Bengals make a strong statement about their new-look defense with regular season right around the corner
Team captains for the Cincinnati Bengals have officially been revealed for the 2026 season. Three of the seven captains are on defense, and they all have something else in common.
Team captains for the Cincinnati Bengals have officially been revealed for the 2026 season.
Seven players have been named captains for the upcoming regular season, with three on offense, three on defense, and one special teams player.
Quarterback Joe Burrow, wide receiver Ja’Marr Chase, and center Ted Karras are all captains once again. Burrow and Karras have been captains every year they’ve been in Cincy. Chase is now a two-time captain after receiving the honor last year as well.
Kicker Evan McPherson is the special teams captain. He’s been automatic this offseason and is coming off one of his best seasons in 2025. He’s the most experienced member of the field goal unit battery as well.
As for the defense, that’s where the real statement was made by the players who voted.
Bengals name three new captains on defense
Safety Bryan Cook, defensive tackle Dexter Lawrence II, and cornerback DJ Turner II are the captains for the Bengals’ defense. All three are first-time captains of the team.
Cook and Lawrence are first-time captains as they’re about to begin their first seasons with the team. They were each major offseason additions who’ve each established themselves as leaders on the field and in the locker room. Their positions were of major focus for the Bengals to improve, and so far, they’re showing positive returns.
Cincinnati needed veteran competency up front and in the back of the secondary. It shows how needed both Cook and Lawrence were for them to be captains before their first games.
DJ Turner II is a fully developed leader
The Bengals couldn’t sign an entirely new defense this offseason. They needed some of their homegrown players to step up as both players and leaders. Turner has embodied this more than anyone who fits the description.
Turner has been the best defensive player in training camp not named Lawrence. He’s gone head-to-head with Chase every single day and has won more than his fair share of battles. He’s also coming off his breakout season in which he clearly established himself as the No. 1 corner.
That he’s continued that level of play and intensity while trying to secure a new contract has earned him even more respect.
Cincinnati knew it needed a change on defense this year, and it has all new captains after a much-needed reset.
