Walters, a former NFL wide receiver who played for the Colts, Vikings, Cardinals and Lions, is part of an offense that remains among the league’s most productive at developing pass-game talent. He will continue coaching one of the NFL’s top wide receiver units in Cincinnati.
The Bengals have invested heavily in their receiving corps, headlined by Ja’Marr Chase and Tee Higgins. Chase signed a four-year, $161 million extension, while Higgins agreed to a four-year, $115 million deal, making them one of the NFL’s highest-paid wide receiver duos.
In 2025, Chase posted 125 receptions for 1,412 yards and eight touchdowns, while Higgins had 59 catches for 846 yards and 11 touchdowns in 15 games. Running back Chris Chase Brown added 1,019 rushing yards and 11 touchdowns, contributing to a team-leading 1,456 scrimmage yards for the season.
The Bengals’ offense thrived when healthy, including a dominant 2024 season that featured the league’s top passing attack; 2025 saw a 6th-ranked offense with Joe Burrow sidelined for a large portion of the year due to injuries. Burrow’s health remains a central variable for Cincinnati’s ceiling moving forward.
Defensively, Cincinnati faced significant struggles in 2025, ranking 31st in total defense, 26th in passing defense and dead last (32nd) in rushing defense. The organization plans to address these issues this offseason as it aims to maximize its offensive talent around Burrow.
On January 19, the Bengals signed tight end Tanner Hudson to a one-year extension through 2026. Hudson has appeared in 38 games for Cincinnati, catching 77 passes for 674 yards and four touchdowns, including 19 receptions for 168 yards and two touchdowns in 2025.
