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The Cincinnati Bengals are still considering adding more running back help to support Joe Burrow, even with Chase Brown established as the starter. ESPN’s Dan Graziano recently suggested that veteran trade targets like James Conner and Alvin Kamara could be options if Cincinnati seeks another proven presence in the backfield.
Burrow has also improved the team’s salary cap situation by restructuring his contract following the Dexter Lawrence trade, providing the Bengals with greater flexibility as they head into a crucial 2026 season.
The Bengals are clearly focused on this season, and with Joe Burrow healthy, Ja’Marr Chase and Tee Higgins forming one of the most threatening wide receiver duos in the NFL, together with Dexter Lawrence adding significant strength to the defense, Cincinnati is aiming to win now.
This ambition creates pressure at the top of the roster but also opens opportunities within. The Bengals don’t need every young player to become a star, as they are looking for a few reliable contributors who can alleviate some of the reliance on Burrow’s exceptional talent. While they can pursue external help at running back and continue refining the defense, the development of their young players might ultimately determine how competitive they become.
Two players stand out as underrated breakout candidates, largely due to their realistic roles.
Andrei Iosivas may not be completely off the radar, but he is underrated primarily because much of the attention in Cincinnati’s passing game is directed elsewhere. This is understandable because Chase is the superstar, Higgins is a formidable weapon, and Burrow is the driving force. However, the Bengals’ offense operates best when defenses cannot overlook the third receiver, and Iosivas has a genuine opportunity to evolve beyond a complementary role in 2026.
He is currently listed as a first-team wide receiver alongside Chase and Higgins, which is not merely a symbolic position. In Cincinnati’s offensive scheme, the third wide receiver plays a crucial role, especially when defenses attempt to concentrate their coverage on the primary targets, forcing Burrow to rely on timing for passes over the middle, and this is where Iosivas can make a significant impact.
With the size and athleticism to challenge defensive backs in ways that may not be reflected in standard statistics, Iosivas can play on the outside when necessary, but his key contributions may come from exploiting matchups against nickel defenders, safeties, and zone defenses designed to accommodate the more prominent players.
When Burrow has adequate protection, a receiver like Iosivas can become a significant asset in moving the chains, but the main question is consistency. Cincinnati doesn’t expect Iosivas to perform like a No. 1 receiver, but they need him to capitalize on defensive strategies that overcommit to Chase and Higgins.
A few third-down conversions, improved performance in the red zone, and increased trust in option routes could transform the entire dynamic of the offense. While these improvements may not be glamorous, they are essential for enhancing a playoff-caliber passing attack.
This season also represents...
