What happened: Cincinnati spent roughly $200 million remaking its defense during the offseason. The club added projected starters at every level of the unit.

Why it matters: The Bengals have missed the playoffs three straight years, increasing pressure for an immediate return on that investment. A defensive turnaround would give Cincinnati a more balanced roster for the 2026 season.

What to watch: Preseason snaps will provide the first test of how quickly the rebuilt defense has come together.