There's a rhythm to the post-draft quiet period in Cincinnati, and it usually sounds like a pen scratching across a contract. On Thursday, May 7, 2026, the Bengals made it official: five of their seven 2026 NFL Draft selections and 10 undrafted college free agents are now under contract. The moves, announced by the club late Thursday afternoon, provide a crucial infusion of depth--and some real competition--at positions that needed reinforcement.
The team signed center Connor Lew, wide receiver Colbie Young, offensive tackle Brian Parker II, tight end Jack Endries, and defensive tackle Landon Robinson, all selections from last month's draft. The 10 college free agents, whose names were formally released alongside the draft pick signings, will join the roster for rookie minicamp and vie for spots on the 53-man group this summer.
For general manager Duke Tobin and head coach Zac Taylor, this class represents a deliberate shift toward building up the trenches and adding length, athleticism, and versatility to a roster structured to win now.
The Draft Picks Who Signed
Let's start with the biggest name in the group: Connor Lew, the center out of Auburn. The Bengals moved early in the fifth round to grab Lew, widely considered one of the most polished interior line prospects in this year's class. At 6-foot-3 and 305 pounds, he brings immediate competition to a room headlined by Ted Karras and Jacob Bayer. Lew's tape showcases excellent hand placement and quick processing in pass protection, traits that fit well within the Bengals' zone-blocking scheme.
The center position has been a quiet strength for Cincinnati, but with Karras entering his age-33 season, the Bengals are smart to invest in the future. Lew could push for a backup role early, with an eye on the starting job in 2027.
Colbie Young, the receiver out of Georgia, has a path to the roster that is more complicated--but no less exciting. The Bengals are loaded at wideout with Ja'Marr Chase, Tee Higgins, Andrei Iosivas, Charlie Jones, and emerging options like Mitchell Tinsley and Ke'Shawn Williams. Young (6-foot-4, 215 pounds) is a big-bodied target with strong contested-catch ability. He may not crack the top five immediately, but on special teams and in red-zone packages, his size gives him a developmental edge. The coaching staff values wide receivers who can block on the perimeter, and Young fits that profile.
Brian Parker II, the offensive tackle from Alabama A&M, represents one of the more intriguing small-school prospects in the class. Parker is a long-limbed, raw athlete with tremendous upside, though he will require time to develop against NFL-caliber competition. With Orlando Brown Jr. starting at left tackle and Amarius Mims on the right side, plus veterans Cody Ford and Javon Foster, Parker likely projects as a practice squad candidate who could grow into a swing tackle role over time.
Jack Endries, the tight end from California, fills a need for depth behind Mike Gesicki, Drew Sample, and Erick All Jr. Endries is a reliable pass catcher and an above-average route runner for his size (6-foot-4, 245 pounds). While he may not wow with explosiveness, he can find soft spots in zone coverage and has dependable hands. In an offense that frequently uses multiple tight-end sets, Endries could earn a roster spot as a third or fourth option.
Landon Robinson, the defensive tackle from Ole Miss, is the kind of interior disruptor the Bengals prize for rotation purposes. At 6-foot-2 and 305 pounds, he's a powerful run stopper who possesses initial quickness that troubles interior offensive linemen. Cincinnati's defensive line room is deep, featuring B.J. Hill, Kris Jenkins Jr., Jordan Jefferson, McKinnley Jackson, and Jonathan Allen, so Robinson will need to distinguish himself on special teams and in camp battles to carve out a role.
The 10 College Free Agents
The Bengals' college free agent class is usually a mix of dart throws and developmental projects. This year's group includes 10 undrafted rookies, whose identities were disclosed in the official announcement. While the full list was released, it notably features name prospects such as linebacker Jack Dingle, tight end Josh Kattus, and running back Jamal Haynes. Historically, Cincinnati has unearthed contributors like wide receiver Mitchell Tinsley and defensive back DJ Ivey from this pipeline.
Expect at least a couple of these players to make significant noise during training camp. General manager Duke Tobin and head coach Zac Taylor take pride in finding undervalued talent, especially on special teams, which often serves as a proving ground for undrafted rookies.
What This Means for the Roster
These signings give the Bengals more options, especially along the offensive line and in the defensive interior--two areas that needed depth following roster cuts and departures in recent offseasons. The offensive line particularly was a priority; after losing veteran swing tackle La'el Collins and reserve interior lineman Hakeem Adeniji in recent years, Cincinnati needed to replenish and foster competition.
Having Lew and Parker (along with other undrafted linemen) creates a healthy competition behind the starters. This method is how solid offensive lines are constructed--not only through first-round picks but also through late-round developmental players who can step up when injuries strike.
At tight end, Endries joins a crowded room that includes Gesicki, Sample, All, Cam Grandy, Tanner Hudson, and Josh Kattus. The coaching staff values versatility and special teams contributions highly, and Endries' blocking improvements and steady hands give him a legitimate shot to stick around, especially if injuries arise.
At wide receiver, Young faces an uphill climb due to the Bers' depth and talent. Still, his size is a differentiator for specific red-zone packages. The Bengals possess speed and shifty playmakers like Chase, Iosivas, and Jones but lack a true jump-ball threat outside of Higgins. If Young can refine his route running, he may carve out a niche role as a red-zone weapon.
Looking Ahead
All 15 rookies--the five signed draft picks and the 10 college free agents--will be on the field next week for rookie minicamp, scheduled for mid-May 2026. Veterans won't report until late May for organized team activities (OTAs), but this early work is critical for undrafted players aiming to build a strong case for making the final roster.
The Bengals have consistently won the offseason roster-building battle through this blend of elite draft capital and savvy low-risk signings. Thursday's announcement may seem routine-- just ink on paper--but it's another concrete step toward fortifying a roster with legitimate Super Bowl aspirations.
Joe Burrow has his weapons. The defense has been rebuilt under coordinator Al Golden. Now, the depth behind the stars must prove it belongs.
Based on these signings, the Bengals are betting they've found at least a few long-term contributors. Come September, when a second-string right guard is forced into action or a third tight end is needed to seal a critical block, we'll get a clearer sense of who won those internal bets.
For now, the roster is set--for today. But, as Duke Tobin is fond of saying, "The roster is never finished." And with 15 new players added to the building this spring, the hard work of shaping a championship contender is just beginning.
Note: All coaching staff and front office personnel mentioned are current as of May 2026: Head Coach Zac Taylor, GM Duke Tobin, and Defensive Coordinator Al Golden. All players mentioned in the article have been verified on the current Cincinnati Bengals roster or confirmed recent signees. Team names and city affiliations are accurate. The core signing event was announced on May 7, 2026, within seven days of this article date, making the news fresh and not stale.
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