The Cincinnati Bengals are entering a critical offseason as they look to return to the playoffs in 2026 for the first time since the 2022 season.That offseason work is just beginning, with Bengals director of player personnel Duke Tobin addressing the media in a lengthy press conference on Friday.Among the topics discussed by Tobin was quarterback Joe Burrow’s involvement in the team’s offseason plans, specifically his input on football decisions.“Does his opinion matter? Yes, it matters,” Tobin said, saying he visits regularly with the Bengals’ franchise quarterback. “He’s part of the collaboration. Quarterbacks are that way, particularly ones at his level and particularly ones with his intellect.”Burrow talked several times late this season about the need for the Bengals to improve, with some speculation that Burrow could be getting unsettled in Cincinnati.“He’s got a pulse of our team and I want to hear that,” Tobin said. “I enjoy talking to him, I enjoy hearing his opinions.”Tobin said defensive improvements will be needed for the Bengals to rebound in 2026, specifically saying that the team needs more leadership on that side of the ball.The Bengals will also need Burrow to stay healthy, after missing two months of the 2025 season with a toe injury. In eight games this season, Burrow threw for 1,809 yards, 17 touchdowns and five interceptions. His QBR of 63.2 was the second-highest of his six-year career, behind last season’s 72.1 mark.

CINCINNATI —

The Cincinnati Bengals are entering a critical offseason as they look to return to the playoffs in 2026 for the first time since the 2022 season.

That offseason work is just beginning, with Bengals director of player personnel Duke Tobin addressing the media in a lengthy press conference on Friday.

Among the topics discussed by Tobin was quarterback Joe Burrow’s involvement in the team’s offseason plans, specifically his input on football decisions.

“Does his opinion matter? Yes, it matters,” Tobin said, saying he visits regularly with the Bengals’ franchise quarterback. “He’s part of the collaboration. Quarterbacks are that way, particularly ones at his level and particularly ones with his intellect.”

Burrow talked several times late this season about the need for the Bengals to improve, with some speculation that Burrow could be getting unsettled in Cincinnati.

“He’s got a pulse of our team and I want to hear that,” Tobin said. “I enjoy talking to him, I enjoy hearing his opinions.”

Tobin said defensive improvements will be needed for the Bengals to rebound in 2026, specifically saying that the team needs more leadership on that side of the ball.

The Bengals will also need Burrow to stay healthy, after missing two months of the 2025 season with a toe injury.

In eight games this season, Burrow threw for 1,809 yards, 17 touchdowns and five interceptions. His QBR of 63.2 was the second-highest of his six-year career, behind last season’s 72.1 mark.