2025 NFL Season Preview: Cincinnati Bengals
Football

2025 NFL Season Preview: Cincinnati Bengals

July 4, 2025
Devon Gallant

2025 NFL Team Preview Series: Cincinnati Bengals

Welcome back to our 2025 NFL Team Preview Series, where we’ll dive deep into all 32 franchises ahead of the upcoming season. Whether you’re a die-hard fan, a fantasy football manager, or just looking to get up to speed before kickoff, this series breaks down everything you need to know about each team’s trajectory.

For every team, we’ll cover:

  • Coaching Staff & Philosophy – Who’s leading the charge, and what kind of system are they running?
  • Offseason Recap – Key free-agent moves, trades, and draft picks that reshaped the roster.
  • Schedule Breakdown – Matchups to watch, tough stretches, and projected win-loss record.

From Super Bowl contenders to rebuilding rosters, we’ll assess where each team stands and what lies ahead in 2025.

Cincinnati Bengals

Coaching Staff: Strategic Defensive Additions

The Cincinnati Bengals enter the 2025 season with a largely familiar coaching staff, emphasizing continuity around quarterback Joe Burrow and the offensive core. However, there have been some strategic changes on the defensive side of the ball, aiming to refine their scheme and improve on field performance.

Zac Taylor remains the Head Coach, entering his seventh season at the helm. Taylor continues to lead the offence, working closely with his offensive coordinator to maintain the high-powered passing game that has defined the Bengals’ success under Joe Burrow. His leadership style and focus on team culture remain central to the Bengals’ approach.

Dan Pitcher continues in his role as Offensive Coordinator. After taking over the role in 2024, Pitcher will run back the Bengals’ offensive scheme, which prioritizes a strong vertical passing game, often featuring 3- and 4-receiver sets, while also incorporating a complementary run game. He works directly with Joe Burrow to further develop their chemistry and capitalize on the team’s exceptional receiving talent.

The most significant change is on the defensive side, with Al Golden taking over as Defensive Coordinator. Golden, who has previous NFL defensive coordinator experience and has been in the college ranks, replaces Lou Anarumo. His hiring signals a new approach and philosophical shift for the Bengals’ defense. Golden is expected to bring a fresh perspective and look to maximize the talent on a defence that has shown flashes but also struggled for large stretches. The defensive staff under Golden has seen several new hires, including Sean Desai as Senior Defensive Assistant and Jerry Montgomery as Defensive Line Coach/Run Game Coordinator, indicating a shift in philosophy for 2025.

2025 Offseason Recap: Securing Stars and Reinforcing the Trenches

The Cincinnati Bengals’ 2025 offseason was primarily focused on securing their foundational offensive stars for the long term and strategically reinforcing both the offensive and defensive lines.

Key Extensions:

  • Ja’Marr Chase (WR): Signed a massive four-year contract extension through the 2029 season in March 2025. This was the Bengals’ top priority, locking up one of the league’s most dynamic wide receivers and keeping him paired with Joe Burrow for the foreseeable future.
  • Tee Higgins (WR): Re-signed to a four-year deal in March 2025, after being designated with the non-exclusive franchise tag earlier in the offseason. This was a critical move, ensuring the Bengals’ elite wide receiver duo remains intact, providing Joe Burrow with an unparalleled arsenal of targets.
  • B.J. Hill (DT): Re-signed to a three-year deal in March 2025. Hill has been a consistent and disruptive presence on the interior defensive line, making his return crucial for the defensive front.
  • Mike Gesicki (TE): Signed a three-year contract extension in March 2025. After a productive first season with the Bengals in 2024, Gesicki’s extension provides continuity and a reliable pass-catching option at tight end.
  • Joseph Ossai (EDGE): Re-signed to a one-year deal in March 2025. Ossai provides depth and pass-rushing upside on the edge.
  • Cam Sample (EDGE): Re-signed to a one-year deal in March 2025. Sample’s return adds versatility to the defensive line, especially as he recovers from an Achilles injury suffered in 2024.
  • Marco Wilson (CB): Signed a one-year contract extension in March 2025. Wilson provides depth and special teams value in the secondary.
  • Cody Ford (OG): Re-signed to a two-year extension in March 2025. Ford provides valuable versatility along the offensive line.
  • Tanner Hudson (TE): Re-signed to a one-year extension in March 2025. Hudson adds some insurance behind Gesicki.
  • Cal Adomitis (LS): Re-signed to a one-year contract in February 2025, securing their long snapper.
  • Ryan Rehkow (P): Re-signed to a two-year extension in February 2025, solidifying the punter position.
  • Cordell Volson (LG): Signed a contract extension. He’s been a key piece of the interior offensive line.

