Cincinnati Bengals 2026 Training Camp Preview: All the Pieces Are in Place

With several teams kicking off their organized team activities this week, the NFL offseason is in full swing.

Teams have OTAs sprinkled in over the next three weeks before a month-long break until training camp begins in mid-to-end July.

We'll be reviewing the major offseason changes for all 32 teams in addition to previewing what to expect from each team as they head into training camp. Below is our 2026 training camp preview for the Cincinnati Bengals.

Key Offseason Dates

Voluntary OTAs: June 1-3, June 9-11

Mandatory minicamp: June 16-18

Training camp: mid-July

NFL Hall of Fame game: Aug. 6

Key Additions:

Josh Johnson, QB

Dexter Lawrence, DT

Jonathan Allen, DT

Boye Mafe, DE

Ja'Sir Taylor, CB

Bryan Cook, S

Kyle Dugger, S

Re-Signed:

Joe Flacco, QB

2026 NFL Draft Class:

Cashius Howell, DE, Round 2

Tacario Davis, CB, Round 3

Connor Lew, C, Round 4

Colbie Young, WR, Round 4

Brian Parker II, C, Round 6

Jack Endries, TE, Round 7

Landon Robinson, DT, Round 7

Key Losses:

Noah Fant, TE

Lucas Patrick, OG

Trey Hendrickson, DE

Joseph Ossai, DE

Cam Sample, DE

Cam Taylor-Britt, CB

Geno Stone, S

Analysis:

With a healthy Joe Burrow and the major changes the team made to its defense, it'd be foolish to expect the Bengals to finish third in the division again in 2026.

Losing Trey Hendrickson was a big blow, but Cincinnati made up it with numbers.

The Bengals shocked the NFL world when they traded the No. 10 overall pick to the New York Giants for defensive tackle Dexter Lawrence in a one-for-one deal. The three-time Pro Bowler should be the anchor of a much-improved defensive front next season.

Next to Lawrence will be two-time Pro Bowl DT Jonathan Allen, a former first-round pick who's logged 45.5 sacks in nine seasons, and rookie second-rounder Cashius Howell and former second-round pick Boye Mafe, who's logged 20 sacks, three forced fumbles, and two fumble recoveries in four seasons.

Cornerback Tacario Davis plus safeties Bryan Cook and Kyle Dugger should also help stabilize the secondary.

Offensively, the team added fourth-round rookie WR Colbie Young and seventh-round rookie tight end Jack Endries to join receivers Ja'Marr Chase, Tee Higgins, and Andre Iosivas, and tight end Mike Gesicki.

If Burrow stays healthy all year, Cincinnati should have a top-five offense, a much-improved defense, and a legit shot at getting back to the AFC Championship Game.

2026 NEWSWEEK DIGITAL LLC.

This story was originally published May 27, 2026 at 11:45 PM.