Joe Burrow Sends Strong Message About Bengals' 2026 Roster Ahead of the Season
Joe Burrow has only played one full season over the last three years, and the Cincinnati Bengals have missed the playoffs three straight times. That's the backdrop heading into 2026, but Burrow isn't dwelling on it.
Speaking at a Wednesday press conference, the Bengals quarterback made a bold statement about where this roster stands right now.
"I think this is the most talented roster that we've had since I've been here," Burrow said.
That kind of confidence means something when it comes from the guy who led a roster to Super Bowl LVI. It also makes a lot more sense once you look at what Cincinnati did this offseason.
"This is the most talented roster that we've had since I've been here."
— NFL on ESPN (@ESPNNFL) May 20, 2026
-Joe Burrow on the Bengals' 2026 roster
: @Ben_Babypic.twitter.com/JjPQM9aDYX
Bengals Defense Gets a Major Overhaul
For years, the defense has been the Bengals' biggest problem. In 2025, that unit gave up 28.9 points per game, the second-worst mark in the entire NFL. Cincinnati finished 6-11, with Burrow appearing in just nine games before injuries again cut his season short.
The front office clearly had enough. The Bengals went out and added defensive end Boye Mafe, safeties Bryan Cook and Kyle Dugger and defensive tackle Jonathan Allen. Their biggest move came via trade with the New York Giants, sending the No. 10 pick in the 2026 NFL Draft to land All-Pro defensive tackle Dexter Lawrence.
Burrow shared his thoughts when talking about what those additions mean for the team.
"Got better at a lot of positions. Signed the best free agent safety. Got the best d-tackle in the league, in my opinion," he said. "We have a lot of depth now in the defensive line. That's exciting, not just for me, but for those guys, so they don't have to play as many snaps. We can have more of a rotation."
On offense, Burrow still has Ja'Marr Chase and Tee Higgins as his top two receivers, one of the better duos in the league. The pieces around him have always been there. Getting him on the field for a full season is what Cincinnati has been waiting for.
In 2024, Burrow played all 17 games, and the Bengals went 9-8, still missing the playoffs but showing what a healthy Burrow looks like for this team. The 2026 season sets up as a real test of whether all these defensive additions can hold up and whether Burrow can finally stay healthy from start to finish.
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This story was originally published May 20, 2026 at 11:25 AM.