Key Free-Agent Signings:

  • T.J. Slaton Jr. (DT): Signed a two-year contract in May 2025. A significant addition to the defensive interior from the Packers, Slaton brings run-stuffing ability and size, immediately boosting the defensive line.
  • Samaje Perine (RB): Signed a two-year deal in May 2025, marking a return to the Bengals after a stint with the Chiefs. Perine provides a familiar and reliable presence in the backfield, particularly as a pass-blocker and short-yardage runner.
  • Lucas Patrick (OG): Signed a one-year contract in March 2025. Patrick adds a veteran presence and versatility to the interior offensive line, providing competition and depth.
  • Oren Burks (LB): Signed a two-year contract in March 2025. Burks brings special teams prowess and another body to the linebacker corps.
  • Joe Giles-Harris (LB): Signed a one-year contract in April 2025. Will compete for a rotational spot in training camp.
  • Logan Woodside (QB): Signed a one-year deal in April 2025, providing a veteran backup quarterback.

Notable Departures:

  • Sam Hubbard (EDGE): Retired in March 2025. This was a significant loss for the Bengals’ pass rush and locker room leadership.
  • Alex Cappa (OG): Released in March 2025. Cappa had been a starting guard, and his release suggests a desire to reshape the offensive line, although he was later replaced by free agency additions and draft picks.
  • Sheldon Rankins (DT): Released in February 2025. Rankins provided interior pass rush, and his departure necessitated the signing of T.J. Slaton.
  • Germaine Pratt (LB): Cut in June 2025. A significant and somewhat surprising departure of a starting inside linebacker.
  • Akeem Davis-Gaither (LB): Signed with the Arizona Cardinals.
  • Trent Brown (OT): Signed with the Houston Texans.
  • Khalil Herbert (RB): Signed with the Indianapolis Colts.
  • Joe Bachie (LB): Signed with the Indianapolis Colts.
  • Trayveon Williams (RB): Signed with the New England Patriots.
  • Jay Tufele (DT): Signed with the New York Jets.
  • Mike Hilton (CB): Declared a free agent and has not re-signed.
  • Vonn Bell (S): Declared a free agent and has not re-signed.
  • Chris Evans (RB): Declared a free agent and has not re-signed.
  • D’Ante Smith (OT): Declared a free agent and has not re-signed.
  • Cade York (K): Declared a free agent and has not re-signed.

2025 NFL Draft Recap: Reinforcing the Defense and Offensive Line

The Cincinnati Bengals’ 2025 NFL Draft focused heavily on shoring up defensive talent, particularly along the DL and at linebacker, while also continuing to invest in the offensive line.

  • Round 1, Pick 17: Shemar Stewart, EDGE, Texas A&M The Bengals addressed their pass rush needs with the selection of Stewart. He’s a high-upside edge rusher with excellent size and athleticism, capable of both setting the edge against the run and generating pressure on the quarterback. This pick helps fill the void left by Sam Hubbard’s retirement.
  • Round 2, Pick 49: Demetrius Knight Jr., LB, South Carolina With Germaine Pratt’s departure, the Bengals looked to add talent at linebacker. Knight is an athletic and versatile linebacker who can contribute against the run and in coverage. He has the potential to develop into a starting-caliber player.
  • Round 3, Pick 81: Dylan Fairchild, G, Georgia The Bengals continued their investment in their offensive line with Fairchild. A strong and athletic interior lineman from a top program, he’s expected to immediately compete for a starting guard spot, fortifying the protection for Joe Burrow.
  • Round 4, Pick 119: Barrett Carter, LB, Clemson Doubling down at linebacker, Carter provides more athleticism and versatility to the second level of the defence. He’s known for his instincts and ability to make plays in space.
  • Round 5, Pick 153: Jalen Rivers, OT, Miami (FL) Adding depth and potential competition to the offensive tackle position, Rivers is a developing talent with good size and strength.
  • Round 6, Pick 193: Tahj Brooks, RB, Texas Tech The Bengals added a physical, downhill runner to the backfield. Brooks complements the existing running backs and offers depth and potential short-yardage contributions.

