The Cincinnati Bengals had some notable regressions in 2025.
While many things go into a player having a down season, the fact the Bengals limped through the year with multiple quarterback changes and had a brutal learning curve on the defensive side of the ball stick out as highlights.
When it comes to talking Bengals regressions, at least two of the most notable will be back for another attempt in 2026.
Here’s a quick look at some notable Bengals who took a step back last year.
OT Orlando Brown Jr.
This was the best line of the Joe Burrow era. But Brown had a rough individual outing in some ways. Think, ranking 65th out of 89 tackles at PFF. He allowed a career-high nine sacks. But playing against the AFC North and for three different passers caused some issues. It’s not like the Bengals will move on from him. If anything, they’ll extend him.
WR Andrei Iosivas
Iosivas went from a budding standout third receiver to a liability. He finished 78th out of 81 receivers at PFF. He had the highest drop percentage of his career to date and scored just twice, compared to six times in 2024. He’s going to keep getting pressured by Mitchell Tinsley and others.
CB Cam Taylor-Britt
What in the world happened? Taylor-Britt went from a fringe No. 1 cornerback to getting benched, suffering a season-ending injury and spending the first handful of days of his offseason in jail. He’s a free agent and unlikely to be back.
Honorable mentions
McKinnley Jackson couldn’t get on the field despite showing promise. TJ Slaton seemed to fail to meet expectations after coming over in free agency. Jermaine Burton got himself cut. Oren Burks struggled to make a difference. Josh Newton didn’t step into the nickel role well. All safeties behind the underwhelming starting two simply couldn’t get snaps.