Bengals Extend Left Tackle Orlando Brown Jr. for Two More Years

The veteran secures the left tackle spot for a couple more seasons, but his age raises questions about a long-term succession plan.

Mar. 12, 2026 at 5:19pm

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The Cincinnati Bengals have agreed to a two-year contract extension with veteran left tackle Orlando Brown Jr. The deal keeps Brown in Cincinnati through the 2028 season, solidifying the offensive line's continuity. Brown was entering the final year of his previous contract, but the new extension adds two more years at the same annual value of $16 million. The 29-year-old has started 45 games for the Bengals since joining the team in 2023 and was named the team's Walter Payton NFL Man of the Year nominee in 2024.

Why it matters

The Bengals' decision to extend Brown provides stability on the offensive line, which has been a key factor in the team's recent success. However, Brown's age raises questions about the team's long-term plans at the left tackle position, as they may need to consider a succession plan in the coming years.

The details

The two-year extension keeps Brown under contract through the 2028 season. The deal maintains his previous annual salary of $16 million, which ranks 17th among all left tackles in the NFL. Brown represented himself in the contract negotiations, citing his strong relationship with the Bengals' front office and ownership. The extension means the Bengals likely won't need to use their first-round draft pick on a potential replacement left tackle, though they will still need to address the backup swing tackle position.

  • Brown was acquired by the Bengals as a free agent in 2023 on a four-year, $64 million deal.
  • In 2024, Brown missed six games due to a leg injury, but played through pain in the final two weeks of the season.
  • Brown was named the Bengals' Walter Payton NFL Man of the Year nominee during the 2024 season.
  • The two-year extension was finalized and announced on March 12, 2026.

The players

Orlando Brown Jr.

A 29-year-old veteran left tackle who has started 45 games for the Cincinnati Bengals since joining the team in 2023. He was named the Bengals' Walter Payton NFL Man of the Year nominee in 2024.

Trey Hendrickson

A defensive end for the Baltimore Ravens who has had physical confrontations with Brown in the past, including a brawl in their first practice together in 2023 when Brown was with the Kansas City Chiefs.

Joe Burrow

The Bengals' star quarterback, whom Brown will be tasked with protecting as the team's left tackle.

Andrew Whitworth

A former Bengals left tackle and Hall of Famer who Brown will look to emulate during his time in Cincinnati.

Anthony Muñoz

Another legendary Bengals left tackle who Brown will be compared to as he continues his career in Cincinnati.

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What they’re saying

“To have the opportunity to be able to be here for another two seasons outside of this year, it's very special and means a lot to me and my family.”

— Orlando Brown Jr. (nytimes.com)

“I think who I play for, representing myself made a lot of sense in this situation. Is this something I would do anywhere else? I don't know, to be honest. I think with my relationship with our front office and ownership made a lot of sense … It's as easy as walking up there to Mike Brown and saying, 'Hey, can we get this done?'”

— Orlando Brown Jr. (nytimes.com)

“I feel as though this is probably the most uncomfortable and comfortable situation for me, in a way. What I'm asked to do game to game is unique in terms of the drop-back pass and one-on-one pass protection. It is the most vulnerable state for any offensive lineman in football, let alone a left tackle. And you add in blocking for a half-a-billion-dollar quarterback and playing for this organization with great players like Andrew Whitworth and Anthony Muñoz and Willie Anderson, it comes with a lot of pressure. But for me, I love being a Bengal. I love playing here in this city. I feel like my best football is ahead of me, which is one of the reasons we were able to get two years done. I love it.”

— Orlando Brown Jr. (nytimes.com)

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Walker Reed Quinn out on bail.

The takeaway

This contract extension for Orlando Brown Jr. highlights the Bengals' commitment to maintaining continuity on their offensive line, which has been a key factor in the team's recent success. However, Brown's age raises questions about the team's long-term plans at the left tackle position, and they may need to consider a succession plan in the coming years.