Bengals HC Zac Taylor Does Not Anticipate Coaching Changes
The Bengals announced on Monday that head coach Zac Taylor would stay in place in 2026 on Monday. Taylor, in turn, told reporters (via Kelsey Conway of the Cincinnati Enquirer) that he would not be making changes to the rest of his coaching staff.
That means offensive coordinator Dan Pitcher, defensive coordinator Al Golden, and special teams coordinator Darrin Simmons will all return for next season. None of the three seemed likely to garner interest for a head coaching job elsewhere, which was the only other way they would depart Cincinnati this offseason.
In his two years as OC, Pitcher’s offense has consistently been among the best in the league when Joe Burrow is healthy. Like any offense that loses a star quarterback, the Bengals immediately struggled after Burrow’s injury. Pitcher struggled to get the best out of backup Jake Browning, but a trade for Joe Flacco set the offense on fire for three game before the Bengals’ bye. After two rough games coming out of the bye, Burrow returned to the field, as did the offense to their usual heights (outside of getting shut out by the Ravens in Week 15). Though Pitcher has struggled to get Cincinnati’s running game going, that has been a perennial problem from the franchise that has to do with more than just coaching.
Golden was hired last offseason to improve a defense that ranked 25th in points and yards allowed last season. Instead, Cincinnati regressed to 30th and 31st, respectively, raising speculation that he could leave after just one season. Taylor has decided to stick with Golden, perhaps in the hopes that he can better re-acclimate to the NFL after spending three years at Notre Dame.
Cincinnati’s special teams ranked fourth in the NFL with a 90.6 team grade from Pro Football Focus (subscription required). Kicker Evan McPherson bounced back after a rough start and punter Ryan Rekhow ranked among the league’s top punters. In other words, there is no reason to remove Simmons from his job; his unit was arguably the team’s most consistent throughout the season.
NFL Reserve/Futures Deals: 1/5/26
We’ve got our first batch of reserve/futures contracts to pass along. These moves allow organizations to retain (routinely) young, practice squad players. Here are the latest transactions:
Atlanta Falcons
- WR Chris Blair, P Trenton Gill, DB Tysheem Johnson, DT Ben Stille, OT Andrew Stueber, RB Carlos Washington Jr., DB A.J. Woods
Baltimore Ravens
- OT Gerad Christian-Lichtenhan, WR Cornelius Johnson, DT David Olajiga, DB Amani Oruwariye, G Jared Penning, DB Marquise Robinson, LB Kaimon Rucker, FB Lucas Scott
Cincinnati Bengals
- LB Liam Anderson, C Jacob Bayer, RB Gary Brightwell, QB Sean Clifford, OT Andrew Coker, DT Howard Cross III, OT Javon Foster, WR Xavier Johnson, CB Jalen Kimber, CB Bralyn Lux, WR Jordan Moore, LB Antwaun Powell-Ryland, S Russ Yeast
Cleveland Browns
- TE Sal Cannella, G Jack Conley, WR Luke Floriea, RB Ahmani Marshall, OT Tyre Phillips, TE Caden Prieskorn
Dallas Cowboys
- WR ParrisCampbell, OL Nick Leverett
Detroit Lions
- OL Devin Cochran, WR Malik Cunningham, DE Ahmed Hassanein, TE Zach Horton, WR Jackson Meeks, OL Mason Miller, RB Jabari Small, DL Chris Smith, S Loren Strickland
Indianapolis Colts
- RB Ulysses Bentley IV, CB Wyett Ekeler, DE Viliami Fehoko Jr., G LaDarius Henderson, QB Seth Henigan, OT Bayron Matos, TE Sean McKeon, C Jimmy Morrissey, G Bill Murray, DE Durell Nchami, S Ben Nikkel, WR Coleman Owen, WR Eli Pancol, G Josh Sills, DT Tim Smith, S Trey Washington
Kansas City Chiefs
- LB Kam Arnold, DT Marcus Harris, WR Jimmy Holiday, OT Matt Waletzko
Las Vegas Raiders
- RB Chris Collier, G McClendon Curtis, LB Jamin Davis, WR Phillip Dorsett, DT Treven Ma’ae, OT Joshua Miles, TE Albert Okwuegbunam, WR Brenden Rice, G Layden Robinson, WR Justin Shorter, OL Laki Tasi, OT Dalton Wagner
Minnesota Vikings
