According to Justin Melo of Sports Illustrated, Brian Parker might play an immediate role for the Bengals. “The Cincinnati Bengals have needed improvements across the interior of their offensive line for years. [Parker] plays the center position with impressive technique and solid grip strength. Parker should make a successful transition from offensive tackle to interior blocker,” Melo said.

The Bengals will return all five starters from last season. This is the first time Joe Burrow will have a known O-line from the get-go. Still, Parker could slide right in as a center or guard. It’s likely that he plays a depth role at the beginning, but with hopes of getting starting reps along the season.

The Bengals O-line is looking good

Sophomore guard Dylan Fairchild was great during his rookie season. Dalton Risner was solid at right guard, and veteran Ted Karras is a rock-solid center. However, Karras might leave next year, so Parker being a good center already could definitely help his stock.

The Bengals must transform one of their most glaring weaknesses into one of their biggest strengths, and it all looks like they are doing it. At least on paper, the O-line should be much improved in the 2026 NFL season.

The Bengals have addressed the other huge weakness on the roster

More than the O-line, the real problem with the Bengals was the defense. They acquired elite DT Dexter Lawrence, also DE Cashius Howell, and DT Jonathan Allen. In terms of free agency, they signed safety Bryan Cook, DE Boye Mafe, safety Kyle Dugger, and cornerback Jalen Taylor.

Al Golden is a highly respected defensive coordinator thanks to his technical knowledge and player development, though his 2025 debut campaign in the NFL was rough. He has been given the benefit of the doubt this season, but things must improve massively with all these new talent.

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.

There’s a reason the Bengals signed Burrow to a five-year, $275 million extension back in 2023. Still, that record-breaking contract did little to protect Burrow from injuries. Burrow has missed 22 games due to injury in his NFL career, and 16 since he put pen to paper on the extension in Cincinnati.

If the Bengals want to have success—which they haven’t had in the past two seasons—they must keep Burrow away from the blue tent and the medical room. Yet if they can’t, and Burrow’s injury-proneness outweighs their efforts, they must have a solid backup quarterback ready to take over.

With Flacco, Cincinnati has just that: a timeless student of the game who already knows the organization and his teammates, and definitely knows his way around the league to come away with wins. However, having Flacco ready to take over doesn’t take anything away from the other obvious issue. There is an elephant in the room that the Bengals must address.

Protecting Burrow is a must for Bengals

There is no other way around it: Cincinnati must invest in its offensive line. The five players in the trenches may not be household names around the league, but it ultimately comes down to them to keep the star quarterback safe.

So far, Burrow has never enjoyed the perks of a top offensive line in Cincinnati. As a result, not only has he struggled to put together winning seasons consistently, but he has also paid the ultimate price with his health.

Burrow’s injury history

According to Draft Sharks, Burrow has been injured seven times in his NFL career, including season-ending injuries in 2020 (knee) and 2023 (wrist), as well as a long absence in 2025 (turf toe). At this pace, Burrow’s career may be cut short, and the Bengals could watch their Super Bowl window close because they couldn’t keep their quarterback healthy.

That’d be the worst-case scenario for the Bengals. Sure, having Flacco serve as a backup is encouraging, but if Flacco sees the field regularly in 2026, then it means the Bengals or Burrow have done something wrong.

“I’ve always wanted to play in the Olympics,” he said, via the Cincinnati Enquirer. “I’ve never necessarily played an Olympic sport before, so when this got announced, I was pretty excited about it.”

He also added: “The opportunity to win a gold medal [is] something that I’ve thought about – a moment like that – for a long time, since I was a kid. I think it would be something very special.”

Can NFL players compete in the Olympics?

Yes, NFL players will be able to compete in flag football at the 2028 Olympics in Los Angeles. NFL owners unanimously approved a resolution allowing active players to participate.

However, there is a key restriction to protect teams during training camp: only one player per NFL team is allowed to represent their national team (plus one additional “international” player if they are part of the league’s global pathway program).

Interest from several players emerges

The bid by stars like Patrick Mahomes, Tyreek Hill and Jalen Hurts to join Team USA for the 2028 Olympics has sparked a heated rivalry with the current National Flag Football team.

Led by quarterback Darrell “Housh” Doucette III, the flag veterans argue that NFL players shouldn’t automatically assume they can dominate a sport they haven’t specialized in.

Doucette has called the NFL’s sudden interest “disrespectful,” asserting that flag football is a distinct discipline with unique mechanics—a claim backed by recent 2026 exhibition games where the flag specialists outperformed the NFL pros.

