Bengals Offseason Plan Revealed After NFL Free Agency, Wes Miller Replacements At Cincinnati, Miami Last Team In

On today's show, we discuss what the Bengals did in week 1 of NFL free agency and how this sets the table for the rest of the offseason. Also, we roll through the top candidates to be the next head basketball coach at Cincinnati after Wes Miller was fired last Friday. Plus, Miami, the final team to make the bracket, will face SMU in Dayton.

Today's podcast is a service of QC Kinetix, 78 Cigars and Sharefax Credit Union.

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- Sharefax Credit Union: https://www.sharefax.org/

The Cincinnati Bengals approached the 2026 NFL free-agency period with a clear goal: improve a defense that had struggled in recent seasons. To accomplish this, the team added three major defenders—Bryan Cook, Boye Mafe, and Jonathan Allen—in moves that signal a strong commitment to rebuilding the defensive unit.

The signing of Cook gives the Bengals a significant upgrade at safety. Cook, a Cincinnati native and former Kansas City Chiefs defender, signed a three-year deal worth about $40 million. A two-time Super Bowl champion, he brings experience in high-pressure games and solid production in the secondary, including over 200 career tackles and multiple interceptions. His presence should stabilize the back end of the defense, helping improve coverage and communication in the secondary.

At edge rusher, the Bengals signed Mafe to a three-year, $60 million contract after his time with the Seattle Seahawks. Mafe is expected to help replace lost pass-rush production after the departure of star defensive end Trey Hendrickson. Known for his athleticism and ability to pressure quarterbacks, Mafe gives Cincinnati a younger pass-rushing option with upside, while also bringing championship experience after winning Super Bowl LX.

The addition of veteran defensive tackle Allen further strengthens the defensive line. The two-time Pro Bowler signed a two-year contract reportedly worth up to $28 million. Allen has produced 45.5 career sacks and is widely respected for his interior pass rush and leadership. His ability to collapse the pocket should complement Cincinnati’s edge rushers and improve the team’s run defense.

Overall, these moves suggest the Bengals are prioritizing defensive improvement heading into the National Football League 2026 season. By reinforcing all three levels of the defense—secondary, edge, and interior line—the team hopes to become more balanced and better equipped to compete in the tough AFC. If these additions perform as expected, Cincinnati could enter the 2026 season as a more complete contender rather than a team relying primarily on offensive firepower.

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