- May 21, 2026
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The infusion of talent to the Bengals defense has been a major talking point of the offseason in Cincinnati, but the impact of the team's moves isn't only being felt on the field.
Bengals head coach Zac Taylor said at a press conference this week that the leadership on the defensive side "has really expanded" over the last few months. The Bengals signed players like Jonathan Allen, Bryan Cook and Boye Mafe before trading for Dexter Lawrence in a move that Taylor believes fits right into that trend.
"I think just to lead by example, you know, instead of saying things and not being around," Taylor said. "He’s been here front and center. I don’t know if he’s really left since the day he showed up in the trade. It’s just really good to have veteran leadership like that — that’s been in the building, been around, has experienced a lot of things over the seven years he’s been in the league."
Missing the playoffs for three straight years has led to much grumbling about the Bengals' direction, so the off-field leadership will need to translate to on-field improvement in order for Taylor and others to feel secure about where they'll be in 2027 and beyond.
Bengals head coach Zac Taylor said at a press conference this week that the leadership on the defensive side "has really expanded" over the last few months. The Bengals signed players like Jonathan Allen, Bryan Cook and Boye Mafe before trading for Dexter Lawrence in a move that Taylor believes fits right into that trend.
"I think just to lead by example, you know, instead of saying things and not being around," Taylor said. "He’s been here front and center. I don’t know if he’s really left since the day he showed up in the trade. It’s just really good to have veteran leadership like that — that’s been in the building, been around, has experienced a lot of things over the seven years he’s been in the league."
Missing the playoffs for three straight years has led to much grumbling about the Bengals' direction, so the off-field leadership will need to translate to on-field improvement in order for Taylor and others to feel secure about where they'll be in 2027 and beyond.