The Cincinnati Bengals are a team that shouldn’t be sitting at 4-9 on the season, whether Joe Burrow missed some games or not. They have so much talent on offense and played well enough on that side of the ball to have multiple more wins.
However, they are, and it’s time to look forward to the offseason and the NFL Draft. What do the Bengals need to bring in to return to being contenders next year? Let’s talk about it.
What Do The Bengals Need From The Draft?
We have to take this with a grain of salt for now. We have no idea what the Bengals will do in free agency or which of their free agents they will bring back or let walk. This also won’t take into account coaching changes that could change offensive and defensive philosophies. However, the Bengals have some clear needs in the offseason, and let’s examine them.
Starting with the offense, the Bengals appear to be well-set going into next year. They have their quarterback, running back, top two receivers, tight end, and four of their five offensive linemen under contract for next year. They could use an upgrade at wide receiver three, where Andrei Iosivas just hasn’t been good enough this year.
On the offensive line, they could also use a right guard if Dalton Risner isn’t brought back. Orlando Brown Jr. has one more year left on their contract, so they could bring in an offensive tackle to learn for a year before taking over for Brown in 2027. They could also draft a tackle and play him at guard for a year before moving him to tackle when Brown leaves.
The defensive side of the ball is where they really need to improve, though. On the defensive line, Myles Murphy and Joseph Ossai have been playing well in the second half of the season so far. They also have rookie Shemar Stewart and Trey Hendrickson, who have missed most of the season. However, Ossai and Trey are free agents and could cost more than they want to spend. Edge rusher is still a need.
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On the interior of the defensive line, the Bengals have some average to good run defenders, but no real pass rushers. Adding a pass-rushing defensive tackle is one of the most significant needs on this Bengals team. They haven’t really had one since the days of Geno Atkins.
Even though the Bengals spent two draft picks on linebackers in the 2025 draft, neither has played well enough to be pencilled in as a starter next year. If the Bengals don’t go out in free agency and bring in at least one veteran linebacker, they will need to take another one in 2026.
Looking at the defensive backs, DJ Turner is the second-highest rated CB in PFSN’s Cornerback Impact Scores, and Dax Hill has played well this season. Cam Taylor-Britt played poorly when he was healthy and then got hurt for the season. Cornerback might not be their most significant need, but bringing in another corner who can play outside with Turner and let Dax slide back to the slot would put their best players in their best positions.
Jordan Battle has been up and down and might have shown enough to get another season. However, Geno Stone hasn’t lived up to his contract and will be a free agent after this season. They could really use a playmaking safety that isn’t afraid to come down and hit someone. It’s one of their most significant needs as well.
The Bengals have numerous needs on the defensive side of the ball, and they will need to find ways to address most of them if they want to be a contender next season. They haven’t drafted exceptionally well lately, and that needs to change if the Bengals ultimately want to win a Super Bowl while Joe Burrow is still here.
