Bengals Expected to Retain Zac Taylor for 2026 After Third Straight Playoff Miss

Overview

• NFL Network’s Tom Pelissero and Ian Rapoport report Cincinnati is not preparing major changes, with Zac Taylor expected to return and two years remaining on his contract.
• The Bengals have missed the postseason for a third consecutive year and are 4-10 as the defense has regressed since Lou Anarumo’s departure to the Colts.
• Mike Brown remains supportive of Taylor, reflecting his long-standing practice of avoiding paying coaches not to coach.
• Joe Burrow recently questioned whether he is still having fun playing, then later said he expects to play for a long time and at a high level.
• Reporting links the team’s slide largely to Burrow’s injuries, including turf toe surgery that cost him nine games, while some outlets suggest Taylor staying could intensify trade speculation around the quarterback.