The Bengals loaded up on the defensive line this offseason, so the roster suddenly could be difficult to crack.
Quarterback (3)
Joe Burrow, Joe Flacco, Josh Johnson
Cincinnati is obviously hoping that Joe Burrow can stay healthy all season, but they are fortunate that other teams didn’t want Joe Flacco as a potential starter, so he’s back as the backup with veteran Josh Johnson signed as the No. 3 quarterback. Former Penn State star Sean Clifford is on the 90-man roster and will try to impress in preseason action.
Running back (3)
Chase Brown, Samaje Perine, Tahj Brooks
Chase Brown is the unquestioned starter coming off his first career 1,000-yard rushing season, and Samaje Perine is a very trusted option on passing downs. There might not be room for Tahj Brooks to have much of a role in Year 2, but he should be safe ahead of Kendall Milton, Gary Brightwell, and others.
Wide receiver (6)
Ja’Marr Chase, Tee Higgins, Andrei Iosivas, Colbie Young (R), Mitch Tinsley, Charlie Jones
Targets are dominated by Ja’Marr Chase and Tee Higgins at wide receiver, but the Bengals have excellent depth there as well—leaving limited opportunity for someone not listed to crack the roster. Andrei Iosivas has shown he can be a big-play threat, Colbie Young is a six-foot-five target that was taken in the fourth round, Mitch Tinsley earned his way onto the roster last summer, and Charlie Jones is one of the NFL’s best returners.
Tight end (4)
Mike Gesicki, Drew Sample, Erick All Jr., Tanner Hudson
Seventh-round pick Jack Endries will try to push either Erick All Jr. or Tanner Hudson, but I assume Cincinnati wants to see what All can do if he stays healthy, while Hudson has been steady for them over the past three seasons. Mike Gesicki and Drew Sample again will be the top receiving and blocking tight end, respectively.
Offensive tackle (3)
Orlando Brown Jr., Amarius Mims, Brian Parker II (R)
The towering tackle duo of Orlando Brown Jr. and Amarius Mims should give Joe Burrow plenty of time, and the Bengals have plenty of options behind them with Cody Ford and Jalen Rivers also having the ability to play tackle. I think sixth-round rookie Brian Parker II might be a better fit inside, but the same is probably true for Ford and Rivers as Cincinnati figures out what works best for the backups.
Guard (4)
Dylan Fairchild, Dalton Risner, Cody Ford, Jalen Rivers
The Bengals re-signing Dalton Risner has their starting guards set with 2025 third-rounder Dylan Fairchild along with the veteran, and the aforementioned Cody Ford and Jalen Rivers are safe as backups at either tackle or guard. If 10 offensive linemen end up being kept, the top option would be Javon Foster at tackle—which is more of a reason to have Ford and Rivers listed as guards for now.
Center (2)
Ted Karras, Connor Lew (R)
Fourth-round rookie Connor Lew suffered a torn ACL in October, but he won’t turn 21 until the end of August—and he could be the long-term option behind Ted Karras at center. Jacob Mayer would be in good position to sneak onto the initial 53-man roster if Lew isn’t healthy for Week 1, but Brian Parker II could play center if needed.
Interior defensive line (6)
Dexter Lawrence II, B.J. Hill, Jonathan Allen, T.J. Slaton Jr., Kris Jenkins, McKinnley Jackson
The Bengals making a huge swing for Dexter Lawrence II and signing Jonathan Allen completely transforms their outlook up front, and the top four on the interior is arguably the best in football with B.J. Hill and T.J. Slaton Jr. both being starting-caliber players. Cincinnati wants more from Kris Jenkins and McKinnley Jackson as Day 2 selections in the 2024 NFL Draft, but they are on the bubble (or trade candidates) with Landon Robinson, Jordan Jefferson, and Howard Cross III all competing to make it.
Edge defender (5)
Boye Mafe, Myles Murphy, Cashius Howell (R), Shemar Stewart, Isaiah Foskey
The edge group was also boosted this offseason for the Bengals, as Boye Mafe came over from the Seahawks, and they were able to get a steal in Cashius Howell—who lasted until the No. 41 overall pick. Those two will be speed complements to Myles Murphy and Shemar Stewart as former first-round picks with potential that Cincinnati is hoping to unlock, and Isaiah Foskey will be battling Cedric Johnson and Antwaun Powell-Ryland for the final spot.
Linebacker (4)
Demetrius Knight Jr., Barrett Carter, Oren Burks, Shaka Heyward
Keeping just four linebackers would leave the Bengals thin, but they expressed a ton of confident in Demetrius Knight Jr. and Barrett Carrett as the duo enters their second season. Oren Burks should make it as the third linebacker and a key player on special teams, while the final one or two spots will be between Shaka Heyward, Joe Giles-Harris, Swayze Bozeman, and others; I like Heyward to make it, but it’s a group that could add someone as well.
Cornerback (6)
DJ Turner II, Dax Hill, Jalen Davis, Tacario Davis (R), Josh Newton, Ja’Sir Taylor
DJ Turner II emerged as one of the NFL’s top cornerbacks last year, and indications are right now that Dax Hill will remain on the perimeter (which he wants) with Jalen Davis inside. Tacario Davis is a long cornerback that was taken in the third round, though, so we could eventually see him and Turner on the outside with Hill in the slot. I have Josh Newton and Ja’Sir Taylor beating out DJ Ivey as depth.
Safety (4)
Bryan Cook, Jordan Battle, Kyle Dugger, Daijahn Anthony
With all the additions made up front for the Bengals, we can’t forget about Bryan Cook being signed to a three-year, $40.25 million deal to help stabilize things on the backend. I think we’ll see Jordan Battle thrive next to Cook, but Kyle Dugger will push him at strong safety—so Daijahn Anthony versus Russ Yeast is the expected battle for this group.
Special teams (3)
Evan McPherson, Ryan Rehkow, William Wagner
There will be no change on special teams with Evan McPherson, Ryan Rehkow, and William Wagner together for the second year in a row—with the hope of more important kicks being attempted for squad with championship aspirations.