The 6-foot-5 Georgia standout provides Burrow with a massive target for the 2026 season. Young joins a receiving corps built on precision and catches. Offensive lineman Jalen Rivers described him by saying, “The epitome of a Bengal.”

Young is 6-foot-5, 218 pounds, and teammates have said his ability to catch the ball is one of the most impressive they have ever seen. OT Amarius Mims went on to say that Young rarely drops a pass, according to Marca.

Comparisons to Tee Higgins have been inevitable, and in a Bengals offense that is built on precision and contested catches, that kind of consistency does matter. 

Young started at Lackawanna College in 2021 before transferring to Miami and then Georgia, where a broken leg cut his final season short after eight games.

From 2022 to 2025, he played in 35 games, recording 116 receptions for 1,437 receiving yards and 13 touchdowns. He averaged 12.4 receiving yards per reception.

Colbie Young Fits Into Bengals Offense

Scouts analyzed Young’s tape to project his collegiate skill set.

“Young’s athletic traits, play strength, and ball skills stand out, but missed games have limited his production… On tape, he uses his size, muscle, and catch radius to beat cornerbacks in tight quarters and above the rim,” NFL.com’s Lance Zierlein wrote.

“His speed and separation are average,” Zierlein said. “That means he’s likely to see a higher volume of contested catches at the next level.” 

His route-running needs work, but he has a chance to be more productive in the pros, given his ability to break tackles after the catch and his overall talent. 

Young caught just 26 passes for 258 yards and a touchdown in his final season at Georgia. And has the potential to provide the required aid to Burrow and learn behind Ja’Marr Chase and Tee Higgins.

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SANJANA BHALERAO

According to ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler, the two-year deal is worth the base value of $ 12.5 million. It could be worth as much as $15.5 million, adding on his performance bonuses.

During his second season in Cincinnati, Reader helped lead the Bengals to three playoff victories and a Super Bowl LVI appearance. He notched a sack in the narrow loss to the Los Angeles Rams and earned the team’s Ed Block Courage Award at season’s end.

Last season with Detroit, he did not miss a single regular-season game. In 2025, he racked up 28 tackles and four quarterback hits.

The reason he was allowed to go was the Lions’ prioritizing a younger defensive core. They’ll be putting their trust in former 1st-round draft pick Tyleik Williams.

“I think the Lions would’ve gladly welcomed him back, but not at that price,” said Jeremy Reisman of SB Nation. “They have been in ultra-savings mode. Only one free agent signing/re-signing has averaged more the $5M a year.”

In New York, the defensive tackle position was just left vacant after they shipped their three-time Pro Bowl defensive tackle, Dexter Lawrence, to the Bengals.

The need for a well-built tank in defense is what prompted the 31-year-old Reader’s move to New York. His addition gives the Giants the type of 0-technique they lacked in 2025 after Lawrence’s departure. His ability to absorb double teams should help keep linebackers free to make plays.

According to ESPN, Reader led the NFL with a 71.7% double-team rate last season.

Why the DJ Reader and Bengals Reunion Was Never Happening

Back in Cincinnati, Reader was a two-time team captain. At the same time, his four-year, $53 million contract from 2020 was the largest in Bengals history at the time.

Cincinnati had even explored a reunion with Reader earlier in the offseason. But things flipped when Lawrence arrived, carrying a price tag of a first-round NFL Draft pick and an extra $28 million.

Along with the Giants, the Baltimore Ravens, too, were interested in Reader. He even paid a visit to the Ravens’ camp, just two weeks after they traded for his former teammate, Trey Hendrickson. But they went with signing Calais Campbell at the defensive tackle position.

With a starting role now in place, Reader joins the Giants, hoping to climb higher under first-year head coach John Harbaugh and young quarterback Jaxson Dart.

Share your thoughts on New York signing DJ Reader.

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It was not just interest; it was his profile.

Downs was widely viewed as a top-10 prospect, with multiple draft analysts labelling him one of the best all-around defensive players in the 2026 class, according to reports from ESPN and The Athletic.

On the other hand, Downs wasn’t seen as just a safety; he also projected as a movable defensive piece, capable of lining up in the slot, at safety, or in hybrid roles.

Downs has been one of the most talked-about defensive players heading into the 2026 draft. Multiple teams had eyes on him.