- WR Joaquin Davis, OT Caleb Etienne, WR Dontae Fleming, S Kahlef Hailassie, WR Jeshaun Jones, TE Bryson Nesbit, G Vershon Lee, LB Josh Ross
New Orleans Saints
- CB Dalys Beanum, CB Beanie Bishop, WR Elijah Cooks, S Elliott Davison, DT Coziah Izzard, OT Easton Kilty, CB Jayden Price, OT Barry Wesley
New York Giants
- LB Swayze Bozeman, TE Tanner Conner, OLB Trace Ford, OL Reid Holskey, CB Patrick McMorris, CB Myles Purchase
New York Jets
- DE Paschal Ekeji, OL Liam Fornadel, LB Ochaun Mathis, WR Jamaal Pritchett, DB Samuel Womack
Tampa Bay Buccaneers
- DB Marcus Banks, WR Dennis Houston, NT Nash Hutmacher, LB Nick Jackson, DT Jayson Jones, C Ben Scott, LB Benton Whitley, DB Damarion Williams, RB Josh Williams, RB Owen Wright
Tennessee Titans
- DE David Ebuka Agoha, DB Keydrain Calligan, DT Timmy Horne, LB Nate Lynn, WR Hal Presley, NT Isaiah Raikes, WR Xavier Restrepo, LB Cam Riley, RB Blake Watson, G Clay Webb, TE Joel Wilson
Washington Commanders
- Malaesala Aumavae-Laulu, DT Ricky Barber, WR Ja’Corey Brooks, CB Tre Hawkins, DE D.J. Johnson, WR Jacoby Jones, DE TJ Maguranyanga, S Rob McDaniel, OT Tim McKay, CB Darius Rush, CB Car’lin Vigers
Minor NFL Transactions: 1/5/26
Today’s minor moves:
Cincinnati Bengals
- Extended: DE Isaiah Foskey, LB Joe Giles-Harris, TE Cam Grandy, LB Shaka Heyward, S PJ Jules, WR Mitchell Tinsley
Denver Broncos
- Signed from practice squad: QB Sam Ehlinger
- Waived: OT Geron Christian, TE Marcedes Lewis
Detroit Lions
- Extended: OL Michael Niese, RB Jacob Saylors, CB Nick Whiteside
Indianapolis Colts
- Extended: LB Austin Ajiake
- Claimed off waivers (from Buccaneers): LB John Bullock
Los Angeles Rams
- Signed from practice squad: DE Larrell Murchison
Pittsburgh Steelers
- Waived: CB Tre Flowers
San Francisco 49ers
- Practice window opened: WR Jacob Cowing
Each of the players who were extended today received deals that last through the 2026 campaign. These contracts differ from reserve/futures contracts, which don’t count towards the team’s active list until after the Super Bowl.
The Bengals were especially active with these extensions today, handing out deals to a handful of players who could be in line for larger roles next season. Journeyman Joe Giles-Harris got into a career-high 10 games for Cincinnati this season, compiling 27 tackles while serving as a key special teamer. Shaka Heyward (16 tackles) and PJ Jules (18 tackles) saw similar roles for the 2025 Bengals. Mitchell Tinsley got some run on the Cincy offense this season, hauling in eight catches for 116 yards in 17 games.
Bengals To Retain Zac Taylor, Duke Tobin
The Bengals will have stability on the sidelines and in the front office for 2026. Head coach Zac Taylor and player personnel director Duke Tobin are officially safe. 
“Our focus is on building a team that can consistently compete at the highest level, with the goal of winning championships,” a statement from owner Mike Brown reads. “After thoughtful consideration, I am confident that Duke Tobin and Zac Taylor are the right leaders to guide us forward. They have proven they can build and lead teams that compete for championships. We trust their plans and expect to return to our desired level of success.”
The possibility of major changes was raised in the midst of Cincinnati’s mid-season slump. Toward the end of the campaign, however, it appeared as though both Taylor and Tobin were no longer in danger of being dismissed. Today’s news offers confirmation on that front.
Quarterback Joe Burrow has drawn plenty of attention with his recent comments on his future given his track record of making his opinion known for several high-profile roster decisions. He has shown full support for Taylor, something which has no doubt helped contribute to this decision. The Exhibit’s Josina Anderson reports a group of players offered an endorsement over the past week or so for keeping the 42-year-old in the fold.
