Duke Tobin sends clear message with Bengals: 'We're chasing a championship'

Bengals director of player personnel Duke Tobin believes the organization accomplished virtually everything it set out to do this offseason, but said the biggest victory was remaining flexible enough to capitalize on unexpected opportunities. Tobin praised the front office for pivoting when necessary and assembling what he called a close-knit roster. "We accomplished a lot of what we wanted to accomplish, and we took advantage of opportunities maybe that we didn't think we were going to have," Tobin said. "We've got a great collection of individuals, and we've got to go build a football team now." Much of that work centered on rebuilding the defensive front, where Tobin believes the Bengals are significantly deeper than a year ago. He said adding proven veterans while watching younger players develop has created multiple waves of defensive linemen who can rotate without a drop-off in production. "We've got a couple different waves," Tobin said. "If you look at some of the really good defenses in the league, that's what they've accomplished." He added that a deeper defensive line should help the entire defense by generating more pass rush and allowing linebackers and defensive backs to play faster. Tobin also called Dexter Lawrence a perfect fit, saying the veteran has already validated the Bengals' decision to acquire him. "He's fit in well. He's a good leader. He's highly motivated." Despite an aggressive offseason that included major investments on defense, Tobin emphasized the Bengals aren't done looking to improve. He reiterated that roster construction is a year-round process and left the door open for additional signings before or during the season. "Roster building is 365 days a year," Tobin said. "We're always looking. I won't foreclose any opportunity about bringing somebody else in." Asked whether 2026 is a "make-or-break" season, Tobin rejected that characterization, saying the standard never changes. "Championship. That's all we're after every year," he said. "We're chasing a championship this year. That's what I view as success in this league." Tobin also expressed confidence in the Bengals' offensive line, saying continuity and veteran leadership have positioned the group to become one of the NFL's best. He praised returning veterans, including Dalton Risner, for helping build chemistry, while pointing to the continued development of Amarius Mims as a potential difference-maker. Tobin said Mims possesses rare talent after dominating at Georgia and believes he has all the tools to become an elite right tackle. "I think he's a rare guy that can be a top-level right tackle," Tobin said. "I think he's super motivated to do that." _______________ Stay up to date with our social media: WKRC on Facebook:   / wkrctv   WKRC on Twitter:   / local12   WKRC on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/local12wkrc... WKRC on TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@local12wkrc?l... Subscribe to WKRC on YouTube:    / @local12wkrc   For more information, visit https://www.local12.com/ Download the WKRC News app: https://local12.com/station/news-app Download the WKRC Weather app: https://local12.com/weather/weather-app Have a news tip? Send it directly to us: Email us: [email protected] Call the Newsroom: 513.421.6872 WKRC is an OH based station and a CBS Television affiliate owned and operated by Sinclair Broadcast Group, Inc. Sinclair Broadcast Group, Inc. is one of the largest and most diversified television broadcasting companies in the country today. #WKRC #LOCAL12 #cincinnati #news #cincinnatinews This video and all Sinclair Broadcast Group content archives of local news and sports coverage are available for your use. For more information contact us at [email protected]