By Blessing 
The Cincinnati Bengals are in the middle of a busy offseason, but fans may want to tune in tonight to watch a potential key figure for the team’s future. Al Golden, Notre Dame’s defensive coordinator, will be coaching in the National Championship, and speculation is growing that he could be Cincinnati’s next defensive coordinator. When asked about the rumors, Golden said, “This is not the time or place. This is about the kids … The biggest thing for us right now is understanding the enormity of this game. That’s our focus. All of that other stuff, we’ll deal with in the future.”
Meanwhile, Bengals quarterback Joe Burrow continues to draw praise for his incredible performances. Recently, Burrow’s MVP case got an unexpected endorsement. “Every time he steps on the field, and he’s playing well, he’s definitely considered the best,” former Bengals star Chad O’Neal told RG’s Crissy Froyd. “If he’s in the conversation, he has a chance to win.”
On another note, Bengals fans have found themselves talking about Patrick Mahomes once again. The Chiefs quarterback’s behavior on the sideline during their latest game caught the attention of the broadcast team, who called him out on-air. The NFL even issued a statement defending the officials after the game, which only fueled more discussion.
Rumors surrounding J.J. Watt potentially unretiring to join the Bengals are also making waves. Adding Watt to a defense that already features Trey Hendrickson could address one of the team’s most pressing issues. But let’s be real—Watt’s return remains highly unlikely. If the Bengals want to make such a splash, they’ll have to wait for more clarity on Watt’s future.
The Bengals are also staring down a critical offseason. With notable free agents set to hit the market and the team falling short of a playoff appearance, roster changes seem inevitable. Among the priorities will be figuring out which 2025 free agents to keep. The Athletic is optimistic about the Bengals bouncing back, giving them the best chance to make the 2026 playoffs among teams eliminated this year. “A five-game season-ending win streak put the Bengals on the precipice of the postseason following a slow start to 2024,” wrote RG’s Jones. However, the Broncos clinched the final playoff spot, leaving the Bengals on the outside looking in.
Looking ahead, managing the contracts of star wide receivers Tee Higgins and Ja’Marr Chase will be a challenge. “These are high-rent problems to have so many good players that you need to pay. It means you have a lot of talent on your roster,” said sports journalist Kurt Badenhausen. While the Bengals could juggle the salary cap to make it work, it would likely mean sacrifices elsewhere.
As for the draft, early predictions suggest the Bengals could target a 6’6” defensive lineman with versatility and pass-rushing ability. With Trey Hendrickson entering the final year of his contract, Sam Hubbard being a possible cut candidate, and Joseph Ossai approaching free agency, bolstering the defensive front is a priority.
The team has also had its share of “what-ifs.” One involves a veteran offensive lineman the Bengals passed on last offseason. Mekhi Becton reportedly left Cincinnati without a deal and has since thrived elsewhere, posting a solid 75.2 grade this season according to Pro Football Focus.
Finally, a former NFL executive recently commended the Texans for their trade involving Bengals running back Joe Mixon. The move allowed Chase Brown to shine in his second season, racking up 990 rushing yards, seven touchdowns, and an additional 54 catches for 360 receiving yards and four scores.
The Bengals are gearing up for what could be a pivotal offseason. Whether it’s finding the right defensive coordinator, managing their free agents, or hitting on the right draft picks, the team has plenty of decisions to make to get back into playoff contention.