2025 marks the third season in a row in which Cincinnati has fallen short of the postseason. Taylor’s first two campaigns resulted in a total of six wins, but the decision to retain him initially proved to be worthwhile. The Bengals reached the Super Bowl during his third season at the helm. That was followed by a trip to the AFC championship game. Since then, however, shortcomings on defense along with Burrow injuries have proven to be highly problematic.
Overall, Taylor’s record across seven years stands at 52-63-1. Improvement will be sought out this offseason, and it will be interesting to see if that includes changes on his staff. Longtime offensive coordinator Brian Callahan departed in 2024, and last winter the Bengals parted with veteran defensive coordinator Lou Anarumo. The latter’s replacement, Al Golden, oversaw a unit which endured massive struggles for much of the campaign. Cincinnati’s defense improved to a degree late in the season but still finished 30th in points allowed.
An inability to replace Cincinnati’s Super Bowl core on defense was raised as an argument in favor of moving on from Tobin, who has been in place since 2002. He will continue in his current role, however, as the Bengals opt once again for stability. If 2026 includes a repeat of this season’s struggles, a new round of calls for firings will no doubt emerge. The team’s top decision-makers will receive the opportunity to turn things around and avoid such a scenario.
Updated 2026 NFL Draft Order
With the AFC North now settled (in rather dramatic fashion), the 2025 regular season is in the books. Following their decisions to shelve Brock Bowers and Maxx Crosby, the Raiders secured the No. 1 overall pick. After entering Week 17 in that slot, the Giants — as they did in 2024 — slipped out of the top two thanks to a late-season win.
Big Blue’s victories over the Raiders and Cowboys dropped them to No. 5, with today’s win allowing the Jets, Cardinals and Titans to leapfrog them. The Giants, who fell out of the No. 1 spot last year thanks to a Drew Lock-led win over the Colts in Week 17, will still hold a top-five pick — just not the one most expected two weeks ago. The Jets saw the Colts’ collapse, which dropped them from 8-2 to 8-9, give them two picks in the top 16.
The Cardinals started 2-0 but managed to close the season with 14 losses over their final 15 games. This will give Arizona a top-four pick for the third time in the Monti Ossenfort era. The GM traded out of that slot in 2023 before drafting Marvin Harrison Jr. in 2024; Ossenfort is expected to be retained for a fourth season, providing another opportunity. This will be the third straight year the Titans will hold a top-seven pick.
The Buccaneers beat the Panthers on Saturday, but thanks to a three-way NFC South tie, Tampa Bay’s draft slot will land out of the playoff positions for the first time since 2020. Because Atlanta defeated New Orleans today, Carolina’s first-round pick will slide into the bottom 14 despite its 8-9 finish — one that secured playoff entry for the first time since 2017.
Although the draft order is not fully set due to the upcoming playoffs, the first 18 picks are. Here is how the order looks after Week 18:
- Las Vegas Raiders (3-14)
- New York Jets (3-14)
- Arizona Cardinals (3-14)
- Tennessee Titans (3-14)
- New York Giants (4-13)
- Cleveland Browns (5-12)
- Washington Commanders (5-12)
- New Orleans Saints (6-11)
- Kansas City Chiefs (6-11)
- Cincinnati Bengals (6-11)
- Miami Dolphins (7-10)
- Dallas Cowboys (7-9-1)
- Los Angeles Rams (via Falcons)
- Baltimore Ravens (8-9)
- Tampa Bay Buccaneers (8-9)
- New York Jets (via Colts)
- Detroit Lions (9-8)
- Minnesota Vikings (9-8)
- Carolina Panthers (8-9)
- Dallas Cowboys (from Packers)
- Pittsburgh Steelers (10-7)
- Los Angeles Chargers (11-6)
- Philadelphia Eagles (11-6)
- Buffalo Bills (12-5)
- Chicago Bears (11-6)
- San Francisco 49ers (12-5)
- Houston Texans (12-5)
- Cleveland Browns (from Jaguars)
- Los Angeles Rams (12-5)
- New England Patriots (14-3)
- Denver Broncos (14-3)
- Seattle Seahawks (14-3)
Joe Burrow Supports Bengals Retaining HC Zac Taylor
Joe Burrow let his feelings about Bengals personnel matters be known last year, when he offered staunch support for the team extending Tee Higgins and Trey Hendrickson. The superstar quarterback went 1-for-2 on that front, but the effort did show the power he wields in the building.
