Joe Burrow is already noticing great things from the Bengals’ new defense he hasn’t even practiced against them yet
Cincinnati Bengals quarterback Joe Burrow is taking note of the team’s newest pieces on defense, and has encouraging words for one starter who’s entering a critical year.
Cincinnati Bengals quarterback Joe Burrow liked what he saw from Cincy’s front office this offseason. He’s starting to notice the effects of new players in the locker room during Phase Two of the offseason workout program.
“You can feel the vibe and the leadership has changed in the locker room a little bit,” Burrow told Bengals.com’s Geoff Hobson. “It’s exciting for everyone.”
Cincinnati added four new starters to its defense prior to the 2026 NFL Draft. Most of them have already appeared on Burrow’s radar, as has an ascending starter from last year’s roster.
Joe Burrow highlights new veterans already making an impact
Burrow and the Bengals’ offense aren’t allowed to go up against the new-look defense just yet. That hasn’t stopped new safety Bryan Cook and new defensive tackles Dexter Lawrence and Jonathan Allen from getting early approvals from QB1.
“[Bryan] Cook, in the limited time he’s been here, you can feel his presence early,” Burrow said. “Dexter [Lawrence], too. A lot of guys on the D-Line now. You have Jonathan Allen.”
Cook was the first free agent Cincinnati agreed to terms with in March. The need for a competent veteran safety perfectly aligned with the crop of talent hitting the market, and the Bengals found their top target.
Patience was required to land both Lawrence and Allen. The former had to be traded for after he requested said trade in early April. The latter had to be released two days into free agency. Both players have completely transformed a position group that was also very weak last year.
They will also play next to one of the Bengals’ emerging young starters.
Myles Murphy gets a shout as well
Burrow took note of defensive end Myles Murphy’s second-half ascension late last season. He feels that is being carried over into the offseason based on the way the 24-year old is conducting himself.
“Myles [Murphy] is walking around with a little more pep in his step this year,” Burrow said. “That’s exciting to see. I think he grew in confidence from the last five, six games. We need to carry that over, and I’m excited to see that.”
Murphy is entering the most important year of his career. He’ll be positioned to take starting-level snaps in a contract year with the most talent around him in the four years he’s been a Bengal. Cincinnati declined to exercise his fifth-year option, which should only motivate him more.
All the pieces are coming together for the Bengals’ defense, and Burrow can see it before he has to practice against them.