After the 2025 NFL season ended, the Cincinnati Bengals were the only team in the AFC North to retain its head coach. They did so despite the Bengals finishing third in the division, posting their worst record since 2020 and missing the postseason for the third consecutive season.
Team president Mike Brown cited head coach Zac Taylor’s postseason experience as one of the reasons he still believed Taylor was the right man to lead the Bengals into contention. While some fans criticized the move as they felt the team had become stuck, that feeling changed quickly after the Bengals’ aggressive offseason.
As free agency was set to begin, reports surfaced that the Bengals planned to take Joe Burrow’s comments from the previous season into consideration and be aggressive in free agency. The team did just that as the Bengals signed three defensive starters to contracts worth a combined $125 million. Additionally, the team traded for three-time Pro Bowl defensive lineman Dexter Lawrence.
Now, after those moves, Burrow and Taylor will attempt to lead Cincinnati back into contention in 2026. And ahead of the 2026 season, Zac Taylor has given his thoughts on the team’s quarterback.
Cincinnati Bengals Head Coach Speaks on Joe Burrow
Quarterback Joe Burrow participated in the Cincinnati Bengals offseason workouts as he did some cardio work and threw some passes. Regarding Burrow’s participation with the team, head coach Zac Taylor said, “Great leader. Great to have him here on the field.” He added, “He looks great. He’s in shape and ready to go.”
While Burrow’s status with the team was never really in doubt, reports surfaced that the quarterback played a significant role in the Bengals’ offseason approach.
Previously, Dan Patrick spoke on his show and revealed how Burrow was involved in the Cincinnati Bengals acquiring Dexter Lawrence. Patrick said, “I was told Joe Burrow is the one calling the shots in Cincinnati.” He added, “From what I’m told, Joe Burrow said to management, ‘you gotta do something defensively or I’m out of here.’ I was told this morning by a source, who said that Joe has given them an ultimatum.”
It appears Taylor has no issue publicly supporting Burrow despite reports about the quarterback’s influence on personnel decisions.
Joe Burrow’s Status in Cincinnati
Burrow’s future with the team had been the subject of speculation due to his previously mentioned comments which led the team into being aggressive. During the 2025 season, the Bengals quarterback said, “If I want to keep doing this, I have to have fun doing it. I’ve been through a lot, and if it’s not fun, what am I doing it for? That’s the mindset I’m trying to bring to the table.”
Despite Burrow clarifying that the comments were not related to a possible desire to leave Cincinnati, that did not quiet rumors that the quarterback wanted out. Following those comments by Burrow, ESPN’s Adam Schefter reported that teams around the league had begun taking notice, which further fueled speculation that Burrow might be on the move.
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