Bengals Have Plenty of Cap Space After Free Agency Moves

Cincinnati adds key defensive pieces but still has room to improve roster

Mar. 14, 2026 at 4:35pm

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The Cincinnati Bengals have made significant additions to their defense in free agency, signing safety Bryan Cook, edge rusher Boye Mafe, and former Pro Bowl defensive tackle Jonathan Allen. However, the team still has an estimated $20.7 million in 2026 cap space and is looking to add more talent, particularly at pass rusher and linebacker.

Why it matters

The Bengals' struggles on defense are well documented, and the additions of Cook, Mafe and Allen should help improve the unit. But the team is not done in free agency and is looking to further bolster the roster to become legitimate Super Bowl contenders.

The details

The Bengals were granted $7 million in extra cap space thanks to an insurance policy on quarterback Joe Burrow, who missed nine games last season due to a grade 3 turf toe injury. They also cleared $2.7 million in 2026 cap space by signing offensive tackle Orlando Brown Jr. to a two-year contract extension. This gives the Bengals $35 million in 2026 cap space, with an estimated $20.7 million remaining after accounting for the upcoming draft class and other in-season costs.

  • The Bengals made their initial free agency moves in early March 2026.
  • The team cleared additional cap space in late March 2026 by signing Orlando Brown Jr. to a contract extension.

The players

Bryan Cook

A safety signed by the Bengals in free agency to help improve their defense.

Boye Mafe

An edge rusher signed by the Bengals in free agency to boost their pass rush.

Jonathan Allen

A former Pro Bowl defensive tackle signed by the Bengals in free agency to strengthen their defensive line.

Joe Burrow

The Bengals' starting quarterback who missed nine games last season due to a grade 3 turf toe injury.

Orlando Brown Jr.

The offensive tackle signed a two-year contract extension with the Bengals, clearing additional 2026 cap space.

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What they’re saying

“I've been doing this a long time. I've never not been all in. We are all in. We are trying to get the best team possible with the resources we have. You know, last year we went all in. We signed over $400 million worth of contracts, going all in. That's what we do. We want to be all in. We're trying to put the best roster together every year, and this year is no different.”

— Duke Tobin, Bengals Director of Player Personnel (Cincinnati Bengals on SI)

What’s next

The Bengals are expected to continue adding talent in free agency, particularly at pass rusher and linebacker, to further bolster their defense and become legitimate Super Bowl contenders.

The takeaway

Despite making significant defensive additions in free agency, the Bengals still have ample salary cap space to continue improving their roster. Their willingness to be "all in" and aggressively pursue top free agents shows their commitment to building a championship-caliber team.