Excitement appears high for the Cincinnati Bengals heading into the 2026 season. After a free agency period where the team signed three defensive starters, retained fan favorite Joe Flacco, re-signed key offensive lineman Dalton Risner, and most importantly acquired three-time Pro Bowl defensive lineman Dexter Lawrence, the team seems poised to end their three-year postseason drought and return to contention.
Additionally, despite no longer having the No. 10 pick in the NFL Draft, the Bengals managed to find good value with their selections while also addressing positions of need.
Unfortunately, the addition of a large number of players means the team may part ways with some of the players on the roster bubble. One wide receiver who the team signed this offseason to a reserve/future contract, may be on the outside looking in when it comes to the team’s active roster.
Cincinnati Bengals May Part Ways With Wide Receiver
Following the 2026 NFL Draft, Bengals Wire writer Chris Roling released a list of Cincinnati Bengals players who may be cut candidates. One of those players was wide receiver Kendric Pryor.
Roling wrote:
“As expected, the Bengals attacked wideout, especially the third spot that has underwhelmed for the better part of a year. It’s unlikely to put Andrei Iosivas in actual roster danger, but his role in the rotation could be up for grabs.
Rookie draft pick Colbie Young is that talented. And it’s going to put pressure on budding in-house favorites on the tail end of the depth chart, like Mitch Tinsley and Kendric Pryor, who aren’t as good as Charlie Jones on special teams.”
Since joining the Bengals in 2022, Pryor has only appeared in one game where he had one reception for nine yards. After being signed to a reserve contract, Pryor would receive a little over $1 million in the 2026 season if he makes the team, which would raise his career earnings to over $2.5 million, according to Spotrac.
Colbie Young Prospect Profile
Of course, Pryor’s uncertain status is highlighted by the Bengals selecting wide receiver Colbie Young in the fourth round of the NFL Draft. The Bengals have struggled to find strong production out of their third wide receiver since Tyler Boyd began to decline. The team will hope Young can fill that role.
Regarding Young, NFL Network draft analyst Lance Zierlein wrote:
“Young’s athletic traits, play strength and ball skills stand out, but missed games have limited his production. Teams will need to examine his 2024 arrest and suspension. On tape, he uses his size, muscle and catch radius to beat cornerbacks in tight quarters and above the rim. His speed and separation are average, so he’ll likely see a higher number of contested battles. His route-running needs work, but he’s a nightmare for cornerbacks to bring down after the catch. Young has talent to work with and — provided teams are comfortable after their character evaluation — has a chance to be more productive in the pros.”
A player with Young’s traits getting to learn behind Ja’Marr Chase and Tee Higgins may prove pivotal to his development.
Bengals May Cut Ties With $2.5 Million Wide Receiver After 2026 NFL Draft