Burrow comments about a lack of satisfaction presently raised eyebrows around the league, as the Bengals are wrapping a third straight season that will fall short of the playoffs. While voicing an expectation he’d be part of the 2026 Bengals, Burrow did not shut the door on potentially playing elsewhere down the road. Some took these efforts as Burrow applying pressure on the Bengals, but the heat the QB may or may not be putting on the franchise does not appear to pertain to Zac Taylor.
The seventh-year Cincinnati HC has Burrow’s full support, according to ESPN’s Adam Schefter. Taylor has taken criticism for not having the Bengals ready to play early in seasons, as a host of September losses have hurt in playoff pushes, but he has been at the helm throughout Burrow’s career. Burrow does not appear eager to transition to a new system, and NFL.com’s Ian Rapoport and Tom Pelissero report Taylor is indeed safe for 2026.
Taylor, 42, made the rare jump from the quarterbacks coach level to HC, vaulting from the Rams’ QBs coach to Bengals HC. While Taylor’s first year went poorly, the Bengals timed their faceplant well. The 2-14 season landed them Burrow at No. 1 overall, much to the Dolphins’ chagrin, and he transformed the franchise’s fortunes.
Taylor guided the Bengals to Super Bowl LVI and then had them in the 2022 AFC championship game, where a crucial final-minute late hit helped the Chiefs escape the visitors’ charge. Since then, however, the Bengals have fallen off the AFC’s top tier. Burrow injuries in 2023 and ’25 defined those seasons, but he played throughout 2024 and saw the team’s defensive issues deny a playoff spot.
The Bengals had been expected to neither tinker with their HC or GM roles, with de facto GM Duke Tobin also expected back. While Burrow throwing support behind Taylor is certainly important for the sideline leader’s status, is the passer’s perceived issue with the front office? Tobin has been with Cincinnati since 1999, being an integral part of Mike Brown‘s operation. The Bengals have drifted southward in the NFL hierarchy during the mid-2020s, and Burrow has let it be known he is not exactly thrilled with the way things have gone.
Teams are expected to call the Bengals on Burrow, but that is unlikely to matter much. Burrow is one of the game’s best quarterbacks and plays for an organization known for digging its heels in against player demands. See: the Hendrickson and Shemar Stewart 2025 matters for recent examples. The Bengals remain committed to Burrow, and based on Sunday morning’s classification of Taylor’s status, the head coach has an important backer. But a turnaround will need to come in 2026. Taylor and Tobin will be the ones leading the way yet again.
Coaching Notes: Chiefs, Lions, Udinski, Leonhard, Idzik, Brown, Bears, Pitcher, Scheelhaase, Godsey
Matt Nagy looms as one of the top head coaching candidates with an offensive background in this year’s hiring cycle. A departure for a second HC opportunity (or at least a play-calling offensive coordinator role) is something to watch for over the coming days.
In the event Nagy were to head elsewhere, the Chiefs would find themselves in need of an OC replacement. The team could look to familiar options in such a scenario. Kansas City would “welcome back” Mike Kafka or Eric Bieniemy, Ian Rapoport and Tom Pelissero of NFL Network report.
Bieniemy, 56, worked under Andy Reid from 2013-22. That span included five years in the offensive coordinator role. Bieniemy led Washington’s offense for one season before doing the same at UCLA. He is currently serving as the Bears‘ running backs coach. Kafka, meanwhile, was with the Chiefs for five years, operating as quarterbacks coach and pass-game coordinator along the way. As the interim head coach of the Giants, the 38-year-old’s future is currently unclear.
With Black Monday approaching, here are some other coaching notes from around the NFL:
- Lions head coach Dan Campbell recently hinted at staffing changes. It would comes as little surprise if OC John Morton were to be among those let go, seeing as he was stripped of play-calling duties midway through the campaign. Morton said (via Rapoport and Pelissero) “I’d like to be here” when asked about the possibility of remaining in Detroit. Taking on a lesser role for next season could thus be something to watch for as Campbell looks into his coordinator options.