Key Draft Storyline: Rookie Contract Standoff with Top Pick Shemar Stewart

The Cincinnati Bengals’ 2025 NFL Draft was initially celebrated for their impactful selection of Texas A&M edge rusher Shemar Stewart with the 17th overall pick. An explosive talent with a high motor, Stewart was earmarked to immediately bolster the Bengals’ pass rush and run defence. However, the celebratory mood has since soured due to an ongoing rookie contract dispute. As of late June, Stewart and the Bengals have reportedly yet to come to terms on his first NFL deal. This protracted stalemate has prevented the top draft pick from participating in team activities, including mandatory minicamp and the initial phases of offseason training. His absence is not only hindering his physical preparation but also delaying his integration into Golden’s new defensive scheme and his development at the professional level.

Typically, rookie contract holdouts in the modern NFL are rare, as the league’s Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA) largely slots salaries based on draft position. However, sticking points sometimes emerge around specific contractual language, particularly concerning “voidable guarantees” or “offset language,” which dictate how guaranteed money is handled if a player is released and signs with another team.

From Stewart’s perspective, and that of his agent, their demands are far from extraordinary. Reports indicate Stewart is simply seeking the same standard protections against voided guarantees that previous Bengals first-round picks have received, ensuring his financial security if unforeseen circumstances arise. Yet, the Bengals appear to be pushing for new, more team-friendly clauses.

This proposed language would reportedly allow the team to void future guaranteed money under a broader range of conditions, including certain non-football injuries or off-field issues. This philosophical shift is perceived by Stewart’s camp as the Bengals being “difficult” and attempting to unilaterally alter established precedents. As Stewart himself was quoted, perhaps out of frustration, “I’m 100% right. I’m not asking for nothing y’all have never done before. But in y’all case, y’all just want to win arguments [more] than winning more games.”

For the Bengals, the unresolved situation creates an unwelcome distraction heading into training camp, leaving a significant hole in their planned defensive schemes. While they added other defensive pieces in the draft and free agency, the absence of their top rookie talent directly impacts the installation of the new defensive scheme. Resolving this contract impasse quickly will be paramount for both Shemar Stewart’s immediate development and the Bengals’ aspirations of a legitimate Super Bowl push in 2025.

Offseason Summary: Double-Down on Core, Fortify Trenches — But Defensive Questions Linger

The Cincinnati Bengals’ 2025 offseason strategy was clear: solidify their high-octane offensive core and significantly reinforce the trenches on both sides of the ball. The massive extensions for Ja’Marr Chase and Tee Higgins ensure Joe Burrow commands one of the league’s most formidable receiving duos for years to come. On the offensive line, the re-signing of Cody Ford and Cordell Volson, alongside veteran additions and draft picks, demonstrates a concerted effort to provide Burrow with better protection and more consistent running lanes.

Defensively, the hiring of Al Golden as Defensive Coordinator signals a fresh approach, backed by key free-agent signings like T.J. Slaton Jr. and draft picks such as Demetrius Knight Jr. and Barrett Carter. However, despite these attempts to upgrade, the shadow of significant contract disputes leaves plenty of questions for the defence entering 2025.

In addition to the stalemate with Stewart, there’s also the contentious situation surrounding veteran All-Pro edge rusher Trey Hendrickson. Hendrickson, who led the NFL with 17.5 sacks last season, is in the final year of his deal and has made it clear he will not play on his current contract, having already skipped mandatory minicamp. This holdout for a new, long-term extension directly impacts the defence’s most critical position, creating a leadership and production void at edge rusher that the rookie Stewart was drafted to eventually fill.

The parallel nature of these disputes — one with a star veteran seeking market value, the other with a first-round rookie seeking standard contract language — highlights a deeper organizational challenge regarding overall contract philosophy. The Bengals’ stance in these negotiations, perceived by the players as “difficult,” risks souring relationships with existing players, an potentially swaying free agents to other destinations in the future. While the Bengals have actively sought to replace Sam Hubbard and Germaine Pratt, the unresolved situations with both Hendrickson and Stewart mean that a significant portion of their planned defensive upgrades remains in limbo.

