The Cincinnati Bengals have primarily focused this offseason on improving their defense. After allowing the third-most points in the NFL last season, the Bengals finished with their worst record since 2020, despite Cincinnati’s offense finishing as a top-10 unit.
As a result, the Bengals signed three defensive starters in free agency to multi-year deals. Then, Cincinnati followed that up by making a blockbuster trade and acquiring three-time Pro Bowl defensive lineman Dexter Lawrence from the New York Giants in exchange for the No. 10 pick in the NFL Draft.
Then, during the 2026 NFL Draft, the Bengals once again spent their premium assets on defense as they picked edge rusher Cashius Howell with their second-round selection and cornerback Tacario Davis with their third-round selection. Following those picks, the Bengals began to use some of their assets on complementing their explosive offense. Now, after the draft has concluded, Cincinnati signed a receiver to an already talented room featuring Ja’Marr Chase and Tee Higgins.
Cincinnati Bengals Sign Wide Receiver
The Cincinnati Bengals signed undrafted free agent wide receiver Noah Thomas out of Georgia. Regarding the signing, SB Nation’s Patrick Judis wrote:
“The Bengals drafted his teammate Colbie Young in the fourth round. Thomas didn’t accomplish much during his one year stint at Georgia after transferring from Texas A&M.
His best season came as a junior, when he had 39 catches for 574 yards and eight touchdowns with the Aggies. Even though he only caught 16 passes at Georgia, four of them were for touchdowns. He had a real knack for the end zone. He knows how to use his big body to make contested catches.
Again, special teams might determine whether he actually has a shot at the roster or is more likely to be a practice squad guy come the end of the preseason.”
Noah Thomas Prospect Profile
While Thomas did not hear his name called during the 2026 NFL Draft, he does bring a valuable skill to the Bengals and that is size. Thomas is a big-bodied 6-foot-6 receiver with a basketball background, and he has the ability to get behind a defense with speed.
Regarding his profile, The Draft Buzz wrote:
“Noah Thomas emerged as a standout receiver for Texas A&M in 2023, leading the Aggies with five receiving touchdowns in his sophomore season. The 6’6″ wideout from Clear Springs High School in Texas showcased his rare combination of size and speed, averaging 12.4 yards per catch and 32.6 yards per game. His breakout performance came in the season opener, where he hauled in three touchdown receptions in the first half – a feat not seen by an Aggie receiver since Mike Evans in 2013.
Thomas’s journey to College Station began as a multi-sport athlete in high school, where his exceptional physical traits were evident across football, basketball, and track. His senior year saw him dominate on the gridiron with 63 catches, 935 receiving yards, and 21 touchdowns. This performance earned him finalist honors for Greater Houston Area Offensive Player of the Year. Thomas’s rare athleticism was further highlighted on the track, where he clocked a blazing 48.41 seconds in the 400m at the Texas 6A meet, showcasing the speed that would make him a nightmare matchup at the collegiate level.”
Bengals Add 1,200-yard WR behind Ja’Marr Chase, Tee Higgins