In a recent NFL promotion that saw several superstars “pass the phone” to fellow players they admired, Rams wide receiver Davante Adams singled out Burrow. “I’m passing the phone to somebody I wish I had a chance to play with,” Adams said. Joe Burrow was one of the most admired quarterbacks in the NFL.

While he had been troubled by multiple injuries throughout his six-year career in the NFL, he demonstrated all the attributes needed to be one of the game’s top quarterbacks when healthy. His performances consistently showed his ability to lead and deliver under pressure.

Why Adams wanted to play with Burrow

Burrow earned Pro Bowl status three times in his career, and he was a two time winner of the NFL’s Comeback Player of the Year Award. His Pro Bowl selections came in 2022, 2024 and 2025, and the last one was earned even though he played in just eight games that season.

Burrow’s biggest achievement came in 2021 when he led the Bengals to a Super Bowl appearance. While Cincinnati lost that game to the Los Angeles Rams, they defeated the Kansas City Chiefs on the road in the AFC Championship game.

The Bengals defeated Patrick Mahomes and the Chiefs 27-24 in overtime in that game, and they remained the only AFC team to defeat Mahomes and the Chiefs in a postseason game.

That performance reinforced Burrow’s reputation across the league, as his leadership and composure in key moments made him one of the most respected quarterbacks in the NFL.

That said, Zac Taylor’s team becomes just another stop in Johnson’s long career in the league. How many teams has the signal-caller played for since his arrival in the NFL back in 2008?

Selected with the 160th overall pick in the fifth round of the 2008 Draft by the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, the quarterback will make his third stint with the Bengals (one of them on the practice squad), having played for a total of 14 teams.

It’s also worth noting that he had stints in the XFL, where he was recognized in 2020 as the league’s passer rating leader. Experience is certainly something Josh Johnson has in abundance.

The complete list of his professional career

• Tampa Bay Buccaneers (2008-2011)
• San Francisco 49ers (2012)
• Sacramento Mountain Lions (2012)
• Cleveland Browns (2012)
• Cincinnati Bengals (2013)
• San Francisco 49ers (2014)
• Cincinnati Bengals (2015)
• New York Jets (2015)
• Indianapolis Colts (2015)
• Buffalo Bills (2015)
• Baltimore Ravens (2016)
• New York Giants (2016)
• Houston Texans (2017)
• Oakland Raiders (2018)
• San Diego Fleet (2018)
• Washington Redskins (2018)
• Detroit Lions (2019)
• Los Angeles Wildcats (2020)
• San Francisco 49ers (2020)
• New York Jets (2021)
• Baltimore Ravens (2021)
• Denver Broncos (2022)
• San Francisco 49ers (2022)
• Baltimore Ravens (2023)
• Washington Commanders (2025)
• Cincinnati Bengals (2026)

Bengals’ QB room for the 2026 season

Heading into the 2026 season, the Cincinnati Bengals have reshaped their quarterback room to provide better insurance for Joe Burrow, who is looking to bounce back from an injury-plagued 2025.

With veteran Joe Flacco now a free agent, the team officially signed journeyman Josh Johnson to a one-year deal. He will compete with Sean Clifford, who remains under contract through 2026 after joining from the Packers, to secure the primary backup role behind Burrow.

Returning to Baltimore, where he’s a hero and already won a Super Bowl ring? No. According to insider Tom Pelissero on his X account, Flacco wouldn’t mind staying in Cincinnati alongside Burrow.

“Veteran QB Joe Flacco, who will be a free agent Monday, wants an opportunity to at least compete for a starting job. But if he’s a backup, sources say, Flacco would strongly consider a return to Cincinnati, where he filled in for Joe Burrow last fall and made his first Pro Bowl,” the insider revealed.

Many NFL teams are searching for a starting QB, but the dilemma they face today is whether to bring in an experienced player or, on the other hand, opt for a young talent, either through a trade or via the draft.

Teams that could add Flacco

As we head into the 2026 offseason, several teams are searching for a bridge starter or a veteran presence to stabilize their offense. The Arizona Cardinals, Miami Dolphins, and New York Jets have emerged as potential landing spots for Joe Flacco, who remains a viable short-term option after his late-season resurgence.

While these franchises weigh veteran signings against a shallow draft class, the Las Vegas Raiders appear set on a different path, as they are widely expected to use the first-overall pick to select Indiana’s Fernando Mendoza as their future franchise quarterback.

Flacco’s stint in Cincinnati

After being traded to the Bengals following Joe Burrow’s season-ending injury, Joe Flacco provided an incredible veteran spark, throwing for 1,664 yards and 13 touchdowns with just 4 interceptions across nine games.

His stint was highlighted by a career-high 470-yard performance against the Bears and an efficient 91.0 passer rating, earning the 41-year-old his first-ever Pro Bowl selection.