Bengals have 3 players in ranking of top 100 NFL players for the 2026 season

The Cincinnati Bengals may have fallen short again in 2025, but they still have some of the best players at their respective positions in the NFL, including at quarterback, the most important position in the league.

Sports Illustrated released their top 100 NFL players heading into the 2026 season, and three (kinda) Bengals players made the cut—two of whom are in the top 10.

First, we have Trey Hendrickson at No. 100. I said kinda above because he’s an unrestricted free agent heading into the upcoming season.

“In a list meant to highlight the stars of tomorrow, it’s only fitting that we start with a 31-year-old edge rusher coming off an injury-riddled season (four sacks in seven games),” Gilberto Manzano wrote. “All jokes aside, Hendrickson will likely have a strong market in free agency, which should tell you plenty about teams’ willingness to overlook his age due to the high-level play that he provides when healthy.”

There isn’t another Bengal all the way until we get into the top 10 players in the league.

That’s where quarterback Joe Burrow comes in at No. 9 overall, just one spot ahead of Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes.

“Burrow’s is coming off another rocky season due to injuries and a lack of help on defense,” wrote Manzano. “Still, it’s hard for us to give up on possibly the best pocket passer in the NFL. Burrow’s game has a throwback feel, and his skill set resembles that of Tom Brady over more than two decades. Burrow won’t play up to his potential until he shows he can stay healthy…. Perhaps we’re giving Burrow too much credit for his early success, but, in 2024, he had an MVP-worthy season with a league-high 4,918 yards. In eight games this season, Burrow completed 66.8% of his passes for 1,809 yards, 17 touchdowns, and five interceptions.”

And that brings us to the No. 3 player overall on SI’s list, Ja’Marr Chase, who Manzano says is the best wide receiver in the NFL.

“After all, Chase is the most dangerous downfield playmaker in the NFL,” he wrote. “There was a time when every team wanted the next Tyreek Hill, but that type of skill set is rare, and Chase has it and might be a better route runner than Hill. Teams know Burrow wants to hit Chase downfield, but there’s not much defenses can do to stop the connection. The dynamic star receiver has a three-year streak of at least 100 catches and 1,200 receiving yards.”

Tee Higgins is the obvious omission, but it’s clear he was on Manzano’s mind as he was mentioned at No. 94, the lowest wide receiver to make the cut, Emeka Egbuka.

“Yes, Egbuka (63 catches, 938 yards, six TDs) is listed in the 90s, but he made the list over Tee Higgins and several other talented players at a crowded position.

The Bengals don’t lack talent. There’s never been a question about that. Unfortunately, the front office and the current coaching staff haven’t been able to capitalize on the talent they have, and they’ve drafted poorly and allowed some great players to walk away and contribute elsewhere.

Hopefully, on next year’s list, not only do the Bengals have more representation, but they figure out a way to translate that talent into enough wins to get into the playoffs.