The Cincinnati Bengals missed the playoffs for the second consecutive year, even though they ended the season with a five-game winning streak (9-8 record).

One area in which Cincinnati excelled was the offence. The squad finished sixth in points per game (27.8), led by Joe Burrow and Ja’Marr Chase, perhaps the NFL’s top quarterback-wide receiver combination.

They had trouble on the defensive end of the ball. In terms of points allowed per game (25.5) and yards allowed per game (348.3), the Bengals came in at number 25. They also let go of defensive coordinator Lou Anarumo on Monday.

This offseason, more changes are anticipated as well. Before the 2025 season begins, Cincinnati will have new faces in the building, and ESPN’s Ben Solak believes the Bengals will acquire tight end Kyle Pitts from the Atlanta Falcons through a trade.

“Tight end Kyle Pitts is due $10.8 million on the final year of his deal in 2025 (signed a 4-year $32.9 million deal in 2021),” Solak stated. “After he departs in free agency, will the Falcons obtain a better trade price for him than they would in a compensation pick? He has a brighter future on an offence that truly suits his skill set, thus I believe they could. In my opinion, Pitts will be dealt to the Bengals on the third day.