Conflicting Takes Emerge On Bengals 2026 Offseason Haul So Far

Cincinnati has made a few big signings during free agency.

Mar. 22, 2026 at 3:51pm

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The Bengals are getting mixed reviews for their offseason moves so far, with some analysts like FOX Sports' Ben Arthur believing they have gotten worse, while others like The 33rd Team's Ari Meirov and FOX Sports' Jordan Schultz think Cincinnati has done a great job addressing their defensive needs. The team has signed players like Boye Mafe, Bryan Cook, and Jonathan Allen, but there are questions about whether they have done enough to support star quarterback Joe Burrow.

Why it matters

The Bengals are looking to build on their recent success and make another run at the Super Bowl, but their offseason moves will be crucial in determining how competitive they can be next season. The differing opinions on their offseason haul so far highlight the challenges the team faces in balancing their roster and cap situation.

The details

The Bengals have made several notable free agent signings, including linebacker Boye Mafe, safety Bryan Cook, and defensive tackle Jonathan Allen. However, some analysts like FOX Sports' Ben Arthur believe the team has not done enough to replace the production they lost with the departure of defensive end Trey Hendrickson. Other insiders like The 33rd Team's Ari Meirov and FOX Sports' Jordan Schultz have praised the Bengals' offseason moves, arguing they have significantly improved their defense and created a strong supporting cast around star quarterback Joe Burrow.

  • The Bengals made their free agent signings during the 2026 NFL offseason.

The players

Joe Burrow

The star quarterback of the Cincinnati Bengals.

Boye Mafe

A linebacker signed by the Bengals to a three-year, $60 million contract.

Bryan Cook

A safety signed by the Bengals to a three-year contract.

Jonathan Allen

A defensive tackle signed by the Bengals to a three-year, $26 million contract.

Trey Hendrickson

A defensive end who departed the Bengals in free agency.

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What they’re saying

“The writing was on the wall for Hendrickson's departure, but adding Boye Mafe — signed to a three-year, $60 million contract — doesn't sufficiently make up for the pass-rush production lost. Mafe had just two sacks last season with the Seahawks.”

— Ben Arthur, FOX Sports

“I was a big fan of what the Bengals did, opening up their pocketbooks and paying three impact defensive players. Boye Mafe, Bryan Cook, and Jonathan Allen. Now we know this offense with a healthy Joe Burrow can be the best in the league. We also know this defense has had significant struggles.”

— Jordan Schultz, FOX Sports

“I like what they've done so far. Boye Mafe is an ascending player. Bryan Cook comes in. They have not had a safety on the back end ever since Jesse Bates left as a free agent. You get Bryan Cook for three years and Jonathan Allen, defensive tackle, veteran player, former guest here on the show, three years and $26 million. I still think there's more money they could be spending here.”

— Ari Meirov, The 33rd Team

The takeaway

The Bengals' offseason moves have generated conflicting opinions, with some analysts believing they have not done enough to replace key defensive losses, while others think the team has significantly improved its defense and created a strong supporting cast around star quarterback Joe Burrow. The team's ability to balance its roster and cap situation will be crucial in determining how competitive they can be next season.