slaton, and Hill in 2026 will be crucial in determining if they can turn things around. These three players face a make-or-break season as they fight to prove their worth and secure their futures with the team.