The Cincinnati Bengals have decided not to tender restricted free agent quarterback Jake Browning, allowing him to enter free agency after three seasons with the team. Browning started seven games in 2023, compiling a 4-3 record and delivering solid performances that made him a popular fantasy backup option in dynasty leagues. However, his 2025 performance was disappointing, as he started three games and lost all of them while throwing eight interceptions. These struggles led Cincinnati to acquire veteran Joe Flacco during the season. Although Flacco will also become a free agent, the Bengals are reportedly considering bringing Browning back but will let him explore offers on the open market.
Updates From the Bengals’ Fantasy Football Landscape
New Orleans Saints Sign Former Bengals Tight End Noah Fant
The New Orleans Saints reached a two-year agreement with free-agent tight end Noah Fant, sources told NFL Network’s Tom Pelissero. Fant will add depth behind Juwan Johnson, especially as tight ends Foster Moreau and Taysom Hill are also free agents. Fant, who was a first-round pick in 2019 by Denver, played one season for Cincinnati with modest production—288 yards and three touchdowns on 34 catches over 15 games. Previous seasons saw Fant with the Seattle Seahawks, where he never surpassed 500 receiving yards or four touchdowns per year. His career best came in 2020 with Denver, when he amassed 673 yards. Unless Johnson is unavailable, Fant is unlikely to see significant fantasy opportunities in standard leagues this upcoming season.
Joe Flacco Considers Returning to Bengals as Backup Quarterback
Joe Flacco, the veteran quarterback who joined Cincinnati midseason in 2025, is seeking a chance to compete for a starting job in 2026 but may consider returning to the Bengals as a backup. According to Tom Pelissero of NFL Network, the 41-year-old Pro Bowler impressed in nine games with Cincinnati—throwing for 1,664 yards, 13 touchdowns, and four interceptions—and became a popular pickup for fantasy managers needing a quarterback. With limited clear starting opportunities around the league, Flacco’s return to Cincinnati remains a strong possibility.
Dallas Cowboys Shift Interest to Trey Hendrickson After Missing Out on Maxx Crosby
The Dallas Cowboys, unable to finalize a deal for Raiders’ pass-rusher Maxx Crosby amid competing offers, are now reportedly targeting Cincinnati Bengals defensive end Trey Hendrickson in free agency. Hendrickson, a veteran edge rusher, was not tagged again by the Bengals and is expected to leave after five seasons. Despite missing most of 2025 with hip and pelvis injuries requiring core muscle surgery, Hendrickson was a dominant force in previous years, registering 17.5 sacks in both 2023 and 2024. The Cowboys view him as a potential replacement for Micah Parsons, who was traded to the Packers last fall.
Trey Hendrickson’s Potential Move to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Besides Dallas, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers are another possible destination for free-agent pass-rusher Trey Hendrickson. Insider Adam Schefter noted:
“I think that he would love to be in Tampa,”
“Tampa would be a great fit. I think in a perfect world, Trey would like to stay in Florida. No state income tax. But, he’s also open to going to the best possible situation.”
Hendrickson, a four-time Pro Bowler, is unlikely to return to Cincinnati and remains one of the most coveted edge rushers on the market despite missing much of last season. His career totals include 81 sacks over nine NFL seasons, making him an immediate upgrade for any pass rush.
Bengals Secure Offensive Line with Dalton Risner Extension
Offensive guard Dalton Risner has agreed to a new contract extension with the Bengals, sources told FOX Sports’ Jordan Schultz. Risner started 11 games in 2025 and became an important part of Cincinnati’s offensive line. The 30-year-old, originally a second-round pick by Denver in 2019, spent his first four seasons with the Broncos before stints with the Vikings and Bengals. Now entering his eighth NFL season, Risner has started 92 of 101 career games, and his return ensures stability for Cincinnati’s offensive front as they aim to make a postseason push in 2026.
Bengals Open to Keeping Trey Hendrickson Despite Free Agency
Duke Tobin, Cincinnati’s director of player personnel, expressed cautious openness to re-signing Hendrickson on Sirius XM NFL Radio, stating:
“I never will rule out any possibility,”
“He’s a good football player. So, is there a chance he’ll be with us? We’re in the business of good football players, so I can’t rule it out. But I don’t know what the future holds.”
Given the steep salary cap hit exceeding $36 million for a franchise tag, the Bengals face tough decisions. A tag-and-trade would be difficult, and without an extension, they may let the All-Pro pass rusher enter free agency. Hendrickson’s injury-plagued 2025 limited him to just four sacks in seven games, but his previous dominance keeps him among the top edge rushers available.
Chase Brown Developing as a Valuable Dynasty Running Back
Running back Chase Brown remains the Bengals’ clear RB1 and is seen as a promising dynasty asset. Under contract through next season, Brown’s representation has been negotiating an extension since early 2025. Brown played all 17 games last year, handling roughly 70% of Cincinnati’s rushing workload. Brown’s true value to fantasy managers comes from his involvement in the passing game. Between Weeks 13 and 17, he caught 25 of 26 targets with three receiving touchdowns. Despite a slow start to 2025, Brown consistently earned over 15 PPR fantasy points from Week 8 onward, highlighting his reliability and potential for RB1-level performances in upcoming seasons.
Ja’Marr Chase Remains a Top Fantasy Wide Receiver for the Bengals
Ja’Marr Chase posted another impressive season in 2025 with 125 receptions for 1,412 yards and eight touchdowns, ranking as the WR4 in PPR formats. Although he did not replicate his 17-touchdown WR1 finish from 2024, his consistent high-level production over five straight seasons within the top 12 in fantasy leagues underscores his elite talent. Chase dealt with multiple quarterbacks last season, including Joe Flacco and Jake Browning, which may have limited his touchdown upside. Provided Joe Burrow stays healthy in 2026, both Chase and fellow receiver Tee Higgins are expected to thrive and deliver strong fantasy results. Chase continues to be a premier WR1 option in redraft and dynasty leagues, and some fantasy managers may find an opportunity to acquire him at a relative discount this offseason.
Samaje Perine’s Role and Fantasy Outlook Remain Limited
Veteran running back Samaje Perine contributed 469 scrimmage yards and three touchdowns on 101 touches during 15 games in 2025. Known as a strong pass blocker and reliable RB2 option over his nine-year career, Perine served as a complement to Chase Brown last season. Both backs remain under contract for 2026, suggesting Cincinnati will continue its three-down back approach. Without an injury to Brown, Perine’s fantasy potential is limited, and Cincinnati could seek a more dynamic rusher as a primary backup. Perine has surpassed 400 scrimmage yards in five consecutive seasons but hasn’t exceeded 700 yards or accumulated many touchdowns in recent years, indicating a modest fantasy ceiling as he moves deeper into his career.
Tahj Brooks Faces Limited Opportunities Behind Bengals Running Back Depth Chart
Rookie running back Tahj Brooks, selected in the sixth round of the 2025 NFL Draft, saw little action in his first season. Over 16 games, the 23-year-old accumulated only 54 yards on 17 touches. With Chase Brown established as the clear RB1 and Samaje Perine holding the third-down role, Brooks currently faces significant obstacles for playing time in 2026. Unless injuries disrupt the depth chart, Brooks’s immediate fantasy value appears to be declining, and his path to a larger role is likely not imminent.