- Overall, the pool of head coaching candidates for 2026 is not seen as being as strong as last year. A large number of firings over the next few days may not be forthcoming as a result. On the other hand, The Athletic’s Dianna Russini notes (subscription required) this winter could be busier than usual in terms of coordinator changes. Jaguars OC Grant Udinski, Broncos secondary coach Jim Leonhard, Panthers offensive coordinator Brad Idzik and Patriots pass-game coordinator Thomas Brown are among the staffers she identifies among those who have drawn strong reviews for their work this season.
- Ben Johnson has impressed during his debut season in Chicago. He could be in line to lose a number of key assistants soon, however. Jonathan Jones of CBS Sports names Bieniemy as a candidate to depart this winter with his stock having received a boost. In addition, offensive coordinator Declan Doyle, pass-game coordinator Press Taylor and quarterbacks coach J.T. Barrett have each generated buzz regarding interest around the league. Johnson may have multiple vacancies to fill in the near future in the wake of Chicago’s successful campaign.
- Dan Pitcher has been with the Bengals since 2016. Over that time, he has worked his way up to quarterbacks coach, a role he has had for six seasons and counting. The 38-year-old finds himself as an interview candidate for OC positions, according to ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler. Losing Pitcher would deal another blow to the stability Zac Taylor enjoyed on his offensive staff until Brian Callahan‘s departure in 2025.
- Fowler also points to Nate Scheelhaase as a “sleeper” with respect to offensive coordinator interviews. Scheelhaase, 35, served in many positions at the college level before joining the Rams in 2024; he currently serves as the team’s pass-game coordinator. Many Sean McVay assistants have gone on to land notable gigs elsewhere in the NFL, and along with D-coordinator Chris Shula Scheelhaase could soon become the latest to do so.
- Since 2022, George Godsey has served as the Ravens’ tight ends coach. That tenure is nearing an end, however, Godsey is finalizing a deal to become the next offensive coordinator at Georgia Tech, ESPN’s Pete Thamel reports. By returning to his alma mater, Godsey will end a run of NFL coaching positions which dates back to 2011.
Minor NFL Transactions: 1/3/26
After the final standard gameday practice squad elevations of the 2025 regular season, the three-game elevation limit resets for the postseason, so only players getting signed to the 53-man roster because of the limit will be noted today. Saturday’s minor moves:
Arizona Cardinals
- Signed from practice squad: WR Tejhaun Palmer
- Elevated: CB Jaden Davis, WR Steven Sims
Atlanta Falcons
- Elevated: P Trenton Gill
Baltimore Ravens
- Elevated: WR Keith Kirkwood, CB Amani Oruwariye
Buffalo Bills
- Elevated: LB Keonta Jenkins, DE Matt Judon
Chicago Bears
- Elevated: TE Nikola Kalinic, LB Ty Summers
Cincinnati Bengals
- Elevated: DT Howard Cross III, CB Bralyn Lux
Cleveland Browns
- Signed from practice squad: LB Edefuan Ulofoshio
- Elevated: TE Sal Cannella
- Placed on IR: LB Carson Schwesinger
Dallas Cowboys
- Activated from IR: RB Phil Mafah
- Activated from reserve/PUP: CB Josh Butler
- Signed from practice squad: LB Justin Barron
- Elevated: G Nick Leverett
- Placed on IR: G T.J. Bass, RB Malik Davis, RB Javonte Williams
Denver Broncos
- Elevated: LB Levelle Bailey
Detroit Lions
- Elevated: TE Zach Horton, OL Chris Hubbard
- Placed on IR: OL Trystan Colon
Green Bay Packers
- Signed from practice squad: WR Jakobie Keeney-James, G Lecitus Smith
- Elevated: TE Drake Dabney, LB Jamon Johnson
- Placed on IR: OL Donovan Jennings, WR Savion Williams
Houston Texans
- Elevated: DT Leki Fotu, S Kaevon Merriweather
Indianapolis Colts
- Elevated: QB Seth Henigan, TE Sean McKeon
Jacksonville Jaguars
- Elevated: TE Patrick Herbert
Kansas City Chiefs
- Elevated: WR Jason Brownlee, WR Jimmy Holiday
Las Vegas Raiders
