Why 2026 May Be the Turning Point for the Cincinnati Bengals Three-Time Pro Bowl Quarterback
The Cincinnati Bengals have become one of the most interesting stories in the NFL. Despite having players like quarterback Joe Burrow and wide receiver Ja’Marr Chase, they’ve missed out on the playoffs for the past three seasons. The Bengals were competing for a Super Bowl just five years ago, under a second-year Burrow, who felt like the team had only just scratched the surface of what they could do. Since the 2022 season, when Cincinnati lost in the Conference Championship, they’ve been plagued by injuries and bad luck. Burrow went down with a severe grade three turf toe in his left foot last season, missing nine games, which proved too costly by the time he returned. As unfortunate as the injury was, 2026 is looking to be much more different, and the potential turning point the organization has been looking for.
Burrow has fully recovered from his injury, participating in voluntary workouts earlier this month, and is said to be looking healthy. It has been a tough career so far for the three-time Pro Bowler, having torn his wrist ligament, ACL, PCL, MCL, and meniscus throughout his five seasons. The Bengals' stone-cold pocket killer now hopes his injuries are behind him and can focus on getting back into the playoffs once again. He will also have an upgraded defense that has been sorely needing new additions. The Bengals added defensive tackle Dexter Lawrence from the New York Giants in a blockbuster trade, giving up their first-round pick. They’d also add safety Kyle Dugger, cornerback Ja’Sir Taylor, and defensive tackle Jonathan Allen. Cincinnati’s defense ranked 28th in the league last year and struggled to provide any spark following Burrow’s injury. With the defense making its necessary changes, the offense saw some improvements that will help ensure a better year.
The Bengals extended offensive tackle Orlando Brown Jr. to a two-year extension, along with extending tight end Tanner Hudson to a one-year extension. Through the draft, the Bengals added center Connor Lew and tackle Brian Parker to add more protection for their star quarterback. The former LSU tiger has had a history of high sack totals and taking unnecessary hits, which haven’t helped his injury issues, so he will now have an upgraded offensive line to stand confident in. He will also once again have Chase and wide receiver Tee Higgins, who have been reliable weapons since they’ve been on the team, and one of the best catching duos in the league. There’s plenty to be excited about in Cincinnati, as this season may be the breakthrough year that fans have been clamoring for since competing for a Super Bowl.
