April 4, 2026, 12:35 p.m. ET
New Cincinnati Bengals defender Kyle Dugger, like many free–agent arrivals over the years, knew one big thing about the team before signing:
Joe Burrow.
Dugger had lined up against Burrow at least three times before football fate took him to Cincinnati. It played at least one part in his willingness to sign on the dotted line.
“Their offense is the first thing that comes to mind,” Dugger said, according to Geoff Hobson of Bengals.com. “Joe Burrow and I were in the same draft class and I’ve seen the things he’s done. He’s one of the best quarterbacks I’ve played against and their offense is one of the, if not, the most talented in the league.”
But it wasn’t just Burrow that brought Dugger to town.
Need a news break? Check out the all new PLAY hub with puzzles, games and more!
Dugger told Hobson that the surroundings, including those previously-criticized facilities, played a role, too.
“Just the feel. Coming into the facility. Even the city. Very peaceful, very chill. Kind of that worker’s vibe which I really like,” Dugger said. “And the facility was plenty. It was a lot, and the overall fit as well.”
It’s another high mark for the Bengals when it comes to being able to recruit free agents. Dugger was technically sitting in Wave 3 or Wave 4 of free agency, sure, but he’s a former captain under Bill Belichick and widely respected around the NFL.
Now that he’s in town, the Bengals hope for him to be a strong leadership presence and depth behind the starting duo of Jordan Battle and Bryan Cook.