Initially, Downs was drafted by the Dallas Cowboys after Dallas traded up to the No. 11 pick with the Miami Dolphins. If the Cowboys had their way, they would’ve drafted him two picks earlier.

That idea picked up more weight after ESPN’s draft documentary “The Pick Is In” revealed that the Cleveland Browns were offered a trade by Dallas for the No. 9 pick. The Cowboys were actively trying to jump ahead of the New York Giants to lock in Downs inside the top 10.

At the end comes Cincinnati’s own move.

The Bengals dealt the No. 10 pick in a trade involving Dexter Lawrence, taking themselves out of the race. The combination of trade interest and Downs’ rising stock suggests that he wouldn’t have been available by the time they were on the clock.

What Made Caleb Downs a Top-10 Target on The Board

During Caleb Downs’ college run, he consistently filled the stat sheet, finishing with strong tackle production each season, along with multiple interceptions and pass breakups, as per ESPN stats and college records.

Despite having some safety depth, teams in the top 10 recognized Downs’ ability to act as a “defensive chess piece.”

Beyond the numbers, he showed range in coverage, physicality near the line, and the ability to play multiple roles in the secondary. All together, this made him a top-tier defensive prospect and drew heavy interest from teams looking for an immediate impact player, as per The Athletic and pre-draft scouting reports.

What pushed his value even higher was how he was used. Downs wasn’t locked into one role; he also lined up at safety, dropped into the slot, and even played in hybrid “big nickel” looks depending on the situation.

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After two LB picks in the 2025 NFL Draft, this year the Bengals didn’t select a single linebacker. Amidst the post-draft buzz and the noise lingering over the team’s defensive interior, Duke Tobin stepped in to deliver a clear message.

“I am not down on our linebackers,” Tobin said, addressing questions about the unit following the draft. “I think that their play individually will improve and collectively will improve by what we’ve done and the experience that they’ve gained.”

Speaking on Tuesday, during his post-draft press conference at the team facility, he made it clear the concern outside doesn’t match the belief inside the building.

“If there are others that we think can add to the group, we’ll add to the group,” Tobin also said, leaving the door open for new additions. “We’re not done roster building… there’s an entire offseason… and I feel very good about our roster as it sits right now.”

Instead of forcing a move, Cincinnati has leaned into a different approach. As per AtoZSports, Tobin is betting that if the front and back ends are airtight, it’ll elevate the play of last year’s drafted backers Demetrius Knight Jr. and Barrett Carter.

The idea isn’t to replace them but to put them in a better position to produce.

That will be the plan heading into the second half of the offseason. The Bengals still have a couple of spots open on the roster, including training camp, the preseason, and roster cuts, where a linebacker addition could happen if the situation calls for it.

What the Bengals’ Linebacker Room Looks Like Right Now?

The Cincinnati Bengals had entered the offseason program with a seven-man linebacker unit, with an eighth option in hybrid EDGE/LB Antwaun Powell-Ryland listed on the roster.

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Barrett Carter is expected to handle MIKE duties, with Demetrius Knight Jr. at WILL. Veterans like Oren Burks, Shaka Heyward, and Joe Giles-Harris could provide depth, as per Pro Football Reference.

Last year, Barrett Carter stacked 53 solo tackles with four breakups and a pick, while Demetrius Knight Jr. brought the heat with three sacks and 58 solos. Year one set the tone for both rookies. Now, year two will show if it was just a start or something bigger.

Behind them, the Bengals have added developmental depth with Eric Gentry and Jack Dingle, though neither profiles as an immediate-impact starter.

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Talking to Vanity Fair ahead of his appearance at the 2026 MET Gala, Joe Burrow expressed his excitement about the moves made by the Cincinnati Bengals in the offseason.

“I’m really excited about the moves we made this offseason,” Burrow said to Vanity Fair on May 5th. “We need to get better, so it was exciting to see the initiative from everybody…We’re in our primes playing great football.”

In 2026, the Bengals added Boye Mafe and Bryan Cook on multi-year deals. They also reinforced the interior and made the headline move by landing Dexter Lawrence on a blockbuster extension, parting with their first-round pick.

“Finding guys like Dexter [Lawrence] and Bryan Cook and Boye [Mafe] to, you know, really solidify that defence so the young guys can also kind of rise up. We’re really going to try to achieve what we want to achieve,” Burrow further stated.

