The Cincinnati Bengals' 2026 offseason is shaping up to be defined by critical financial decisions. At the heart of the positive news is running back Chase Brown. After a Pro Bowl-caliber 2025 season where he rushed for over 1,000 yards, added more than 400 receiving yards, and scored 11 total touchdowns, Brown has publicly stated his wish to remain a Bengal for life. His representatives and the team's front office are engaged in active negotiations on a long-term contract extension. Securing Brown, a dynamic dual-threat entering the final year of his rookie deal, would provide stability to the offense and reward a homegrown star.
However, the departure ledger is equally crowded with big names. Defensive end Trey Hendrickson, the engine of the Bengals' pass rush for years, is scheduled to become an unrestricted free agent. His potential exit would create a massive void on the defensive line. Similarly, starting guard Dalton Risner, who provided veteran stability on the interior, is also set to hit the open market. Backup quarterback Joe Flacco and defensive end Joseph Ossai, who missed the season finale with an ankle injury, round out the list of notable free agents. The decisions on Hendrickson and Risner will signal the team's competitive direction—opting for a retool or a more aggressive rebuild.
Beyond the 2026 free agents, the Bengals are also planning for the future. Cornerback DJ Turner II, entering his fourth season, has been identified in league circles as a top extension candidate for Cincinnati this offseason. Locking down a young, starting-caliber cornerback would be a proactive move. The team has already taken care of one piece of business, signing tight end Tanner Hudson to a one-year extension on January 19, 2026, ensuring a reliable veteran presence in the tight end room.
The Bengals' core of Joe Burrow, Ja'Marr Chase, and Tee Higgins remains under contract, absorbing a significant portion of the salary cap. How Executive Vice President Katie Blackburn and the front office navigate the contract crossroads with Brown, Hendrickson, and others will set the financial and competitive template for the next phase of the Burrow era in Cincinnati.