Reasons for Bengals Hope and Mope Revealed Ahead of 2026 NFL Minicamps

Sports Illustrated’s Gilberto Manzano outlines Bengals’ hope and mope ahead of the 2026 minicamps in Cincinnati. A key highlight is Joe Burrow’s restructuring, adding $10 million to 2026 pay, the first such move in Bengals history. If Burrow stays healthy, Cincinnati could boast one of the league’s top offenses with Ja’Marr Chase, Tee Higgins, and Chase Brown, potentially delivering three 1,000-yard receivers and a 4,000-yard passer. The mope centers on Burrow’s health history, who has played 35 games over three years, and a defense that regressed last season after losing Trey Hendrickson. The Bengals feel improved after free agency, per Duke Tobin.