Trending Now - Bengals' Offseason Moves Shape Burrow and Taylor's Futures

WHO:

Duke Tobin, Cincinnati Bengals director of player personnel

Joe Burrow, Pro Bowl quarterback for the Cincinnati Bengals

Zac Taylor, head coach of the Cincinnati Bengals

Ja'Marr Chase, wide receiver for the Cincinnati Bengals

Tee Higgins, wide receiver for the Cincinnati Bengals

Orlando Brown Jr., left tackle for the Cincinnati Bengals

Trey LaBounty, member of the Bengals' data science team

Sam Francis, member of the Bengals' data science team

Tyler Gross, member of the Bengals' data science team

Travis Etienne Jr., running back for the Jacksonville Jaguars

Devin Lloyd, linebacker for the Jacksonville Jaguars

Montaric Brown, cornerback for the Jacksonville Jaguars

Andrew Wingard, safety for the Jacksonville Jaguars

Tony Boselli, Executive Vice President of Football Operations for the Jacksonville Jaguars

James Gladstone, General Manager of the Jacksonville Jaguars

Liam Coen, head coach of the Jacksonville Jaguars

WHAT:

The Bengals are preparing for NFL free agency, which starts on March 9, 2026.

The Bengals can begin crafting contracts on March 6, 2026, at noon.

Duke Tobin stated, "We need more leadership" regarding the Bengals' defense.

The Bengals have made significant investments in their offense over the past three seasons, including securing contracts for Burrow and Chase.

Burrow expressed the need for change, stating, "We want to be competing for championships every year."

The Bengals are third in total guaranteed money given to current players ($363 million) since 2023.

The Bengals are last in guaranteed money given to external players ($117 million) among AFC teams.

The Jaguars registered 77 tackles for loss, ranking 19th in the NFL.

The Jaguars allowed 3.9 yards per rush, tying for second in the NFL.

WHERE:

Cincinnati, Ohio (Bengals)

Indianapolis, Indiana (NFL Scouting Combine)

Jacksonville, Florida (Jaguars)

WHEN:

NFL free agency starts on March 9, 2026.

The NFL League Year begins on March 11, 2026.

Duke Tobin's comments were made during the NFL Scouting Combine on February 24, 2026.

Burrow's comments were made on December 31, 2025.

WHY:

The Bengals aim to improve their defense to match their offense and end their postseason drought.

Burrow's injuries in 2023 and 2025 contributed to the Bengals' struggles.

The Bengals are looking to build around Burrow and the high-powered passing attack.

HOW:

The Bengals plan to add players through free agency, focusing on leadership and proven winners.

The Bengals are open to restructuring contracts to improve their team without creating future cap issues.

The Jaguars are expected to engage in measured spending during free agency, with a focus on retaining key players.

As the Cincinnati Bengals gear up for NFL free agency starting March 9, they are looking to bolster their defense after a challenging few seasons, with director of player personnel Duke Tobin emphasizing the need for more leadership. Quarterback Joe Burrow, who has been vocal about the team's aspirations, stated that they want to compete for championships every year, highlighting the significant investments made in their offense over the past three years. Meanwhile, the Jacksonville Jaguars are also preparing for free agency, focusing on retaining key players while coming off a season where they ranked second in the NFL for fewest yards allowed per rush.