Burrow appeared in a press conference on Wednesday, and he was asked if he’s targeting any individual accolades. It seems like the quarterback already had that question in mind as he was quick to reply. “I’m pretty close to the Bengals franchise touchdown record. I’m like 50 or something away, so that would be nice to break this year,” Burrow said.

And Burrow is actually closer, he is not 50 TD passes away, he is 47 away to tie Andy Dalton’s record with the Bengals. However, tying it this year is a tough feat. For instance, his personal record is 43 touchdown passes in a single season. He would have to break his own record, but he is not afraid of challenges.

Burrow wants all the glory with the Cincinnati Bengals

While it might seem selfish to focus on individual accolades, the fact is that if Burrow throws for 47+ touchdowns in a year, the Bengals will clearly benefit. Also, that was an isolated question, Burrow also said the Bengals have “everything (they) need” to contend for a Super Bowl once again.

Burrow has had a Super Bowl experience before, as they lost in 2021 to the Los Angeles Rams. However, he is more confident in the roster the team has now. In fact, Burrow said this is the best roster the Bengals have had since he is in the NFL. Major words from a major player with major expectations.

The Bengals have a big opportunity to make a splash

Not only is the roster looking pretty solid, with a high-octane offense and a revamped defense, but the AFC North is there for the taking. The Baltimore Ravens are entering a new era with rookie head coach Jesse Minter and new offensive coordinator as well.

The Pittsburgh Steelers are entering a new chapter with Mike McCarthy as HC, on Aaron Rodgers’ farewell season. Finally, the Browns are also getting a new HC in rookie Todd Monken, and don’t even have established a QB1, not to mention they lost defensive coordinator Jim Schwartz. The Bengals should run away with the division.

In recent weeks, the Bengals made several signings that shocked the NFL, including high-profile additions like Dexter Lawrence and Jonathan Allen. Following these moves, Burrow has hinted that Cincinnati won’t make another big move this offseason.

“They’re going to keep getting great players to come play for the Bengals, and when they do that, then it’s my job and Zac (Taylor)’s job and the leaders of this team to bring the locker room together and then go execute on the field,” Burrow said, via the team’s official website. “We have everything we need.

“We made a big trade for a big-time player. Signed a free agent top safety on the market, and other additions. We’ll see how the rookies end up. … But first impressions, we’ve got guys that care about the game, care about their job, and want to be great. When you have young guys like that and veterans like we do, it’s a recipe for success.”

The Bengals have a solid roster to compete for the AFC North

The AFC North is currently one of the most intriguing divisions in the NFL. The Ravens, Steelers, and Browns will all have new head coaches, and the Bengals must take full advantage of this transition period.

Zac Taylor has faced criticism for failing to guide the Bengals back to success after their impressive run in 2021. Now that the other three teams have changed head coaches, this is his chance to leverage his deep familiarity with the AFC North and dominate the division.

However, one vital question mark remains: Joe Burrow’s health. The quarterback has historically lacked a dominant offensive line to keep him safe, a factor that is critical to sustaining a reliable offense led by an elite signal-caller.

According to Jordan Schultz, the Bengals will have their first seven games of the season all kicking off at 1:00 pm ET. They’r not even playing in the late window. Per Schultz, “No primetime love from the NFL until Weeks 10 and 11 with the Steelers on SNF and then the Commanders on MNF.“

Last year, the Bengals first primetime game was in Week 4, with another in Week 7, followed by Week 13 and Week 16 stand-alone games as well. However, this time around they’ll have to wait until late in the season.

This might not play in Bengals’ favor

The Bengals are usually slow starters, so that might be the reasoning for the NFL to schedule the Bengals’ primetime games until late in the season. However, as blockbuster as he is, Burrow is injury prone, so they are also risking that Burrow is not even there at that point in the season.

Burrow only played eight games in 2025. In fact, he’s only played 17 games once in his career. Therefore, it’s complicated to predict whether he will be healthy or not for the time where the primetime games arrive.