In addition to new signings, the franchise also re-invested in their performing players. Extensions for Isaiah Foskey and Shaka Heyward added depth to their roster.

Burrow’s devastating ability with a good defence makes their case for a playoff finish and possibly a return to the Super Bowl much stronger.

Bengals Go All-In Defence With 7 Defensive Acquisitions

Trading away their No. 10 overall draft pick to the New York Giants so they could get Dexter Lawrence, a massive defensive tackle, was certainly an interesting move for Cincinnati.

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Right after that, they added an experienced veteran in Jonathan Allen to the defensive line. His 45.5 career sacks and 270 solo tackles would certainly add depth to the roster.

The Cincinnati Bengals doubled down on fixing the edge and the back end. They pulled in Boye Mafe on a 3-year, $60M deal fresh off a Seattle Seahawks Super Bowl run, adding a 20-sack disruptor as insurance behind Trey Hendrickson.

Then came Bryan Cook, a 3-year, $42.5M pickup from the Kansas City Chiefs, bringing postseason playmaking and versatility to a secondary that needed both.

Rounding out this massive overhaul, they drafted situational edge rusher Cashius Howell and defensive back Tacario Davis for the 2026 season.

That’s not all, the Bengals kept stacking the secondary. They added Kyle Dugger on a low-risk one-year deal, bringing veteran depth and experience from stints with the New England Patriots and Pittsburgh Steelers.

On the offense, with Joe Burrow fit and ready to go, what are your thoughts on this Cincinnati Bengals overhaul? Let us know in the comments below.

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According to Sports Business Journal’s Ben Fischer, Cincinnati will host the NFL Draft in 2029, as they have an “inside track,” a development that would bring significant attention to the Bengals’ home city.

Fischer also mentioned an interview by Pat McAfee with the NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell, who said, “We’re going to probably have to start allocating the drafts a little further in advance.”

The 2027 season’s NFL Draft is confirmed for Washington, D.C., and Minnesota is the frontrunner for 2028, though not officially confirmed yet. For the latter, Minneapolis is the “clear favorite,” and U.S. Bank Stadium is proposed as the central anchor, as per NBC Sports.

The Bengals were initially trying for the next season. But they decided to wait due to the construction of the new 700-room Marriott headquarters hotel located next to the Duke Energy Convention Center late 2025 and is expected to be completed in 2028.

Hosting the NFL Draft requires the city to accommodate crowds of hundreds of thousands, alongside logistical considerations including weather, security, and broadcasting.

One of the preferred venues in Cincinnati is The Banks, between the Bengals’ Paycor Stadium and the Reds’ Great American Ball Park. Another option is the monumental Cincinnati Union Terminal, according to Sports Illustrated.

The city leadership is also actively supporting this event. Mayor Aftab Pureval has expressed faith in the city’s preparedness, highlighting several ongoing developments, as per reports from The Cincinnati Enquirer.

How is a City Chosen to Host NFL Drafts?

A yearly bidding process determines NFL Draft host cities. The cities that want to host the draft make their proposals to the NFL.

Usually, these proposals contain information about how the city will host the draft, including venues, accommodation facilities, transportation, and other relevant information.

In many instances, the bid is made jointly by the NFL team from the host city, tourism and conventions agencies, among others, as per Fox Sports.

The bidding process ends with an evaluation of the bids by the NFL Events Committee. The NFL examines factors such as the ability of the venue to accommodate a major event that will last for several days, the strength of the city infrastructure, and the attractiveness of the venue to fans and the press.

The next step is the selection of host cities, which takes place via a vote of the NFL team owners from the 32 teams.

Based on current reports, the NFL Draft is expected to be hosted by Washington in 2027, Minnesota in 2028, and Cincinnati in 2029, with official confirmation still pending for the latter two.

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Cashius Howell, who signed a $12 million rookie deal, is already drawing Maxx Crosby comparisons, and it’s not just draft hype. 

ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler made the comparison, citing an anonymous AFC scout to make his case. 

“But their second-round pick, edge rusher Cashius Howell, possesses one of Maxx Crosby’s best attributes, his motor,” Fowler wrote. Crosby has built his entire reputation on playing every snap at full speed, and the scout sees that same quality in Howell. 

“He doesn’t have the elite bend that some of the other rushers have, but he is absolutely relentless and will play a long time in the NFL as a result,” the AFC scout told Fowler.

