Following final roster cuts ahead of the NFL deadline, the Cincinnati Bengals reshaped their depth chart by parting ways with notable players like quarterback Josh Johnson, while securing unexpected standouts such as seventh-round draft pick Landon Robinson on the interior defensive line.
The Cincinnati Bengals finalized their roster adjustments ahead of the league deadline, trimming several familiar names while rewarding standouts who forced their way onto the squad through strong performances in training camp and preseason games.
Roster Cuts and Hard Choices in Cincinnati
The Cincinnati Bengals made final roster cuts Sunday evening, with the deadline to finalize rosters at 6 p.m. Players such as quarterback Josh Johnson, defensive lineman McKinnley Jackson, and wide receiver Mitchell Tinsley were among the notable cuts made by Cincinnati before the deadline. Tinsley had previously emerged as a star for Cincinnati in the preseason in 2025. The emergence of Dohnte Meyers and Colbie Young forced the Bengals to make difficult decisions in the receiver room. There was no question that Young would make the team, but his performance during training camp and the preseason has made the Bengals comfortable moving on from some players in the wide receiver room.
The decisions in the receiver room highlight a shifting offensive horizon. Colbie Young could have a long future with the Bengals. It has long been thought that Young could be a Tee Higgins replacement after Higgins’ contract is up after the 2028 season. He has the same frame at 6-foot-4 and over 200 pounds. Jermaine Burton was supposed to be the replacement for Higgins, but his inability to catch on in the NFL led to Higgins’ eventual extension.
The Bengals noted that Johnson’s strong preseason performance, which outpaced other backup quarterbacks, raised questions about his potential if he were cut and not claimed on waivers.
Landon Robinson Earns a Spot on the Defensive Line
The Bengals got a steal in seventh-round pick Landon Robinson. Robinson was immediately fighting for a spot when he got to camp. As an undersized interior defensive tackle, he had to have a great camp and preseason for the Bengals to keep him, and he did. He put some great plays on film and made Cincinnati feel comfortable cutting a former third-round pick, McKinnley Jackson.
Now, Robinson has an uphill battle to actually get snaps in a Bengals uniform with Dexter Lawrence, Jonathan Allen, and Kris Jenkins all present on the interior of the defensive line. However, he has the security of knowing he made the roster as the great story of Landon Robinson continues.
Tight End Rotation and Preseason Resilience
Tight end Jack Endries is in a good spot. It is not being said that Endries will ever be the Bengals’ starting tight end. There is rarely ever a guy who feels like the runaway TE1; they rotate multiple guys pretty often, like Tanner Hudson and Drew Sample, who have gotten a lot of snaps behind Mike Gesicki as the de facto tight end one. Every other tight end on the roster doesn’t have a contract that runs past 2027. Endries had a good preseason, producing consistently despite an injury in the final preseason game against the Philadelphia Eagles.
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