I took control of the Cincinnati Bengals in GM Mode and focused on strengthening the defense while maintaining the core of the offense through restructures and smart roster additions.
The offseason balanced cap management with key veteran additions and a deep draft class.
The Big Picture
- Starting Cap Space: $50.4M
- Final Cap Space: $22.8M
- Contracts Restructured: 4
- Extensions: 1
- Trades Made: 1
- Free Agents Signed: 9
- Draft Picks: 11
- Overall Grade: A
The Bengals kept their offensive core intact while investing heavily in defensive upgrades.
Restructures (4)
Joe Burrow — +$24.9M
Ja’Marr Chase — +$14.0M
Tee Higgins — +$12.3M
B.J. Hill — +$3.0M
These restructures opened significant cap space while keeping Cincinnati’s offensive nucleus together.
Extension
D.J. Turner
Cap Impact: +$3.1M
The Bengals locked in a young defensive piece in the secondary.
Trade
Sent Daxton Hill to New England
Received: 2026 Pick #95, 2026 Pick #125
This move added additional draft capital while reshaping the secondary.
Free Agency Additions
Nine players were signed in free agency to improve the defense and add depth across the roster.
Tariq Woolen (CB) — 4yr / $23.2M APY
A major addition to the secondary with size and speed on the outside.
Jaquan Brisker (S) — 2yr / $14.8M APY
Adds physicality and playmaking ability at safety.
Nakobe Dean (LB) — 1yr / $11.0M APY
An athletic linebacker to strengthen the middle of the defense.
Quay Walker (LB) — 1yr / $10.9M APY
Another fast linebacker to upgrade the front seven.
Khalil Mack (EDGE) — 2yr / $7.8M APY
Veteran pass rush help added to the defensive line.
Jaelan Phillips (EDGE) — 1yr / $7.6M APY
Another edge rusher to improve the Bengals’ pass rush rotation.
Dalton Risner (IOL) — 1yr / $6.7M APY (Re-signing)
Interior offensive line depth retained.
Logan Hall (IDL) — 1yr / $5.3M APY
Adds depth along the defensive interior.
Shelby Harris (IDL) — 1yr / $4.1M APY
Veteran defensive line depth.
Draft Class
Cincinnati added 11 players through the draft to build depth across the roster.
Round 1 Pick 15
Peter Woods (DL3T) — Clemson
Round 2 Pick 41
Brandon Cisse (CB) — South Carolina
Round 2 Pick 46
Emmanuel Pregnon (OG) — Oregon
Round 3 Pick 72
Eli Stowers (TE) — Vanderbilt
Round 3 Pick 95
Jaishawn Barham (EDGE) — Michigan
Round 4 Pick 110
Mike Washington Jr (RB) — Arkansas
Round 5 Pick 145
Jalon Kilgore (S) — South Carolina
Round 5 Pick 148
CJ Daniels (WR) — Miami (FL)
Round 6 Pick 189
Nolan Rucci (OT) — Penn State
Round 6 Pick 199
Kaleb Elarms-Orr (OLB) — TCU
Round 7 Pick 225
Miller Moss (QB) — Louisville
Final Take
The Bengals focused on strengthening their defense while keeping the offense intact. Strong restructures created flexibility, allowing for aggressive defensive upgrades and a deep draft class.
With $22.8M remaining in cap space, Cincinnati positioned itself to stay competitive while continuing to build long-term roster depth.
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