Amarius Mims entered Cincinnati’s Week 2 showdown with Houston knowing exactly what was waiting across the line. The price tag only added fuel to the fire. Facing Texans edge rushers Danielle Hunter and Will Anderson Jr, Mims delivered a dominant performance at right tackle as the Bengals rolled to a 20-6 victory. Speaking after the game, Mims explained why the matchup carried extra significance.

“It’s obvious… It’s $100 million at D-end out there, man,” Mims said, according to NFL insider Jordan Schultz. “And it just meant a lot to me, man. I knew like this right here is a very important game to me.”

Mims backed up his words with a strong showing. He helped protect Joe Burrow against one of the NFL’s most formidable pass-rushing duos. His work also helped create running lanes as Cincinnati controlled the line of scrimmage and improved to 2-0.

Mims has steadily established himself as Cincinnati’s long-term answer at right tackle since the Bengals selected him 18th overall in 2024. He made 13 starts across 15 appearances during his first season before taking a major step forward in 2025. That's where he started all 17 games and played more than 95% of Cincinnati’s offensive snaps. His combination of rare movement skills for a 6-foot-8, 350-pound frame and overwhelming power has helped solidify the Bengals' offensive line. Now paired with veteran left tackle Orlando Brown Jr, Mims gives Cincinnati stability on both edges. His performance against Houston offered another compelling sign that the young tackle is ready for the NFL’s biggest challenges. And that's regardless of how expensive the competition happens to be.