Cincinnati Bengals Rumors: Amarius Mims Breakout? National Media GOES OFF On Joe Burrow

Amarius Mims enters the 2026 season as one of the Cincinnati Bengals' most intriguing breakout candidates, and all the signs point toward a significant leap in his third NFL campaign. After flashing his immense potential over the second half of last season, the former first-round pick appears ready to establish himself as one of the AFC's premier right tackles.

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Mims' physical tools have never been in question. At 6-foot-8 and roughly 350 pounds, he combines rare size with impressive athleticism, giving him the ability to overwhelm defenders in both pass protection and the run game. The biggest difference entering 2026 is experience. With two seasons of NFL snaps under his belt, the game has started to slow down, allowing his natural talent to take over. Coaches have also praised his continued development and confidence heading into training camp.

His late-season performance in 2025 offered a glimpse of what's to come. From Weeks 12 through 18, Mims posted one of the NFL's highest-graded stretches among offensive tackles while not allowing a single sack, a remarkable accomplishment considering the caliber of pass rushers he faced. That surge has led multiple analysts to identify him as a breakout player entering 2026.

The Bengals are also positioned to maximize Mims' growth. For the first time in Joe Burrow's tenure, Cincinnati returns its entire starting offensive line, providing valuable continuity and chemistry across the unit. That stability should allow Mims to continue building on the progress he made late last year while giving Burrow cleaner pockets and helping the offense become more balanced.

If Mims continues on his current trajectory, he won't simply be a breakout player—he could develop into one of the league's elite right tackles and become a foundational piece of Cincinnati's offensive line for years to come.

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