Ultimately, while the Bengals prioritized stability for their offensive stars, the dual contract holdouts are considerable blemishes on what could’ve been a solid offseason. It also creates uncertainty over the defence’s ability to live up to the team’s aspirations of Super Bowl contention in 2025.

2025 Schedule Breakdown & Win-Loss Prediction

The Cincinnati Bengals’ 2025 schedule presents a challenging path through a competitive AFC North and a strong cross-conference schedule.

  • Weeks 1–4: AFC North Gauntlet and Early Tests
    • Week 1: at Cleveland Browns
    • Week 2: vs. Jacksonville Jaguars
    • Week 3: at Minnesota Vikings
    • Week 4: at Denver Broncos (MNF)

Outlook: A tough start with two divisional road games and a Monday Night Football appearance against the Broncos. The Jaguars game is a key early home test.

Prediction: 2-2

  • Weeks 5–9: Home Stand and Divisional Play
    • Week 5: vs. Detroit Lions
    • Week 6: at Green Bay Packers
    • Week 7: vs. Pittsburgh Steelers (TNF)
    • Week 8: vs. New York Jets
    • Week 9: vs. Chicago Bears 

Outlook: A favorable stretch with four home games, including a Thursday Night divisional clash. The Lions and Packers games will be good tests against strong NFC opponents.

Prediction: 4-1 (Overall: 6-3)

  • Weeks 10–13: Late Bye and AFC North Intensity
    • Week 10: BYE
    • Week 11: at Pittsburgh Steelers
    • Week 12: vs. New England Patriots
    • Week 13: at Baltimore Ravens (TNF)

Outlook: A late bye helps with recovery. This stretch features two critical AFC North road games against the Steelers and Ravens, including a Thanksgiving night battle. The Patriots game is a likely win.

Prediction: 2-1 (Overall: 8-4)

  • Weeks 14–18: Playoff Push and Divisional Rematches
    • Week 14: at Buffalo Bills
    • Week 15: vs. Baltimore Ravens
    • Week 16: at Miami Dolphins (SNF)
    • Week 17: vs. Arizona Cardinals 
    • Week 18: vs. Cleveland Browns 

Outlook: A demanding finish with road games against two strong AFC East teams (Bills, Dolphins) and two crucial AFC North home games. The Cardinals game offers a likely late-season victory.

Prediction: 3-2

Final Record Prediction: 11-6

The Cincinnati Bengals are poised for a strong 2025 season. With Joe Burrow healthy and their star wide receivers locked up, the offence should remain elite. The emphasis on strengthening both lines and the new defensive coordinator provides optimism for a more consistent performance on that side of the ball as well. While the AFC North is always a brutal division, the Bengals’ talent and continuity, coupled with strategic upgrades, positions them as a legitimate contender for the division title and a deep playoff run, assuming their key defensive players eventually join the team.

Final Take: Super Bowl Aspirations Reignited – With Defensive Uncertainty

The Cincinnati Bengals’ 2025 offseason will prove to be a turning point for the club one way or another. By successfully securing Ja’Marr Chase and Tee Higgins, they’ve ensured Joe Burrow continues to command one of the league’s most potent receiving arsenals. Significant investment in both the offensive and defensive lines demonstrates a commitment to improving physicality and consistency in the trenches, which is critical for deep playoff runs. The arrival of Al Golden as the new Defensive Coordinator, along with a new defensive coaching staff, signals a fresh approach aimed at making the defence tougher to move the ball against.

However, the lingering holdouts of first-round pick Shemar Stewart and veteran All-Pro Trey Hendrickson cast a notable shadow over these efforts. These unresolved contract situations mean key pieces of their defensive future and immediate production remain in flux. While the Bengals have actively sought to replace notable departures, the absence of these two crucial edge rushers underscores a significant challenge in the franchise’s contract philosophy.

Despite these uncertainties, the Bengals’ combination of established star power, and a healthy quarterback positions them firmly as a top contender. The 2025 season isn’t just about returning to the playoffs; it’s about reasserting themselves as a legitimate Super Bowl favourite. The window is wide open for the Cincinnati Bengals, provided they can resolve their ongoing contract disputes and integrate their talent effectively onto the field.

-Devon Gallant

Twitter: @DevGallant

Photo: Erik Drost. This file is licensed under the Creative Commons Attribution 2.0 Generic license.