Bengals announce when new free agent signings and eventual 2026 NFL Draft picks will first suit up in team colors this year
The Cincinnati Bengals have revealed their 2026 offseason workout schedule, including important dates for rookie minicamp, OTAs, and mandatory minicamp over the next few months.
The 2026 offseason workout program schedule for the Cincinnati Bengals has been revealed by the club.
Joe Burrow, Ja’Marr Chase, new free agent signings Bryan Cook, Boye Mafe, and whomever the Bengals select in the 2026 NFL Draft will all begin reporting to Paycor Stadium and practicing with the team on the following dates.
Bengals 2026 offseason workout program dates
- First Day: April 20
- Rookie Minicamp: May 8-9
- OTA Offseason Workouts: June 1-3, June 9-11
- Mandatory Minicamp: June 16-18
Offseason workouts are split into three phases, each of them lasting three weeks. Phase One begins on April 20. This is when everyone on the roster gathers for voluntary strength and conditioning, and physical rehabilitation. Phase One also coincides with the draft.
Following the draft is rookie minicamp, which takes place over two days for Cincinnati from May 8-9. This is when fans can first see images and clips of the Bengals’ 2026 rookie class.
Phase Two officially begins on May 11. It prohibits live contact, but entails on-field workouts such as individual drills, walkthroughs, and plays against air. The offense cannot line up against the defense yet. During this time, we are likely to learn the Bengals’ 2026 regular season schedule.
Phase Three wraps up the offseason program starting on June 1 when organized team activities (OTAs) begin. Live contact is still prohibited, but 7-on-7, 9-on-7, and 11-on-11 drills can begin. Mandatory minicamp will conclude the final phase of the schedule from June 16-18, and a month-long break until training camp will begin right afterwards.
Will any Bengals players miss offseason workouts?
Cincinnati has had players in recent memory skip out on OTAs and voluntary workouts, such as Trey Hendrickson last year. Ongoing contract negotiations or stalemates are typically the cause for these absences.
The Bengals are expected to work on contract extensions for cornerbacks DJ Turner II and Dax Hill this offseason. There has been no word regarding each player’s plans in terms of holding out from workouts.
Since each player is currently under contract, Cincinnati can fine them for missing mandatory minicamp. The cumulative fine for missing all three days this year would be $107,911 according to the collective bargaining agreement.
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