Much of the Bengals 53-man depth chart changes will happen on the defensive side of the ball, where mainstays like Germaine Pratt and Sam Hubbard are out and even rookies can step into major starting roles.
Here’s a quick rundown of an updated 53-man roster prediction heading into July.
Quarterback
(2): Joe Burrow, Jake BrowningCut: Logan Woodside, Payton Thorne
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No shockers here, with the third quarterback possibly stashed on the practice squad.
Running back
(3): Chase Brown, Samaje Perine, Zack MossCut: Gary Brightwell, Tahj Brooks, Quali Conley, Kendall Milton
The Bengals really like Tahj Brooks, but finding a roster spot at the expense of another could be tricky.
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Wide receiver
(6): Ja’Marr Chase, Jermaine Burton, Tee Higgins, Andrei Iosivas, Charlie Jones, Jordan MooreCut: Cole Burgess, Jamoi Mayes, Rashod Owens, Mitchell Tinsley, Isaiah Williams, Kendric Pryor
Undrafted Jordan Moore just edges out Isaiah Williams, a former waiver wire claim, for the final spot. It’s one of the more heated battles about to unfold.
Tight end
(4): Mike Gesicki, Drew Sample, Tanner Hudson, Tanner McLachlanCut: Cam Grandy, Kole TaylorIR: Erick All Jr.
Erick All Jr. is a bigger loss than most have acknowledged nationally.
Offensive line
(10): Orlando Brown Jr., Cordell Volson, Ted Karras, Matt Lee, Dylan Fairchild, Lucas Patrick, Amarius Mims, Cody Ford, Jaxson Kirkland, Jalen RiversCut: Devin Cochran, Seth McLaughlin, Tashawn Manning, Andrew Coker, Caleb Etienne, Andrew Stueber
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The Bengals would probably love to find room for Seth McLaughlin, but he’s an injury-list candidate, perhaps.
Defensive line
(10): T.J. Slaton, B.J. Hill, Kris Jenkins, McKinnley Jackson, Trey Hendrickson, Joseph Ossai, Cedric Johnson, Myles Murphy, Cam Sample, Shemar StewartCut: Raymond Johnson III, Isaiah Thomas, Dante Barnett, Howard Cross III, Eric Gregory
This is a big number to keep, but the lack of experience and need for versatility almost demands it.
Linebacker
(5): Logan Wilson, Maema Njongmeta, Barrett Carter, Oren Burks, Demetrius Knight Jr.Cut: Shaka Heyward, Craig Young, Joe Giles-Harris
The remake is complete, with Demetrius Knight starting next to Logan Wilson.
Cornerback
(6): Dax Hill, DJ Turner, Cam Taylor-Britt, Josh Newton, DJ Ivey, Jalen DavisCut: Nate Brooks, Jalen Davis, Lance Robinson, Bralyn Lux, Marco Wilson
The youth movement will see Josh Newton get some big snaps, rotating with the new, young Big Three here.
Safety
(4): Jordan Battle, Geno Stone, Tycen Anderson, Daijahn AnthonyCut: P.J. Jules, Jaylen Key, Shaquan Loyal
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The Bengals are adamant about going with the Stone-Battle combo again. The backups remain intriguing depth pieces, at least.
Special Teams
(3): Evan McPherson, Ryan Rehkow, Cal AdomitisCut: William Wagner
No drama here this offseason after names like Austin McNamara provided intrigue last offseason.
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This article originally appeared on Bengals Wire: Cincinnati Bengals’ 53-man roster projection following 2025 offseason