Howell appeared in 56 games over five seasons of college football, recording 27 sacks and 35.5 tackles for loss. Three of those seasons were at Bowling Green and two at Texas A&M.

In his final season, he had 11.5 sacks and won SEC Defensive Player of the Year, the kind of production you get from someone who doesn’t take possessions off. 

After losing Trey Hendrickson to free agency, the Bengals needed a player like Howell. Shemar Stewart’s rookie season, one sack in eight games after a contract holdout, also left the edge rusher room thin. 

The national media pushed back on the short arm measurements narrative and the Crosby comparison only added to the buzz around the pick. 

Bengals Rookie Cashius Howell is Ready to Make his Mark

Howell’s motor was more than something the Bengals were buying into, his former coach had the specifics to back it up.

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Bengals.com’s Geoff Hobson spoke with Texas A&M defensive line coach Tony Jerod-Eddie about how Howell’s game will translate to the next level. 

“His game and his style of play translates great to the NFL level,” Jerod-Eddie told Hobson. “We ran a pro-style defense, so he’ll be ready to do whatever is asked. He’s serious about his craft. He sits in on meetings, he takes tremendous notes.” 

When asked what sets Howell apart from other prospects, Jerod Eddie pointed to something that doesn’t appear in a stat sheet.

“There’s a switch he flips and he becomes highly competitive. Ultra-competitive. He’ll tell you about it a little, too, which I love,” he told Hobson.

Defensive coordinator Al Golden plans to use hybrid roles in multiple formations, providing immediate opportunities to make an impact.

With Shemar Stewart, Myles Murphy, and free-agent addition Boye Mafe forming the EDGE, the Bengals need pass-rushing production. Given his trajectory, Howell looks like he will keep climbing. 

Read more at the Cincinnati Bengals Community!

“After the Commanders selected Sonny Styles in the first round, a return to Washington may not be in the cards for Bobby Wagner, and it’d make sense for the Bengals to pounce,” wrote CBS Sports’ Tyler Sullivan.

Last year, he re-signed with the Commanders. But he entered this season as a free agent. Now that the Commanders signed Leo Chenal to a three-year deal in free agency, the chances of his return to Washington are low.

So, he emerged as a strong post-draft fit for Cincinnati. Signing him could fill the need to lead a young unit through a deep playoff push.

The Bengals now rely on younger players like Demetrius Knight Jr. and Barrett Carter. This enhances the need for Wagner, who can also provide depth and stability at the position.

Cincinnati’s defensive philosophy relies on disciplined gap integrity. Even though Wagner must be 35-years-old, he remains one of the league’s best run-stoppers.

According to Pro Football Focus, Wagner held a strong 78.6 defensive grade in 2025. The stats proved his football IQ and tackling mechanics have not lost a step.

By bringing him into Lou Anarumo’s scheme, Wagner provides the “green dot” leadership. The move would push the team from rebuilding mode into a win-now situation.

“For Wagner, this pairing would make sense not only from a need standpoint, but the linebacker would also give himself a good shot at a deep playoff run with Joe Burrow as his quarterback, giving him possibly one last kick at the can for another Super Bowl title,” Sullivan further wrote.

Even at age 35, Wagner remained highly productive, finishing the 2025 season with 79 solo tackles, 4.5 sacks, and two interceptions for the Washington Commanders.

This move perfectly fits the team’s post-draft salary cap plan. Wagner holds a projected one-year market value of $7.7 million. He could be a low-cost backup plan if the rookie struggles.

How Bobby Wagner’s 2025 Numbers Stack Up Against Other Free-Agent Linebackers

When looking at the remaining pool of veteran linebackers, Wagner’s profile remains an exception. His 162 tackles in 2025 placed him among the league’s top performers, outperforming many other players in total defensive stops.

While Bobby Okereke is still a free agent, his stats are not near Wagner’s. The former New York Giants linebacker came up with 143 total tackles last season.

Thus, Wagner might be sought by other teams as well like the Dallas Cowboys. With Dee Winters, DeMarvion Overshown, and Jaishawn Barham on the roster, Dallas has plenty of speed and athleticism at linebacker.

What’s missing is a vocal leader who can anchor the defense from the middle, a role Wagner has been connected to for years.

Share your thoughts on Wagner being the missing puzzle for the Browns’ defense.