- Elevated: LB Jamin Davis, T Dalton Wagner
Los Angeles Chargers
- Signed from practice squad: S Marcus Maye
- Elevated: G Branson Taylor, QB DJ Uiagalelei
- Placed on IR: CB Nikko Reed
Miami Dolphins
- Elevated: LB Derrick McLendon, RB Jeff Wilson
Minnesota Vikings
- Elevated: WR Jeshaun Jones, LB Sione Takitaki
New Orleans Saints
- Signed from practice squad: TE Treyton Welch
- Elevated: QB Jake Haener, RB Nyheim Miller-Hines
New York Giants
- Signed from practice squad: CB Jarrick Bernard-Converse, WR Xavier Gipson, RB Dante Miller
- Elevated: TE Tanner Conner, DT Casey Rogers
- Placed on IR: CB Cor’Dale Flott, DT Rakeem Nunez-Roches Sr., WR Wan’Dale Robinson
New York Jets
- Signed from practice squad: QB Hendon Hooker, DE Kingsley Jonathan, G Kohl Levao
- Elevated: RB Raheem Blackshear, CB Samuel Womack III
- Placed on IR: RB Isaiah Davis, OL Xavier Newman-Johnson, TE Mason Taylor
Philadelphia Eagles
- Elevated: LS Charley Hughlett, S Brandon Johnson
Pittsburgh Steelers
- Elevated: CB D’Shawn Jamison
San Francisco 49ers
- Elevated: LB Eric Kendricks, T Brandon Parker
Seattle Seahawks
- Elevated: RB Cam Akers, CB Tyler Hall
Tennessee Titans
- Activated from IR: OLB Ali Gaye, WR Bryce Oliver
- Signed from practice squad: CB Kemon Hall
- Elevated: TE Cole Turner
- Placed on IR: CB Jalyn Armour-Davis (story), WR Van Jefferson
Washington Commanders
- Elevated: DT Ricky Barber, WR River Cracraft
The Browns made it known yesterday that they were shutting down Schwesinger and tight ends David Njoku and Harold Fannin Jr. for the final week of the season, but the Defensive Rookie of the Year-favorite is the only one to land on IR.
In Dallas, Williams failed to practice this week as he dealt with shoulder and neck issues. With Davis also being placed on IR, the Cowboys will rely on rookie fifth-rounder Jaydon Blue and the recently activated Mafah, a seventh-round rookie, in Week 18. The team used their eighth and final IR activation to bring Mafah back for a potential NFL debut.
Because Green Bay didn’t elevate recently signed practice squad quarterback Desmond Ridder, it appears either Malik Willis will be healthy enough to back up Clayton Tune or Jordan Love will serve as the potential QB2 for the Packers in Week 18.
Judon is set to make his Bills debut in the team’s regular season finale after signing to their practice squad two weeks ago.
With Saints backup quarterback Spencer Rattler not practicing this week with a finger injury, Haener gets the call to back up rookie Tyler Shough.
Hall in Tennessee had already been called up as a standard gameday practice squad elevation three times this season. In order for him to appear in the Titans’ regular season finale, the move to the 53-man roster was necessary.
Updated 2026 NFL Draft Order
Aside from tonight’s Rams-Falcons game, Week 17 is in the books. Most of the playoff field has been set in both conferences, but there is still plenty to be determined regarding the first-round draft order.
By virtue of their loss on Sunday, the Raiders are now in pole position to secure the No. 1 pick. Vegas sits at 2-14 on the year, with four teams sporting a record of 3-13. Only one of those, however – the Giants – is still in contention to land the top selection. Vegas will play against Kansas City in Week 18, while New York’s season will end against Dallas.
Fernando Mendoza looms as the projected top quarterback option in the 2026 class, with the futures of Dante Moore and Ty Simpson still uncertain. Demand usually outweighs supply at the top of the draft when it comes to signal-callers, and scarcity at the position could very well come into play in April. Mendoza may find himself on the radar of teams not immediately in need of a quarterback depending on how things play out.
For non-playoff teams, the draft order is determined by the inverted 2025 standings plus a series of tiebreakers, starting with strength of schedule. Playoff squads are slotted by their postseason outcome and the reverse order of their regular season record.
