The Cincinnati Bengals enter the 2026 offseason with a clearer salary cap picture, yet plenty of strategic questions are looming over the franchise’s future.
One of the most talked about ideas among league analysts and insiders is the possibility of restructuring the contracts of Joe Burrow and Ja’Marr Chase to unlock substantial cap space during a critical roster-building period.
As it stands, the Bengals have roughly $52 million available under the 2026 salary cap, which jumped to approximately $301.2 million leaguewide this offseason.
That’s a sizable haul compared with many teams, but with key defensive holes, Cincinnati‘s front office is evaluating how to maximize every dollar.
One suggestion gaining traction is restructuring lucrative contracts for Burrow and Chase, a move that could convert base salary into signing bonus money, decreasing their cap hits this year and boosting short-term flexibility.
Such maneuvering is common among successful teams, but is relatively new to the Bengals‘ conservative financial model.
Proponents of restructuring point out that converting parts of Burrow‘s deal could save around $19 million, with Chase‘s restructure adding roughly $13 million more, potentially lifting the Bengals near $85 million in workable cap space.
That sort of flexibility could mean the difference between adding a game-changing defender or watching a once-promising roster stagnate.
Cincinnati‘s core offensive stars, particularly Burrow and Chase, represent not just high production but organizational identity.
Chase signed a four-year, $161 million extension in March 2025 that made him the highest-paid non-quarterback in league history at the time, a reflection of his elite talent, which saw him produce record-breaking numbers and franchise milestones.
And Burrow, already under a long-term pact, continues to lead the Bengals as one of the NFL‘s most respected quarterbacks.
Yet as much as fans cherish that continuity, analysts emphasize that keeping the offense intact doesn’t automatically translate into wins.
The Bengals‘ defense ranked among the NFL‘s weaker units in 2025, and critical contributors like edge rusher Trey Hendrickson and linebacker Devin Lloyd could test the open market without reinforcements.
As one league insider framed it, restructuring could be the “logical no brainer” for Cincinnati given how much room it would create, especially if the team wants to pursue top defensive talent or even emerge as a contender in a competitive AFC.
But restructuring has tradeoffs. It pushes money into the future, potentially constraining flexibility down the line and requiring careful balance between short and long-term planning.
Can restructuring shift Cincinnati‘s direction?
Reworking contracts is more than just math. It’s a signal about priorities, whether the Bengals are content building around their offensive elite or ready to reshape the roster to tackle lingering playoff shortcomings.
Analysts point to defensive targets like pass rushers and linebackers who could fill glaring holes, noting that free agents like Odafe Oweh or others could be practical fits for Cincinnati‘s system.
At the same time, the optics of Burrow and Chase restructuring with the explicit goal of funding defensive reinforcements may resonate differently with fans and players alike.
It’s one thing for a franchise to spend big on offensive stars; it’s another to ask those stars to absorb short-term salary cap hits so the team can chase wider improvements.
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