The Cincinnati Bengals need to do a ton of work in free agency heading into the 2026 season, especially on defense. That side of the ball has largely been responsible for the lack of postseason football in Cincinnati over the last two seasons. That doesn’t mean they should ignore the offense, though.
The Bengals have Ja’Marr Chase, Tee Higgins, Andrei Iosivas, Charlie Jones, and Mitchell Tinsley under contract for the 2026 season, as are Tanner Hudson and Mike Gesicki, but why not add another talented receiver for Joe Burrow to sling the ball to?
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David Njoku, the former Browns’ Pro Bowl tight end, has announced he will be playing somewhere other than Cleveland in 2026. The former first-round pick out of Miami (FL) in 2017 has spent his entire career so far with the Browns. He had personal bests in 2023, racking up 882 receiving yards and six touchdowns.
He’s coming off a disappointing 2025 season that saw him finish with 293 receiving yards and four touchdowns. Despite the fact he’ll be 30 years old when the ‘26 season starts, he would still be regarded as one of the league’s best downfield threats from the tight end position, especially when paired with a quarterback of Burrow’s caliber.
There’s room on the roster for another tight end as well. Noah Fant played in 15 of Cincinnati’s 17 games this season and added 288 yards and three touchdowns to the mix. He paired nicely with Mike Gesicki, who almost acted as more of a slot receiver than a traditional tight end.
Signing Njoku in free agency would be a clear upgrade at the position and could be a final gear in a terrifying offensive machine. With enough time to throw, defenses, regardless of personnel or talent on the field, just wouldn’t be able to cover everyone.
What would you think if the Bengals brought Njoku down I-71 to the Queen City (of course, only if they take care of their numerous needs on the other side of the ball)?
Sound off.
