Joe Burrow is set to lead a revamped Cincinnati Bengals offense in the 2026 season, with analysts flagging free‑agent tight end Jonnu Smith as a potential game‑changing addition.
Why is Jonnu Smith a "smart choice" for the Bengals?
PFN analyst Priyanshu Choudhary argues that Smith’s 32 career touchdowns – 30 receiving and two rushing – would give Burrow a reliable third‑down weapon. After a 2024 stint with the Miami Dolphins where he posted 88 catches for 884 yards and eight scores, Smith earned his first Pro Bowl. The veteran’s blend of size and route‑running fits a Bengals offense that leans heavily on Ja’Marr Chase and Tee Higgins.
How does the move address Cincinnati’s biggest weakness?
The Bengals entered 2026 after a 6‑11 campaign that exposed defensive frailties, but the offense still lacked depth beyond its elite WR duo. Choudhary notes that while Chase and Higgins form one of the league’s top pairings, the supporting cast has been inconsistent. Adding Smith would give Burrow a trusted target on short and intermediate routes, reducing the need to rely on lesser‑known receivers like Andrei Iosivas.
What does Burrow’s recent performance suggest about his needs?
In 2025, after returning from toe‑surgery, Burrow posted a 100.7 passer rating, 1,809 yards, 17 touchdowns and five interceptions across eight games. PFN’s QB Impact Metric gave him an 80.0 score, ranking him 10th league‑wide. Those numbers show Burrow can produce at an elite level when healthy, but the lack of a dependable third option limited his ability to sustain drives against tighter defenses.
Could the Bengals realistically sign Smith before training camp?
Smith’s 2025 season with the Steelers saw a dip in production, yet his 2024 breakout suggests he can still perform at a high level. The Bengals have already bolstered the line with defensive tackle Dexter Lawrence, signaling a willingness to spend cap space on impact players. If the front office follows Choudhary’s recommendation, a contract could be announced before the July 15 deadline for free‑agent signings.
What’s at stake for the Bengals in 2026?
Cincinnati hopes to break a four‑year playoff drought. With Burrow staying healthy and a veteran like Smith adding depth, the offense could become more versatile, forcing defenses to respect multiple threats. The move would also signal to the league that Cincinnati is serious about returning to contention, potentially influencing other free‑agent decisions.
Bottom line: If the Bengals lock in Jonnu Smith, Joe Burrow will have a proven playmaker beside Chase and Higgins, a factor that could tip the balance toward a postseason run in 2026.