The Cincinnati Bengals’ season came to a disappointing end as the team lost 20-18 to the Cleveland Browns in the season finale. The Bengals had put together a solid stretch before the game, as they had won back-to-back games, blowing out their two opponents.
They came into the game with a 4-1 record when Joe Burrow, Tee Higgins, and Ja’Marr Chase were all active for the Bengals. Despite all three being active, they failed to overcome two defensive touchdowns by the Browns.
After a season filled with injuries, the Bengals missed the postseason for the third consecutive year as they fell to 6-11. Even with the disappointment, Bengals president Mike Brown opted to retain head coach Zac Taylor. Then Taylor opted to retain the team’s current staff and confirmed that no changes would be made. However, at least Bengals fans can take solace in knowing the team will make additions prior to the 2026 season.
Bengals Sign All-Star Wide Receiver
The additions have already started for Cincinnati. Days after the season ended, they announced they had signed wide receiver Dohnte Meyers. Meyers is a 5-foot-11 wide receiver who recently spent time with the Saskatchewan Roughriders of the Canadian Football League. After going undrafted in the 2023 NFL Draft, Meyers attended a tryout with the Falcons, but failed to secure a spot on the roster. In 2024, Meyers arrived in the CFL and made a limited impact as he appeared in only four games for the Roughriders.
Meyers took off in the 2025 season as he totaled 1,056 receiving yards and eight receiving touchdowns. For his efforts, he was named a CFL-West All-Star. Additionally, he helped the Roughriders win the CFL Championship. Following the season, Meyers is getting another shot in the NFL. This time, with the Bengals.
With Ja’Marr Chase and Tee Higgins, the Cincinnati Bengals already possess one of the league’s most dangerous wide receiver duos in the NFL. However, after reaching extensions with both receivers prior to the 2025 season, the pair command a large portion of Cincinnati’s cap space going forward. In the 2026 season, both receivers have a $26 million cap hit, and that goes up in 2027 for both men. As a result, taking chances on players like Meyers seems like a worthwhile risk for the Bengals.
Bengals Offseason Outlook
The one positive from the Bengals loss against the Browns in the regular season finale is that it did not affect their draft capital. With the loss, the Bengals secured the 10th overall selection. A win would have had them picking 11th in the draft. Cincinnati has not had a top ten selection in the draft since 2021, where they took Ja’Marr Chase with the fifth overall pick.
Now, the Bengals could opt to look to the other side of the ball. The Bengals defense struggled all year long, finishing 30th in points per game allowed. With uncertainty regarding Trey Hendrickson’s future, the Bengals could look to an edge rusher to fill the hole left by the former All-Pro.
Bengals Sign All-Star Wide Receiver