On offense and special teams, the captains remain familiar figures. Quarterback Joe Burrow, wide receiver Ja’Marr Chase, and center Ted Karras have all earned captaincy again. Burrow and Karras have worn the honor every year they’ve been with the Bengals, while Chase becomes a two-time captain after also serving in that role last season. Kicking specialist Evan McPherson is the special teams captain, continuing to be a reliable, high-performing presence for Cincinnati’s kicking unit.
The defensive side introduces a fresh leadership trio. Safety Bryan Cook, defensive tackle Dexter Lawrence II, and cornerback DJ Turner II have been named captains for the Bengals’ defense. This marks each of them’s first time as a team captain. Cook and Lawrence are entering their first seasons with Cincinnati, and both were significant offseason acquisitions who quickly established themselves as leaders on the field and in the locker room. Their roles reflect the Bengals’ emphasis on strengthening both the defensive line and the secondary.
Cook and Lawrence bring veteran presence and on-field impact to the defense, with Lawrence adding a high-profile presence up front and Cook providing versatility and leadership in the secondary. Turner has emerged as a dynamic leader in the defensive backfield, building trust and respect through a breakout season that solidified him as the top corner on the roster. His leadership has grown even as he works toward securing a new contract, illustrating a commitment to both performance and team-building.
Overall, the Bengals’ captaincy choices illustrate a deliberate blend of established leaders on offense with a fresh, youthful wave of leadership on defense. The move signals a broader strategy to infuse the locker room with leadership qualities across the field, while leveraging proven performers and rising stars to guide the team through the 2026 season.