The Bengals face a lot of pressure this season

Having Joe Burrow, Ja’Marr Chase and Tee Higgins, among many other top-tier players makes it unacceptable to miss the playoffs. However, that’s what the Bengals have done more times than other.

Hence, head coach Zac Taylor is under immense pressure. If they can’t make it into the playoffs, he is likely to get fired sooner rather than later. With a heavy offseason, the Bengals should be poised for success.

“I think I would be surprised, but prepared for it, if that’s what they choose to do to us for the fifth straight year,” Zac Taylor said while awaiting the release of the schedule on Thursday. It is clear that the coach wants to bring this game to Cincinnati this season.

On November 25, 2025, during Thanksgiving, the Bengals managed to secure a 32-14 victory at M&T Bank Stadium, snapping a three-game losing streak in primetime against the Ravens. Will the league finally grant them a divisional classic in 2026 at The Jungle?

Bengals look for a revamped and healthy season

Bengals finished the 2025-26 season with a disappointing 6–11 record. A major factor in this outcome was once again the health of Joe Burrow, who missed a significant portion of the season due to a severe Grade 3 turf toe injury and ligament damage suffered in Week 2, which ultimately required surgery.

Heading into the 2026 season, Burrow’s primary focus is on durability and staying on the field, especially after a grueling stretch of recent setbacks that include a torn wrist ligament in 2023 and a strained calf that hampered his early performance that same year.

Confirmed opponents for the Bengals in 2026

After a disappointing season, all efforts are focused on turning things around immediately. Although the exact dates are still unknown, the Cincinnati Bengals already know their opponents, and their trips away from Paycor Stadium look promising for what lies ahead.

The Pittsburgh Steelers brought in Michael Pittman, but were very interested in landing Makai Lemon in the draft, before being railroaded by the Eagles. Hence, when Hopkins spoke about joining an AFC North, they could’ve been the answer.

In an express interview with Sports Illustrated, Hopkins was asked about which quarterback he would want to play next. “Joe Burrow,” Hopkins said. “I think Joe is one of the best, I love his game, his toughness. He took his team to a Super Bowl early in his career, and I feel like he can get back there with a little bit of help.”

Hopkins would play a tertiary role on the Bengals

While Hopkins may want to play with Burrow, he wouldn’t be much of a protagonist. The fact is Burrow’s first two options will always be Ja’Marr Chase and Tee Higgins. Hopkins would serve as a situational weapon for third downs, or in the end zone, where he can still be a highly-productive player.

Burrow and Hopkins played great together in the latest Fanatics Flag Football event. They got a couple of highlights in that game, so there is a connection already. However, the Bengals don’t see WRs as a priority, they have the position settled.

Hopkins options are slim

Once arguably the best wideout in the NFL, Hopkins is 33 years old and racked up only 330 yards on 22 catches for the Ravens in 2025. While he will be a cheap option, he is also looking for a Super Bowl-ready team, and those teams might not prioritize getting Hopkins.

Hence, not many teams are rushing to get D-Hop on their roster. A return to the Ravens now seems unlikely, as the team drafted both Ja’Kobi Lane and Elijah Sarratt. The Pittsburgh Steelers probably didn’t like D-Hop flirting with the Bengals either. Hence, it remains to be seen where he’ll end up.

According to Mike Florio of Pro Football Talk, “it’s believed that the failed Maxx Crosby trade was a significant factor in getting the deal done early. As one source put it, both teams were concerned about Lawrence passing a physical. Pre-Crosby, that would have been less of a concern.”

For instance, this trade could’ve been similar to the AJ Brown trade in the 2022 Draft. However, the fear of not passing the physical test was bigger than the opportunity to get the most out of the trade.

The Bengals made the right move

Not only were the Bengals needing a guy like Dexter Lawrence on defense, but there were no players that are such a guaranteed force in defense like Lawrence. Hence, this was the best-case scenario for them.

