The Cincinnati Bengals offseason roster is very far from complete. Four signings after a week of free agency puts them at 68 players, and you can expect 20 or so rookies, drafted and undrafted, to join the party following the 2026 NFL Draft. There may also be one or two low-level veterans brought in over the course of the next several weeks as well.

While they’re still at 68, let’s quickly run through what the 53-man roster would look like if the regular season started today.

Quarterback (2)

• In: Joe Burrow, Josh Johnson
• Out: Sean Clifford

Johnson was signed over the weekend to be Burrow’s backup in case Joe Flacco lands somewhere else as a starter. Flacco could take his time to find that opportunity, but the Bengals need a veteran No. 2 locked in for the offseason program.

Running back (3)

• In: Chase Brown, Samaje Perine, Tahj Brooks
• Out: Gary Brightwell, Kendall Milton

I don’t expect this group to change much outside of a college free agent or two joining the mix. Brown could sign an extension this summer, and Perine and Brooks are settled as backups. A fourth to the group would have to be someone who proves undeniable in August.

Wide receiver (6)

• In: Ja’Marr Chase, Tee Higgins, Andrei Iosivas, Mitchell Tinsley, Charlie Jones, Ke’Shawn Williams
• Out: Kendric Pryor, Jordan Moore, Xavier Johnson, Dohnte Myers

Chase and Higgins will always make this group a relative strength as long as they’re here, but Cincinnati may want to add competition for Jones and Williams via a Day 3 pick. Maybe that rookie can challenge Iosivas to be the No. 3 of the future.

Tight end (5)

• In: Drew Sample, Mike Gesicki, Tanner Hudson, Cam Grandy, Erick All Jr.
• Out: None

The Bengals went five-deep at tight end a couple years ago and could do so again because of All, who’s on track to return from a double surgery for his re-torn ACL. Always expect a late-round pick or CFA to be added to the room before OTAs begin.

Offensive line (9)

• In: Orlando Brown Jr., Dylan Fairchild, Ted Karras, Dalton Risner, Amarius Mims, Cody Ford, Jalen Rivers, Matt Lee, Andrew Coker
• Out: Javon Foster

The starting five and backup guard and center spots feel filled, and Brown’s two-year extension essentially eliminates a top-50 pick being used on the tackle spot, but there should be an effort to find a backup to push Ford and Coker. Any time in the third round or later makes sense.

Defensive line (10)

• In: Myles Murphy, B.J. Hill, Jonathan Allen, Boye Mafe, T.J. Slaton Jr., Shemar Stewart, Kris Jenkins Jr., Cedric Johnson, McKinnley Jackson, Isaiah Foskey
• Out: Jordan Jefferson, Howard Cross III

As expected, addressing the pass rush was Cincy’s top priority. Allen and Mafe fill out the starting rotation with incumbents Murphy, Hill, Slaton, and Stewart already in the fold. Everyone else needs to be on high alert for potentially another veteran, possible an EDGE, signing on along with at least one significant draft pick. This room is far from finished.

Linebacker (5)

• In: Barrett Carter, Demetrius Knight Jr., Oren Burks, Shaka Heyward, Joe Giles-Harris
• Out: Antwaun Powell-Ryland Jr., Liam Anderson

OOF. Where was the change here? The Bengals still need external help or risk Carter and Knight not developing fast enough and this be a massive weakness yet again. It’s certainly not in a spot to keep more than five and cut a better player at another group.

Cornerback (6)

• In: DJ Turner II, Dax Hill, Jalen Davis, DJ Ivey, Josh Newton, Bralyn Lux
• Out: Jalen Kimber

Cornerback is perhaps Cincinnati’s most interesting position to watch for right now. Turner and Hill want extensions, and the Bengals want to keep both. They may also draft one of the top options in the first round as an insurance policy they’ve purchased many times before. Davis could also use someone to push him in the slot. A notable addition will likely be in the cards.

Safety (4)

• In: Bryan Cook, Jordan Battle, Daijahn Anthony, PJ Jules
• Out: Russ Yeast

Cook has replaced Geno Stone, who’s now with the Buffalo Bills, and Battle has been talked about as a presumed starter. I can still see a draft pick used here, especially if Caleb Downs is the best player available since he can be moved around closer to the line of scrimmage.

Specialist (3)

• In: Evan McPherson, Ryan Rehkow, William Wagner

McPherson bounced back in 2025 from a shoddy 2024 campaign, Rehkow grew as a punter, and Wagner handled business long-snapping as a rookie. Maybe an extra body will be added after the draft, but no other notes required.

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