Bengals Sign Orlando Brown Jr. to Contract Extension

The deal keeps the offensive tackle in Cincinnati through the 2027 season.

Published on Mar. 12, 2026

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The Cincinnati Bengals have agreed to a contract extension with offensive tackle Orlando Brown Jr. The one-year deal will keep Brown in Cincinnati through the 2027 season. Brown, who was headed into a contract year, says the extension creates "a sense of stability" for both himself and the organization.

Why it matters

Retaining Brown, one of the Bengals' key offensive linemen, is an important move for the team as they look to build on their recent success. The Bengals' offensive line was a strength last season, and keeping that unit intact will be crucial for protecting quarterback Joe Burrow and opening up running lanes.

The details

The contract extension is worth $64 million over four years, making Brown the biggest free-agent signing in Bengals history. Brown says he didn't feel the need to "reset the market" with this deal, and instead focused on making it "team friendly" to put both himself and the organization in a good position.

  • Brown was headed into a contract year before this extension was agreed to.
  • The extension will keep Brown in Cincinnati through the 2027 season.

The players

Orlando Brown Jr.

A 30-year-old offensive tackle who has been a key part of the Bengals' offensive line since joining the team as a free agent.

Joe Burrow

The Bengals' star quarterback, whose protection will be bolstered by retaining Brown on the offensive line.

Trey Hendrickson

A defensive end who recently signed with the Baltimore Ravens, creating more challenges for the Bengals in the AFC North.

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What they’re saying

“The deal creates a sense of stability for myself and the organization. I didn't necessarily feel the need to reset the market. We have great players in this locker room. It's rare for a player to say, but making it team friendly... The way that I see it, it puts me and my family and the organization in a good spot.”

— Orlando Brown Jr., Offensive Tackle (Bengals.com)

What’s next

The Bengals will look to build on their recent success with their offensive line intact, as they aim to make another deep playoff run in the 2026 season.

The takeaway

By retaining a key offensive lineman like Orlando Brown Jr., the Bengals are demonstrating their commitment to protecting their star quarterback Joe Burrow and maintaining the strength of their offensive unit. This extension shows the team's ability to keep its core players together, which will be crucial for their continued success in the competitive AFC North division.