Contrary to the Crosby situation, where the Ravens pivoted to Trey Hendrickson, there was no plan B for the Bengals. If they didn’t land Lawrence, they would’ve likely used their 10th pick and roll the dice on a rookie. Last season, their first pick was DE Shemar Stewart, and that ended up being a mess from the get-go.

The NY Giants still got a good return

The Giants used the 10th pick given by the Bengals to selece Francis Mauigoa, who could perfectly be a rock solid left tackle for the team, barring any injury setbacks. Mauigoa has a disc injury, but the Giants were comfortably fine picking him either way.

For the first time in almost 40 years, the Cincinnati Bengals are without a first-round pick in the NFL Draft, 37 years to be precise. After a one-for-one swap of the Giants’ Dexter Lawrence for the Bengals No. 10 overall pick, Cincinnati is now in possession of a three-time Pro Bowler.

The Bengals trust in a resurgence from Lawrence after a disappointing 2025 season with New York. Perhaps a change of scenery and conference helps the defensive tackle return to being a defensive threat.

A rare situation for the Bengals

Being without a first-round pick should come as a weird sight for Bengals fans. The Cincinnati franchise has had a Round 1 pick in every draft since 1989, according to Pro Football Reference.

A large portion of the Bengals first round picks, except Joe Burrow and Ja’Marr Chase, have been swing and misses. Now, the franchise will be without a decision to make on Day 1 of the 2026 Draft, barring a trade.

Cincinnati will make its first selection at No. 41 in the second round. The team has found some success in recent second rounds, such as the 2022 Draft. That year, the Bengals selected Tee Higgins at No. 33, and he signed a four-year, $115 million extension with the team in March 2025.

What are the Bengals draft picks?

The Bengals may be among the teams without a first-round pick in 2026, but they still have seven selections to make in the 2026 Draft:

However, it’s the first round the one that matters the most. All top-tier talent is usually gone after the first 32 picks. This year, though, there are six teams that have no first-round picks. Each time will have different picks but the same time to select in the 2026 NFL Draft.

The Jacksonville Jaguars, Atlanta Falcons, Indianapolis Colts, Green Bay Packers, Denver Broncos, and Cincinnati Bengals have no first round picks in the upcoming 2026 NFL Draft. Conversely, this means there are teams with multiple first-round picks.

Why do these teams have no first-round picks?

The Jaguars traded their 2026 first-rounder to the Cleveland Browns in a 2025 draft deal to move up to pick Travis Hunter. The Falcons traded their pick to the Los Angeles Rams as part of a package for a 2025 first-round used in OLB James Pearce Jr.

The Packers traded away their pick as a part of the Micah Parsons deal. The Colts traded their first-rounder to acquire Sauce Gardner. As for the Broncos, their first pick was traded to the Dolphins for WR Jaylen Waddle. Lastly, the Bengals traded their 10th overall pick to the Giants to acquire Dexter Lawrence.

Can these teams still have something to say?

Not having picks doesn’t mean that these six teams won’t play a part. It’s been heavily rumored that the 2026 NFL Draft will feature plenty of trades. Hence, don’t discard any of these teams jumping in and being a part of draft day if they see the opportunity to enhance their roster.

“They wanted me here and they appreciated the work that I’ve put in over the last seven seasons. … I’ve got a fire in me that I’ve never had before,” the experienced nose tackle revealed via @Bengals.

Talent, experience, leadership, and now that inner fire that could elevate him to give his best. Clearly, the Bengals have acquired one of the best versions of Lawrence in his career. Can he prove it on the field?

In Cincinnati through 2028

Following the important move that sent the Pro Bowl defensive tackle to Cincinnati in exchange for the No. 10 overall pick, the team moved quickly to secure his future. Including the new one-year, $28 million extension he signed upon arrival, Dexter Lawrence will earn after NY Giants trade with Bengals a total of approximately $70 million over the next three seasons.

