The Cincinnati Bengals and their fans are on the same page about one glaring issue—the interior of the offensive line needs serious attention.
Of course, that’s not the only thing the team and its supporters agree on. The Bengals also recognize the importance of locking in a contract extension for their star wide receiver Ja’Marr Chase and ensuring that defensive end Trey Hendrickson remains a top priority. But when it comes to fixing the offensive line, the urgency is undeniable.
Bengals director of player personnel, Duke Tobin, didn’t shy away from addressing this concern in a recent discussion with Kelsey Conway of the Cincinnati Enquirer. “We’re going to add to the position,” Tobin stated. “For sure, there will be competition at those positions. We have to evaluate who will come back and who will not come back. It’s a spot that we’re focused on.”
A Major Overhaul on the Horizon?
While center Ted Karras seems to be in the clear for now, the same can't be said for the two guard positions.
At left guard, Cordell Volson found himself benched at one point, only making his way back into the lineup due to injuries elsewhere on the team. On the right side, things were arguably worse—Alex Cappa’s performance took a nosedive, and he ended up among the lowest-graded linemen in the entire league. Given his struggles, Cappa now sits near the top of the list of potential roster cuts, right alongside players like Sam Hubbard.
The Bengals are clearly aware of these problems, and fans can expect some serious competition in training camp. Tobin expressed confidence in the coaching staff changes, hoping they will improve technique issues, but he also made it clear that reinforcements are on the way. That means fresh faces on the roster, pushing existing players to either step up or step aside.
A Wake-Up Call for the Offensive Line
One thing is certain—the Bengals won’t make the same mistake twice. After struggling through another season of inconsistent pass protection and a weak interior, they can’t afford to ignore the trenches any longer. If Joe Burrow is going to stay healthy and lead this team to deep playoff runs, he needs better protection. And that starts with ensuring the interior line isn’t a liability.
So, what’s next? Free agency, the draft, and potential trade opportunities all present options for the Bengals to revamp this unit. The front office knows they need to be aggressive, and fans can expect some major shake-ups in the coming months.
Will the Bengals make a splash signing in free agency? Will they use an early draft pick to bolster the line? One thing’s for sure—this offseason will be one to watch, and the Bengals’ offensive line will be a headline topic every step of the way.
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