Bengals name seven team captains ahead of the 2026 season

The Cincinnati Bengals have named seven Bengals captains for the 2026 NFL season, combining established stars with key newcomers on defense. 

The captains were selected as Cincinnati prepares to open the regular season against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Paycor Stadium.

Quarterback Joe Burrow, wide receiver Ja’Marr Chase and center Ted Karras will serve as offensive captains. Cornerback DJ Turner II, defensive tackle Dexter Lawrence II and safety Bryan Cook earned the defensive captain roles. Kicker Evan McPherson will represent special teams.

The Bengals announced the selections Sunday, Sept. 7. 

According to the team’s official announcement, players voted for the captains. The group reflects Cincinnati’s effort to maintain offensive continuity while building new leadership on defense.

Bengals captains include familiar offensive leaders

Burrow, Chase and Karras return as leaders of Cincinnati’s offense. The three have helped anchor the Bengals through several recent seasons.

According to the Bengals, Burrow, Chase and Karras will start together on Opening Day for the fifth straight season. Karras has now served as a captain in each of his five seasons in Cincinnati. Burrow continues his role as one of the franchise’s central leaders. Chase joins him as another veteran voice for one of the NFL’s most recognizable offenses.

The returning offensive leadership gives Cincinnati continuity entering a season with high expectations. The Bengals will again rely heavily on Burrow and Chase to drive the offense.

Defensive overhaul

The biggest change appears on the defensive side of the ball.

Turner joins Lawrence and Cook as Cincinnati’s three defensive captains. According to the Bengals, all three represent important parts of the team’s reworked defense. Lawrence and Cook entered their first seasons with Cincinnati, while Turner earned the honor after emerging as one of the team’s top defensive players.

WLWT reported that Turner became a captain after a breakout 2025 season. The station also reported that he recorded two interceptions and 18 passes defended last year. Turner has also developed into a more vocal leader for the Bengals.

Lawrence and Cook face an immediate challenge in helping improve Cincinnati’s defense. The Bengals allowed 28.9 points per game last season, ranking third worst in the NFL. Their captain selections show the organization expects both newcomers to play major roles on and off the field.

The team’s defensive changes could become one of the biggest storylines of the 2026 season. Cincinnati rebuilt key parts of the unit during the offseason.

Captains also include Evan McPherson

McPherson returns as Cincinnati’s special teams captain.

According to the Bengals, McPherson previously held the captain role and now returns to the position after another strong stretch with the team. He enters the season as one of Cincinnati’s most experienced special teams players.

The selections create a leadership group across all three phases of the game. Cincinnati will now turn its attention toward the regular-season opener.

The Bengals host the Tampa Bay Buccaneers on Sunday, Sept. 13, at Paycor Stadium. The game will mark the first major test for Cincinnati’s new leadership group and rebuilt defense.