The NFL Draft is over, the rookies have been signed, and we\u2019re just a few short days away from the Cincinnati Bengals\u2019 mandatory minicamp, which runs from June 16-18. After that, we won\u2019t see much from the Bengals \u2014 or the rest of the NFL \u2014 until training camp opens in mid-July.<\/p>\n
As we enter the dog days of summer, here are a few storylines worth keeping an eye on.<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
Where they didn\u2019t add much help was at linebacker or cornerback (outside of Ja\u2019Sir 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.<\/p>\n
Last year\u2019s starters, Demetrius Knight Jr. and Barrett Carter, sit atop the depth chart once again. According to PFF, they graded out as the league\u2019s 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\u2019t fall entirely on their shoulders.<\/p>\n
Still, it\u2019s surprising the Bengals seemingly ignored the position this offseason.<\/p>\n
Assistant GM Steve Radicevic recently said the Bengals are \u201cnot done\u201d making roster moves. Does that mean a veteran linebacker could still be on the way? There are a handful of experienced options available.<\/p>\n
If the Bengals are going to pull that trigger, now feels like the time.<\/p>\n
Speaking of Turner and Hill, both players are entering contract years and are scheduled to hit free agency after the 2026 season.<\/p>\n
It\u2019s unlikely the Bengals will be willing \u2014 or able \u2014 to extend both, but Turner feels like a candidate for a new deal before the season begins.<\/p>\n
Both players are chasing lucrative second contracts, but Turner appears more likely to be part of the Bengals\u2019 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.<\/p>\n
Other players who could eventually find themselves in extension talks include:<\/p>\n
Jordan BattleAndrei IosivasChase BrownCharlie Jones<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
Shemar Stewart\u2019s Versatility<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
He\u2019s entering his second season in Cincinnati, listed behind Boye Mafe and Myles Murphy on the depth chart, but that could change. So could where he lines up.<\/p>\n
According to WLWT\u2019s Jaron May:<\/p>\n
\u201cThe second-unit defense is running Cashius Howell at linebacker, bringing him down off the edge, and sliding Shemar Stewart to a three-point pseudo-tackle.\u201d<\/p>\n
The Bengals have gone from relying almost entirely on Trey Hendrickson for pass rush production to potentially having several contributors. Maybe none of them individually reaches Hendrickson\u2019s level, but if multiple players can threaten double-digit sacks, the entire defense will benefit.<\/p>\n
What does this have to do with the Bengals?<\/p>\n
Still, I never thought in a million years that one of the NFL\u2019s oldest and most storied franchises would seriously consider leaving Chicago and relocating outside Illinois. Yes, they\u2019d still be in the greater Chicago area, and yes, there are plenty of financial and logistical reasons behind the move.<\/p>\n
I still think it\u2019s a mistake.<\/p>\n
The New York Jets left the Polo Grounds and eventually joined the Giants in New Jersey. Ask enough longtime Jets fans, and they\u2019ll tell you the franchise has never fully recovered its identity.<\/p>\n
If it can happen in Chicago, one of America\u2019s great cities, could it someday happen in Cincinnati?<\/p>\n
Could we one day have the Florence Bengals? The Batesville Bengals?<\/p>\n
But if the Bears can leave Chicagoland\u2026<\/p>\n
There\u2019s really nothing to talk about this time of year.<\/p>\n
The Bengals will play their first international game since 2019 when they \u201chost\u201d the Atlanta Falcons in Madrid\u2019s Bernab\u00e9u Stadium in Week 9.<\/p>\n
The NFL is going global, and it feels like only a matter of time before a franchise permanently calls a city outside the United States home.<\/p>\n
Did you make the trip to London back in 2019? If so, how was it?<\/p>\n
More importantly, is anyone headed to Spain?<\/p>\n
If you\u2019re making the trip, document the adventure and share it when you get back.<\/p>\n
When Paycor Stadium reopens for the 2026 season, fans will notice new escalators and stairways, upgraded restrooms, additional club-level seating, and several other improvements.<\/p>\n
Those changes are just the beginning.<\/p>\n