3 biggest Bengals storylines heading into training camp
CINCINNATI, OH - JANUARY 04: Cincinnati Bengals offensive tackle Orlando Brown Jr. 75, tight end Drew Sample 89 and guard Dylan Fairchild 63 run onto the field before the game against the Cleveland Browns and the Cincinnati Bengals on January 4, 2026, at Paycor Stadium in Cincinnati, OH. Photo by Ian Johnson/Icon Sportswire NFL, American Football Herren, USA JAN 04 Browns at Bengals EDITORIAL USE ONLY Icon260104166
CINCINNATI, OH - JANUARY 04: Cincinnati Bengals offensive tackle Orlando Brown Jr. 75, tight end Drew Sample 89 and guard Dylan Fairchild 63 run onto the field before the game against the Cleveland Browns and the Cincinnati Bengals on January 4, 2026, at Paycor Stadium in Cincinnati, OH. Photo by Ian Johnson/Icon Sportswire NFL, American Football Herren, USA JAN 04 Browns at Bengals EDITORIAL USE ONLY Icon260104166
Bengals training camp is finally here, and several important questions remain before Cincinnati begins the 2026 season. From contract decisions to joint practices and new defensive additions, the coming weeks could shape how the roster looks heading into Week 1.
Joe Burrow has the offense ready, as he himself has said that the Bengals have the best roster he has ever seen for the 2026 season. But can this revamped, dominant defense finally bring the Lombardi Trophy home?
Let's look at some of the reported biggest storylines of the Cincinnati Bengals.
Cornerback DJ Turner extension remains one contract to watch
The Cincinnati Bengals often take their time extending star players like Tee Higgins, Ja’Marr Chase, and Trey Hendrickson. However, CB DJ Turner II is in a unique spot.
Cincinnati delayed his extension while spending heavily to rebuild its defense this offseason. Now that their budget is set, a report from Matt Fitzgerald of Stripe Hype suggests the team should sign him soon.
“Now that a fuller salary cap picture for the coming years is in focus,” Fitzgerald noted. “Turner should be rewarded in short order.”
CINCINNATI, OH - NOVEMBER 23: Cincinnati Bengals cornerback DJ Turner II 20 jogs off the field at halftime during the game against the New England Patriots and the Cincinnati Bengals on November 23, 2025, at Paycor Stadium in Cincinnati, OH. Photo by Ian Johnson/Icon Sportswire NFL, American Football Herren, USA NOV 23 Patriots at Bengals EDITORIAL USE ONLY Icon251123118
CINCINNATI, OH - NOVEMBER 23: Cincinnati Bengals cornerback DJ Turner II 20 jogs off the field at halftime during the game against the New England Patriots and the Cincinnati Bengals on November 23, 2025, at Paycor Stadium in Cincinnati, OH. Photo by Ian Johnson/Icon Sportswire NFL, American Football Herren, USA NOV 23 Patriots at Bengals EDITORIAL USE ONLY Icon251123118
Drafted in the second round in 2023, Turner has played three seasons on a four-year, $6.16 million rookie contract.
Over 45 games, he has recorded 113 tackles, two interceptions, 33 pass deflections, one sack, and two forced fumbles, proving himself as a key starter on the Bengals' defense.
The Cincinnati Bengals will test the waters with the Chicago Bears
The Cincinnati Bengals and Chicago Bears will hold a joint 2026 training camp practice. The session takes place on Thursday, August 20, at Cincinnati's facility.
The Chicago Bears almost reached the NFC Championship last season after quarterback Caleb Williams pulled off a thrilling playoff comeback against Green Bay.
“Unlike the games in the preseason, where it's a lot of backups fighting for roster spots,” Fitzgerald added, “joint practices will give us a real glimpse into where the Bengals are at in relation to the Bears.”
CHICAGO, IL - AUGUST 17: Chicago Bears quarterback Caleb Williams 18 with his teammates Chicago Bears quarterback Austin Reed 16, and Chicago Bears quarterback Tyson Bagent 17 lead the team out to take the field before a preseason game between the Cincinnati Bengals and the Chicago Bears on August 17, 2024, at Soldier Field in Chicago, Illinois. Photo by Joseph Weiser/Icon Sportswire NFL, American Football Herren, USA AUG 17 Preseason Bengals at Bears EDITORIAL USE ONLY Icon240817090
CHICAGO, IL - AUGUST 17: Chicago Bears quarterback Caleb Williams 18 with his teammates Chicago Bears quarterback Austin Reed 16, and Chicago Bears quarterback Tyson Bagent 17 lead the team out to take the field before a preseason game between the Cincinnati Bengals and the Chicago Bears on August 17, 2024, at Soldier Field in Chicago, Illinois. Photo by Joseph Weiser/Icon Sportswire NFL, American Football Herren, USA AUG 17 Preseason Bengals at Bears EDITORIAL USE ONLY Icon240817090
Joint practices typically feature more first-team repetitions than preseason games, making them one of Cincinnati's best opportunities to evaluate its roster before Week 1.
Boye Mafe to meet the team's expectations to be the Bengals' next elite Edge Rusher
The Cincinnati Bengals took a huge step by signing edge rusher Boye Mafe to a three-year, $60 million contract. Cincinnati expects him to be a true star on defense, not just a solid contributor.
Per reports from Matt Fitzgerald, testing his skills in training camp against elite tackles like Orlando Brown Jr. will help him prepare quickly.
“The idea is for this to be a hybrid defender who can scream in off the edge as a pass rusher,” Fitzgerald added. “Set the edge versus the run, and drop in coverage as an off-ball linebacker type.”
CHARLOTTE, NC - DECEMBER 28: Seattle Seahawks linebacker Boye Mafe 53 during an NFL, American Football Herren, USA football game between the Seattle Seahawks and the Carolina Panthers on December 28, 2025 at Bank of America stadium in Charlotte, N.C. Photo by John Byrum/Icon Sportswire NFL: DEC 28 Seahawks at Panthers EDITORIAL USE ONLY Icon251228087
CHARLOTTE, NC - DECEMBER 28: Seattle Seahawks linebacker Boye Mafe 53 during an NFL, American Football Herren, USA football game between the Seattle Seahawks and the Carolina Panthers on December 28, 2025 at Bank of America stadium in Charlotte, N.C. Photo by John Byrum/Icon Sportswire NFL: DEC 28 Seahawks at Panthers EDITORIAL USE ONLY Icon251228087
Defensive coordinator Al Golden plans to place Mafe in a flexible hybrid role. Mafe flashed big talent in Seattle, where he recorded 20 sacks from 2022 to 2025.
How quickly Mafe adapts to Golden's hybrid role could determine whether Cincinnati's revamped defense reaches the level the organization envisioned this offseason.
Which Bengals storyline are you waiting for? Let us know in the comments.
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Written by
Aaindri Thakuri
Edited by
Rudra Dubey