The Bengals have announced their team captains for the 2026 season.
As voted by the players, the following will be wearing a “C” patch this season:
QB, Joe Burrow (offence)
C, Ted Karras (offence)
WR, Ja’Marr Chase (offence)
CB, DJ Turner (defence)
DT, Dexter Lawrence (defence)
S, Bryan Cook (defence)
K, Evan McPherson (special teams)
Burrow is the least surprising, as the QB and team leader that he is. He has been a captain every year since joining the Bengals, including his rookie season. Karras is also not a surprise. The C makes calls at the line, and Karras is also one of the biggest leaders off the field. For Chase, it is his second time after first being voted as one last season.
On the defensive side, DJ Turner and Bryan Cook are both first time captains. Turner has subtly developed into one of the league’s better CB’s, and last year, was one of the lone bright spots on a struggling defence. Cook, meanwhile, is new to the team. However, his leadership was noted by reporters, coaches, and players very early in camp. He is a vocal player, sort of a glue guy, so to speak.
Dexter Lawrence also got a “C.” Although new to the team, he had served as a captain the previous four seasons in New York with the Giants. His leadership was already well known.
McPherson rounds out the list as the sole specialist to get the nod. The Bengals did not have a captain representing the special teams unit last season, but McPherson was one of multiple representatives in 2024. This will be his second time serving as a captain.
