Background and rise
Mims entered the NFL with a distinctive profile: standing 6-foot-8 and weighing around 350 pounds, he arrived in the league after a limited college résumé—only eight starts at Georgia. Despite that, his athletic frame and movement skills convinced a front office to select him 18th overall in the 2024 NFL Draft. He made his first pro start at the age of 21.
From a promising rookie to a durable starter
Two seasons into his career, Mims has translated promise into sustained action. In the 2025 season, he started all 17 games and logged 1,051 offensive snaps, accounting for roughly 94.6% of Cincinnati’s total plays on offense. He faced very few penalties, with zero holding calls and just one false start across the year.
Pass protection and the learning curve
Pro Football Focus tracked Mims for 694 pass-blocking snaps in 2025, during which he allowed 37 pressures. That yielded a 5.3% pressure rate, ranking 27th-lowest among tackles with at least 100 pass-blocking snaps—a solid indicator for a player continuing to develop. Notably, his most impactful work came after Burrow returned from a nine-game injury absence, suggesting he can adapt and improve within the lineup as the season progresses.
Impact on the Bengals’ offense
Cincinnati’s offensive line benefited from continuity with Mims as a pillar beside right guard Dalton Risner, who re-signed for 2026. The unit also featured all five starting linemen returning, offering a rare opportunity to build on a season that marked the Bengals’ strongest pass-blocking and overall protection performance in years. In 2025, the Bengals allowed 36 sacks and finished tied for 10th in sack percentage, their first top-10 finish in that category since 2014. Mims’ durability and progress contributed to this improvement and provided Burrow with more opportunities to extend plays for explosive gains.
Long-term potential and contract trajectory
Observers envision Mims evolving into a high-value, long-term cornerstone for Cincinnati’s offense. The Athletic’s analysts projected Mims as a breakout candidate with the potential to reach All-Pro level, a status that would compel considerations about a substantial extension to keep him in Cincinnati beyond his rookie contract. At just 23 years old, with 30 starts across two seasons and minimal missed games, Mims is positioned to build a compelling case for elite status at right tackle if his development continues.
What’s next for Mims and the Bengals
– Continued on-field development: refining technique, improving consistency in pass protection, and maintaining a high level of play over a full season.
– Maintaining surrounding talent: leveraging established linemen like Risner and the rest of the unit to maximize Burrow’s efficiency and the offense’s scoring potential.
– Contract considerations: if his late-season performance carries into 2026, the Bengals may face decisions about securing him long-term as a foundation piece.
In summary, Amarius Mims is transitioning from a high-draft prospect to a potential all-around anchor for Cincinnati’s offensive line. His growth could have substantial implications for the team’s ability to protect Burrow, extend plays, and sustain a competitive offense for years to come. If he reaches the All-Pro level suggested by some observers, Cincinnati will likely need to negotiate an extension to retain him as a central piece of its offense.
