The Cincinnati Bengals are entering their season opener with a revamped defense and several new leaders ready to take on larger roles before Sunday’s matchup with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. The Bengals missed the playoffs for the third straight season after finishing 6-11 in 2025, and are hoping to return to contention.
Cincinnati made one of the biggest moves of the offseason when it acquired three-time Pro Bowl defensive tackle Dexter Lawrence II from the New York Giants. The Bengals surrendered the No. 10 overall pick for Lawrence, who immediately became the centerpiece of a defensive front that has undergone significant changes.
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On Monday, Lawrence received another significant distinction before taking the field for his first regular-season game with Cincinnati. The Bengals announced that Lawrence has been named one of the team’s seven captains for the 2026 season, joining fellow newcomers Bryan Cook and DJ Turner II as defensive captains.
Turner earned the honor after emerging as one of Cincinnati’s leaders during his breakout 2025 season. Cook, meanwhile, arrived in Cincinnati as a major offseason addition at safety and quickly established himself as a voice in the revamped defense.
The Bengals will also have three familiar faces returning as offensive captains. Quarterback Joe Burrow, wide receiver Ja’Marr Chase and center Ted Karras were selected for the fifth consecutive Opening Day, giving Cincinnati continuity on the offensive side of the ball.
Evan McPherson rounds out the group after returning to the special teams captaincy he previously held. The kicker is coming off the best season of his five-year career, including a perfect record on field goals from inside 50 yards in 2025.
The Bengals will put their new-look leadership group to the test Sunday when they host the Buccaneers at Paycor Stadium. Kickoff is scheduled for 1 p.m. ET.
