Cincy Jungle
The NFL Draft is over, the rookies have been signed, and we’re just a few short days away from the Cincinnati Bengals’ mandatory minicamp, which runs from June 16-18. After that, we won’t see much from the Bengals — or the rest of the NFL — until training camp opens in mid-July.
As we enter the dog days of summer, here are a few storylines worth keeping an eye on.
The Bengals did some major work on their defense after missing the playoffs in back-to-back seasons. They traded the No. 10 overall pick to the New York Giants for Dexter Lawrence and signed him to an extension, completely reshaping the defensive line. They also added Bryan Cook, one of the top safeties available in free agency, along with Boye Mafe, Kyle Dugger, and Jonathan Allen.
Where they didn’t add much help was at linebacker or cornerback (outside of Ja’Sir Taylor). Cornerback is at least understandable. DJ Turner has emerged as a legitimate shutdown corner, and the Bengals still have Dax Hill, Jalen Davis, Josh Newton, and others in the mix.
But linebacker?
Last year’s starters, Demetrius Knight Jr. and Barrett Carter, sit atop the depth chart once again. According to PFF, they graded out as the league’s worst linebacker duo in 2025. Of course, both were rookies, and the defensive line in front of them was a disaster, so the blame doesn’t fall entirely on their shoulders.
Still, it’s surprising the Bengals seemingly ignored the position this offseason.
Assistant GM Steve Radicevic recently said the Bengals are “not done” making roster moves. Does that mean a veteran linebacker could still be on the way? There are a handful of experienced options available.
If the Bengals are going to pull that trigger, now feels like the time.
Speaking of Turner and Hill, both players are entering contract years and are scheduled to hit free agency after the 2026 season.
It’s unlikely the Bengals will be willing — or able — to extend both, but Turner feels like a candidate for a new deal before the season begins.
Both players are chasing lucrative second contracts, but Turner appears more likely to be part of the Bengals’ long-term plans. Hopefully, Hill plays out of his mind in a contract year, as so many players have before him, and both he and the Bengals reap the benefits.
Other players who could eventually find themselves in extension talks include:
Myles Murphy technically belongs on this list as well, though the Bengals declined his fifth-year option, making an extension seem unlikely at this point.
Stewart is an athletic freak of nature. The Bengals selected him with the No. 17 overall pick out of Texas A&M despite the fact that he recorded just 4.5 sacks during his three-year college career.
He’s entering his second season in Cincinnati, listed behind Boye Mafe and Myles Murphy...
