For years, Cincinnati Bengals fans watched anxiously as Joe Burrow faced constant pressure. But is this the year things finally change? With key new signings and draft picks fortifying the offensive line, Burrow might finally get the protection he deserves. Could this be the missing piece for a Super Bowl push?
The Cincinnati Bengals have embarked on their most ambitious and successful endeavor yet to fortify the offensive line, finally offering superstar quarterback Joe Burrow the protection he desperately needs. Since his arrival in 2020, the franchise has grappled with keeping Burrow upright, a challenge that notably intensified after his improbable Super Bowl run with a historically porous offensive front.
The journey to safeguard their franchise quarterback has been fraught with difficulty, marked by aggressive pursuits of coveted free agents and several high draft picks that ultimately failed to deliver. These setbacks have demonstrably impacted the team’s postseason aspirations, costing Burrow crucial playoff opportunities in consecutive seasons and underscoring the urgent need for a robust offensive line.
A pivotal shift arrived recently with the significant free agent signing of a seasoned interior offensive lineman, whose addition provides invaluable depth and an immediate upgrade. This veteran presence is expected to quickly integrate into the starting lineup at right guard, injecting much-needed experience and stability into a critical position and setting a new standard for Joe Burrow’s protection.
Further bolstering the unit, the Bengals made strategic moves in the 2025 NFL Draft, selecting Dylan Fairchild in the third round. Fairchild has exceeded all expectations at left guard, demonstrating remarkable poise and skill. Complementing him is fifth-rounder from Miami (FL), Rivers, who has also proven to be an impressive find, showcasing exceptional lateral mobility for his substantial size at 6’5″ and 319 pounds.
The combined impact of these new additions—the experienced free agent and the promising draft picks—creates what is arguably the strongest interior offensive line Joe Burrow has ever commanded. This triumvirate at the guard positions promises a significant upgrade, reducing interior pressure that quarterbacks vehemently despise and allowing Burrow more time to operate effectively within the pocket.
Completing this formidable front are the returning bookends, Orlando Brown Jr. and sophomore Amarius Mims, entering their second season together. Both tackles aim to build upon a solid 2024 performance, with Mims in particular poised for a substantial leap in play. The improved play from the interior offensive line is anticipated to ease the burden on these dominant tackles, enhancing overall pass blocking efficiency.
Anchoring this revamped unit is veteran center Ted Karras, who enters the final year of his deal as a pillar of consistency and leadership. Karras’s steady play, coupled with his invaluable locker room presence and community involvement, makes him a crucial component. His tough, reliable, and intelligent approach mirrors Burrow’s own, fostering a strong on-field relationship that the Bengals should prioritize extending this offseason.
Ultimately, this meticulously constructed offensive line represents the most formidable group of protectors the Bengals franchise has assembled in decades. After years of incremental improvements and occasional missteps, the organization appears to have finally hit the jackpot, laying a robust foundation that could propel Cincinnati Bengals and Joe Burrow toward their ultimate goal of a Super Bowl championship.