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The quarterback was spotted prior to attending The Metropolitan Museum of Art, posing alongside former LSU teammate and Minnesota Vikings wide receiver Justin Jefferson.

For this year’s “Costume Art” theme, Burrow was spotted leaving The Mark Hotel in a sharply tailored, dark blue designer suit featuring distinctive trim.

May 4th marked the opening of the Costume Institute’s “Costume Art” spring exhibition at the Metropolitan Museum of Art, built around the theme “Fashion is Art.”

This marks Burrow’s second time at the Met Gala, having made his debut in 2025. Last year, Burrow made headlines in a sleek, blue-grey Gucci suit paired with his signature ice-blue sunglasses and matching sneakers.

The 2025 look aligned with the “Superfine: Tailoring Black Style” theme. It earned Burrow a spot on British GQ’s best-dressed list.

On May 2, just a few days before Burrow attended the Met Gala, he went viral for his Kentucky Derby outfit. He attended the event wearing a light pink suit, paired with a grey T-shirt and a maroon-colored fedora.

Beyond the Met Gala, he had made one of his notable steps into the runway modelling debut at Vogue World fashion show in Paris in 2024, where he went viral for a backless suit jacket

This helped Joe Burrow use his personal style to connect with more fans and grow his popularity beyond the AFC North.

The Influence of Family and Identity on Joe Burrow’s Style

Burrow’s connection to fashion dates back before he became a quarterback. It has been shaped largely by his mother’s influence.

“My mom was in fashion when I was little. So I was around it. I was always pretty particular about what I wore, like when we’d be school shopping,” the quarterback said in an interview during a 2025 feature with Sports Illustrated.

He also admitted that he struggled with confidence growing up and often felt uncomfortable with himself. So fashion became a way for him to express his personality without needing to say much. Through colorful clothes and different styles, he found a way to show confidence.

Burrow believes athletes and fashion designers have similarities in the way they work and express themselves.

“We’re both artists in our own ways,” the quarterback said. “Theirs is with clothes, ours is with our bodies. There’s a lot of creativity in what we do.”

Joe Burrow has turned that personal connection into part of his professional brand. He now collaborates with stylists such as Kyle Smith, the NFL’s first fashion editor.

Share your thoughts on Burrow’s Met Gala 2026 looks.

Read more at Cincinnati Bengals Community.

The team spent a lot of money this year to make their defense better, including two major moves to strengthen the team. First, they traded for Dexter Lawrence for a No.10 spot in the 2026 draft. Second, they signed edge rusher Boye Mafe to a 3-year, $60 million contract. These moves were expensive, but they have made the team’s defense much stronger than it was before.

Even though some experts think the Bengals should try to get another star like Kayvon Thibodeaux from the Giants, that probably won’t happen.

The team already has many talented players on their defensive line. Adding another expensive player doesn’t fit their budget or their current plan for the season.

Instead, the Bengals want to give their young players a chance to play and show how good they are. They have two high draft picks, Myles Murphy and Shemar Stewart, who are ready to be leaders on the field. They also just added Cashius Howell, a player they believe will be a star in the future.

The Bengals seem very happy with the players they have now and feel they have enough talent to win games. Unless a player gets hurt during summer practice, the team is likely finished making big moves for the year. 

The Bengals Choose Financial Flexibility Over Fixed Commitment

As per Bengals Wire, the Cincinnati Bengals have decided not to pick up the fifth-year option for defensive end Myles Murphy. This move means the team is passing on a guaranteed $14.5 million salary for the 2027 season.

While Murphy was a first-round pick in 2023, the team wants to see more consistency before committing big money. Murphy has shown flashes of great talent. Last season, he finished strong and proved he could be a difficult matchup for opposing teams. However, his total stats are still a bit low (8.5 sacks in 47 games)

Another player who saw changes made to his contract was Cody Ford. As per reports from AtoZ Sports, Cody’s salary dropped from $2.9 million to $1.3 million.This move allowed the team to save about 1.6 million in cap space.

Though there were talks that the Bengals could have easily made adjustments by restructuring Joe Burrow’s, Ja’Marr Chase’s, and Tee Higgins contracts, the team decided to go for players who still had to prove themselves.

The Bengals are currently prioritizing long-term financial health over splashy trades. By maintaining cap flexibility and trusting their deep defensive rotation, they are hoping to push to a championship run without compromising future stability.

Do you think their defensive lineup is strong for the upcoming season?

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