Cincinnati Bengals director of player personnel Duke Tobin said the team plans to fit its needs “with the right people” through the NFL draft and free agency during the offseason.
Tobin and head coach Zac Taylor addressed reporters at the podium Feb. 24 at the NFL scouting combine in Indianapolis.
“I’ve been doing this a long time. I’ve never not been all-in,” Tobin said. “We are all-in. We are trying to get the best team possible with the resources we have. Last year, we went all-in. We signed over $400 million worth of contracts going all-in. That’s what we do. We want to be all-in. We’re trying to put the best roster together every year, and this year is no different.”
Tobin was asked what type of players the Bengals might target in the 2026 NFL draft in April.
“I don’t believe a 25-year-old (player) is old,” Tobin said. “I think a 25-year-old is young, still has a lot of football left in his body. So it’s a data point. It’s something we’re aware of. It might affect the longevity down the road. But sometimes it can also be a benefit. A guy’s a little bit more mature in his body, a little more stable maybe in how he conducts himself in his personal life, or whatever it is. Age is a number. Guys are playing longer these years. And so it’s a factor, but it’s not a big factor for us.”
“We’re gonna attack (the draft and offseason) and try to build our roster from all sources,” Tobin added. “That’s what our focus is, and we’re excited about it. Because we have resources to go out and do some things.”
In January, Tobin said he sees “a lot of reasons for optimism” for the Bengals’ future, though he acknowledged the team’s challenges after a 6-11 season.
The Bengals are slated to pick 10th overall in the draft.
Bengals president and owner Mike Brown announced Jan. 5 that Tobin and head coach Zac Taylor would be back for the 2026 season.
This article originally appeared on Cincinnati Enquirer: ‘I’ve never not been all-in’ Bengals’ Duke Tobin speaks at NFL combine
Reporting by Dave Clark, Cincinnati Enquirer / Cincinnati Enquirer
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