Here is an updated look at the first-round order:
- Las Vegas Raiders (2-14)
- New York Giants (3-13)
- New York Jets (3-13)
- Tennessee Titans (3-13)
- Arizona Cardinals (3-13)
- Cleveland Browns (4-12)
- Washington Commanders (4-12)
- New Orleans Saints (6-10)
- Kansas City Chiefs (6-10)
- Cincinnati Bengals (6-10)
- Los Angeles Rams (via Falcons)
- Miami Dolphins (7-9)
- Tampa Bay Buccaneers (7-9)
- Dallas Cowboys (7-8-1)
- Detroit Lions (8-8)
- Baltimore Ravens (8-8)
- Minnesota Vikings (8-8)
- New York Jets (via Colts)
- Carolina Panthers (8-8)
- Pittsburgh Steelers (9-7)
- Dallas Cowboys (via Packers)
- Los Angeles Chargers (11-5)
- Philadelphia Eagles (11-5)
- Buffalo Bills (11-5)
- Chicago Bears (11-5)
- Houston Texans (11-5)
- Los Angeles Rams (11-4)
- Cleveland Browns (via Jaguars)
- San Francisco 49ers (12-4)
- New England Patriots (13-3)
- Denver Broncos (13-3)
- Seattle Seahawks (13-3)
Teams Expected To Call Bengals On QB Joe Burrow
Four years ago, a second-year starting quarterback in Joe Burrow was following up a rookie campaign that ended with season-ending knee surgery to repair tears to his ACL and MCL and damage to his PCL and meniscus by preparing for a playoff run that would ultimately see the Bengals fall four points shy of its first ever Super Bowl victory. Still, somehow, teams will likely be calling Cincinnati this offseason with sincere belief that they may be able to trade for the former No. 1 overall pick, per Jonathan Jones of CBS Sports. 
Injuries and defensive woes have caused some turbulence for the young passer in Cincinnati this year. We have seen these things affect him in the past, with injuries limiting him to 10 games in his rookie season then again in 2023 and with last year’s bottom-10 defense preventing a campaign fueled by his MVP-worthy efforts to even extend into the playoffs.
This year, though, we’ve heard Burrow voice some understandable concerns that could point to a small, potential rift, leaving a thread at which several teams seem eager to pull.
After Burrow made a faster-than-expected return from an injury that many expected to end his 2025 season, the 29-year-old made some comments that drew many around the media into speculation that he may be contemplating retirement or struggling with his mental health. Burrow had simply expressed that “if (he wants) to keep doing this, (he has) to have fun doing this.” He looked back at how much he’d gone through, and asked, “If it’s not fun, then what am I doing it for?”
He made sure to specify later on that his comments were aimed at football in general and did not specifically have anything to do with his relationship with the Bengals. He also cleared up that he wasn’t considering ending his career so early, à la Andrew Luck. As the weeks wore on, reports began to naturally point to Burrow remaining in Cincinnati next year, despite the team’s struggling defense leading to another failed bid at a postseason.
Our previously most recent update on the matter — coming just yesterday — continued to emphasize that there is no indication Burrow wants out of Cincinnati or that the Bengals have any intention of moving him. Jones report from today underlines that fact, as well. Regardless, Jones’ sources report anticipation that “several teams will attempt a pursuit of trading for Burrow in the offseason,” with one executive candidly stating that “there are probably only a handful (of teams) that wouldn’t, at least, make an attempt.”
Burrow does own one similarity with Luck in that he is the same age Luck was at the time of his sudden retirement, but Jones pointed to another comparison. Jones linked Burrow to another former No. 1 overall pick that, despite decent individual success, was unable to get over the hump in Cincinnati to win a Super Bowl: Carson Palmer.
While Burrow boasts two Comeback Player of the Year awards that Palmer didn’t win, both only had two Pro Bowl selections on their résumé at this stage in their careers. Following his seventh year with the Bengals, Palmer requested a trade. When team owner/president Mike Brown turned down Palmer’s request, Palmer threatened to retire and followed through on his threat in an interview during the 2011 NFL Draft. As a result, Cincinnati drafted TCU passer Andy Dalton in the second round and, when Palmer failed to report to training camp, traded the veteran to Oakland — for first- and second-round picks — before the October trade deadline.
Now, clearly, Burrow has not requested a trade or made any such threats, but if every team in the NFL — apart from a handful of teams — is vying for his services and he sees an opportunity to have fun playing football elsewhere, the blueprint exists for history to repeat itself, though the Raiders likely wouldn’t be the beneficiaries this time around. For now, though, the Bengals should continue to nurture their relationship with the star quarterback in preparation for the wave of suitors sure to pursue this offseason.