Bengals Named Contender to Sign $76 Million Weapon for Joe Burrow

November 14, 2026

The Cincinnati Bengals and superstar quarterback Joe Burrow have put together a strong 2026 NFL season thus far. Entering Week 10 against the Pittsburgh Steelers, the Bengals are tied for the AFC North division lead at 6-2.

Over the last few years, the team has struggled following their Super Bowl run and loss to the Los Angeles Rams. Burrow himself has struggled to stay healthy and on the field.

So far in 2026, Burrow has turned in big-time numbers. In eight games, he has completed 74 percent of his pass attempts for 2,386 yards, 23 touchdowns, and six interceptions. He has one of the best wide receiver duos in the league with Ja’Marr Chase and Tee Higgins.

While Burrow already has great weapons, Cincinnati could consider pursuing another for him. An upgrade at the tight end position could make sense.

Keeping that in mind, the Bengals have been named a potential contender to sign a $76 million tight end for Burrow following the 2026 campaign.

Dec 16, 2023; Detroit, Michigan, USA; Detroit Lions tight end Sam LaPorta (87) catches a touchdown pass against the Denver Broncos in the fourth quarter at Ford Field. Mandatory Credit: Lon Horwedel-USA TODAY Sports

Cincinnati Bengals Named Contender to Sign Sam LaPorta

Bleacher Report’s Kristopher Knox took an early look at the upcoming list of NFL free agents. When it came to Detroit Lions tight end Sam LaPorta, who he ranked as the No. 5 best free agent in the class, he suggested that Cincinnati could make sense as a landing spot.

LaPorta has been involved in a tense contract standoff with the Lions. He has openly talked about being willing to sign with other teams in the past.

This season in Detroit, the 25-year-old tight end has played in eight games and caught 35 passes for 399 yards and three touchdowns.

Since being drafted by the Lions with the No. 34 overall pick in the second round of the 2023 NFL Draft, LaPorta has played in 50 career games. In those appearances, he has racked up 221 receptions for 2,503 yards and 23 scores.

Adding a threat like LaPorta at tight end would make the Bengals’ offense even more difficult to defend. Having to account for both Chase and Higgins, while also having LaPorta making plays down the field for Burrow, would be a nightmare scenario for opposing defenses.

Whether or not Cincinnati will pursue a move for LaPorta in the offseason remains to be seen. But, the fit is extremely intriguing to think about.