This lucrative deal, which keeps him under contract through 2028, includes a $10 million signing bonus and positions him as one of the highest-paid interior defenders in the league as he joins Zac Taylor’s defensive front.

What Bengals still need to become true contenders?

To become true contenders in 2026, the Cincinnati Bengals must finalize their defensive overhaul. While the blockbuster acquisition of Dexter Lawrence solves their massive hole at nose tackle, the team still lacks elite pass-rushing depth and a lockdown presence in the secondary.

To maximize Joe Burrow’s window, the Bengals need talented players who can prevent the explosive plays that plagued them last season. While Arvell Reese, David Bailey, and Rueben Bain Jr. are among the top prospects at this position, it will be difficult for them to be available at the 41st overall pick, when the Bengals will make their first selection in the upcoming NFL draft.

“We are excited to add Dexter to our team,” the head coach said via nbcsports.com. “He has been a dominant player in the league since he was drafted, and he will be a tremendous presence on the field and in our locker room.”

The Bengals also announced that the former Giants player has signed a one-year $28 million contract extension, which keeps him under contract through 2028. One of the pre-draft storylines has come to an end with Lawrence landing in the AFC North.

Bengals front office supports Taylor’s comments

The excitement overflowing at the Bengals’ facilities following Dexter Lawrence’s arrival goes beyond Zac Taylor’s staff. Adding one of the most dominant defensive players in the NFL was an opportunity they couldn’t pass up.

“The opportunity to add a player of Dexter’s ability was too good to pass up thanks to the commitment by Mr. Brown, Katie Blackburn, Troy Blackburn, Paul Brown, and our player personnel staff,” Bengals director of player personnel Duke Tobin.

“Dexter fits the vision we have on our defense and will also elevate others around him. We are confident in Dexter and can’t wait to see the positive effects he and the other players we have acquired this offseason have on our football team. We are excited to turn to the draft and our remaining picks to further enhance our team.”

Lawrence’s leadership

During his final season with the Giants in 2025, Dexter Lawrence remained a force on the interior, recording 31 total tackles, 0.5 sacks, and a career-high 4 passes defended, while also securing his first career interception. His arrival provides Zac Taylor’s defense with an elite, durable anchor who can collapse the pocket and elevate the performance of those around him, instantly turning the Bengals’ defensive front into one of the most formidable units in the league.

When will the Bengals make their picks?

Cincinnati will have seven opportunities to strengthen its roster with young talent after sending its first-round pick to East Rutherford. These are the picks the Bengals will have available in the upcoming draft.

• Round 2: No. 41
• Round 3: No. 72
• Round 4: No. 110
• Round 6: No. 189
• Round 6: No. 199
• Round 7: No. 221
• Round 7: No. 226

As part of the agreement, Lawrence is not only changing teams but also securing a new extension that reflects his value in Cincinnati’s defensive plans. The move signals a clear commitment from the Bengals, who are pairing a premium draft investment with long-term financial stability for one of the league’s top interior defenders.

These are the numbers according to Adam Schefter. “Compensation update: Now that he has passed his physical and the trade is official, newly-acquired DT Dexter Lawerence is signing a one-year, $28 million contract extension with the Bengals. So in the end, Lawrence gets the trade he wanted while being contractually tied to Cincinnati for the next three seasons.”

How much money will Dexter Lawrence make with Bengals in salary?

Before the trade, Dexter Lawrence was still under his previous contract, which kept him under team control through the 2027 season. That deal had him locked in for the near future, but without the updated financial terms he was reportedly seeking.

With this new extension, the timeline shifts. The one-year, $28 million addition effectively adjusts his compensation structure heading into the 2028 season, while extending his financial commitment in Cincinnati for multiple years beyond his original deal.

In practical terms, the Bengals are not just acquiring Lawrence, they are immediately resetting his salary profile to reflect his market value. For Cincinnati, it is a win-now move backed by financial conviction, and for Lawrence, it is the resolution of a contract standoff that ultimately delivered both a new team and a new payday.