The Cincinnati Bengals have had a frustrating stretch of seasons, as the franchise enters the 2026 campaign in the midst of a three-year playoff drought. During that drought, the Bengals’ defense has struggled to complement the potent offensive attack on the other side of the ball.
Cincinnati made one major move toward improving the defense this offseason by trading to acquire defensive lineman Dexter Lawrence.
“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 said.
It appears that the Bengals know that missing the playoffs again this season could mean the end of star quarterback Joe Burrow’s time in Cincinnati.
“Schefter: This season considered to be “hugely significant” for Joe Burrow and his future in Cincinnati,” Underdog NFL reported on Monday.
Schefter: This season considered to be "hugely significant" for Joe Burrow and his future in Cincinnati.
— Underdog NFL (@UnderdogNFL) April 20, 2026
Fans reacted to the news on social media.
“3 out of 6 years have been great. But minimal playoff success and a constantly competitive division could make sense. They most likely trade Burrow before they let him walk though if that happens. But another year or two of the Bengals finishing 3rd, why pay him again,” one fan wrote on Twitter.
“This just in: Grass is Green. And yes it significant bc they just did something never do. D has been improved. Time to go win it all,” someone else.
“They acting like he’s been bad.. he gets hurt because your idiots don’t get him any offensive line help,” another fan added.
It’ll be interesting to see how this season goes in Southwest Ohio.
About Qwame Skinner
Qwame Skinner has loved both writing and sports his entire life. In addition to his sports coverage at Comeback Media, Qwame writes novels, and his debut; The First Casualty, an adult fantasy, is out now.