A Bengals Offseason Tradition

We have a bit of an annual tradition that kicks off around this time of year. Once the first waves of free agency and the NFL Draft are in the rearview mirror, we turn our attention to identifying which Bengals players might be poised to take that all-important next step in their careers.

Spotlight Series: “Potential Bengals Breakout Players”

Here at Cincy Jungle and on our associated podcasts, we launch a recurring series each offseason titled “Potential Bengals Breakout Players.” It’s our way of forecasting which players could step into larger roles, show significant growth from the previous season, or otherwise emerge as key contributors in the upcoming year.

This isn’t just guesswork. It’s based on their likely increased responsibilities, glimpses of talent, and how they’ve been developing behind the scenes.

Introducing: “Make-or-Break Year”

Building off that tradition, we’re rolling out a new companion series: “Make-or-Break Year.” This series spotlights Bengals players who are entering pivotal stretches in their careers—those who need to prove themselves now or risk fading from the team’s long-term plans.

Cam Taylor-Britt

When he was drafted in 2022, Cam Taylor-Britt was seen as the next in a line of solid Bengals cornerbacks. While he initially played a reserve role as a rookie, he flashed signs of becoming the next shutdown corner as a rotational player.

In 2023, Eli Apple left the Bengals, paving the way for Taylor-Britt to become a starter. He played at a near-Pro Bowl level—despite a midseason injury—leading many to believe the right cornerback spot was locked down for the foreseeable future.

Like many players on the roster, new coaching changes bring new questions. Will Al Golden implement a system suited to Taylor-Britt’s strengths, or have we already seen the best from No. 29, regardless of the coaching?

Background

Taylor-Britt was a highly touted prospect entering the 2022 draft class, backed by a strong athletic background. His speed and physicality drew the Bengals to select him in the second round, prompting a rare move up in an early round of the draft.

As a rookie, Taylor-Britt had his breakout performance in the 2022 Divisional Round game against the Bills. In Cincinnati’s dominant defensive showing on the road, he sealed the game with an interception and played with noticeable physicality throughout.

He parlayed that into a solid 2023 campaign, highlighted by an incredible performance against the Seattle Seahawks. Despite missing some time, Taylor-Britt looked like one of the NFL’s next up-and-coming cornerbacks.

However, like many players on Cincinnati’s defense last year, Taylor-Britt also experienced struggles. Still, the team didn’t make any major outside investments at the position this offseason, signaling continued confidence in his potential moving forward.

What Taylor-Britt Needs to Prove

Make no mistake: Taylor-Britt is making the roster this year and will have a role. The question is what that role will be—and what his future with the club looks like beyond 2025.

Cincinnati has shown a great deal of faith in Al Golden to turn the defense around. Veiled comments from some defenders who struggled last year seemed to point fingers at Lou Anarumo and the complexity of his defensive schemes.

Taylor-Britt, while not openly critical, may fall into the category of players welcoming Golden to the staff. The Bengals also didn’t bring in any high-profile secondary players, suggesting they’re confident in the talent they already have in the defensive backfield.

The fourth-year cornerback is at a crossroads. He’s entering the final year of his rookie deal and faces competition from other high draft picks vying for prominent roles. Can he prove to be a reliable boundary starter?

Golden’s scheme appears to play to Taylor-Britt’s strengths. More man-to-man and physical coverage may be emphasized—an approach that has suited him well in the past.

Still, refocusing needs to be a top priority for the young corner, who at times seemed to embrace stardom before fully earning it. If he puts everything together—and if the faith in Golden pays off—Taylor-Britt could be in line for a major payday next spring.