Bengals fans will like this Zac Taylor insight from an NFL executive

Apr 3, 2026 - 22:00

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Bengals fans will like this Zac Taylor insight from an NFL executive originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.

This offseason, the Cincinnati Bengals made a few big moves in free agency to bolster the defensive side of the ball.

Boye Mafe, Bryan Cook, and Jonathan Allen were all added to help improve the defense from 2025, which was among the worst in the NFL.

Following those moves, one NFL executive, according to Mike Sando of The Athletic, believes that those signings point to 2026 being potentially Zac Taylor's final straw, which Bengals fans who have been calling for Taylor to be fired will surely love to hear.

2026 might be Zac Taylor's final chance

"They knew they had to fix some stuff on defense," one NFL executive said. "It looks like they are saying, 'You guys have one year to figure this out. Otherwise, we can get out of the coach's contract.'"

While the Bengals might've made a few big moves this offseason to fix the defensive side of the ball, this might be the Bengals' long-time head coach's last chance.

A bad 2026, and Taylor might be out of a job. He's reportedly signed through the 2027 season, though there's been no confirmation from the Bengals about how long he's actually under contract for.

More: Boye Mafe signing might’ve been a mistake by the Bengals

While Mafe, Allen, and Cook should help the defense, and with the 10th pick and a few more Day 2 selections, the defense could get some major help this offseason overall.

But, if 2026 doesn't work out, and it's another wasted year of Joe Burrow and Ja'Marr Chase in their prime, this NFL executive believes Taylor might be out of a job.

The struggles this past season had some fans hoping 2025 would be Taylor's last year with the Bengals.

And while this is merely speculation from an anonymous NFL executive, this insight does open the door more-so than before that 2026 might be Taylor's final year as the Bengals head coach if things go south.