2025 Cincinnati Bengals Part 3: Can the Defense Get a Stop?

[plantmanky]

Ravens not resigning linderbaum made sense, until he signed his deal with the raiders and got more than what they could have optioned him for.

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Bengals are the best ran team in the AFC North........think about it before you say im wrong.

[Oxilon]

Ravens not resigning linderbaum made sense, until he signed his deal with the raiders and got more than what they could have optioned him for.

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Bengals are the best ran team in the AFC North........think about it before you say im wrong.

I thought about it. They’re still the worst but Art II’s Steelers aren’t too far behind. Laugh all you want at the Browns, but if Burrow fell into their laps instead of ours, does anyone else think Haslam wouldn’t have been spending money during Burrow’s prime? The Bengals FO is the cheapest, most risk adverse ownership group in the NFL. They needlessly inflate their current year cap just so they can avoid guarantees and spend less money. I don’t think it’s even debatable at this point that they’re the worst in the division.

[Rdirtypirates]

I've not seen a report or rumor that the Bengals are even remotely interested in Crosby. My guess is he ends up in Dallas

Pac-Man Jones said last night they were.

[UKFlounder]

Bengals extend Orlando Brown, but mixed reports on if for 1 or 2 years.

I was hoping they might draft his replacement this year.

[dfs]

Bengals extend Orlando Brown, but mixed reports on if for 1 or 2 years.

I was hoping they might draft his replacement this year.

me too.

Of all the things for the Bengals front office to be spending time on during the free agent signing period, this is just ....bizarre. Fix the Defensive Line? Give Golden a linebacker? Nah, let's sign our aging marginally effective offensive tackle who is often overmatched.

[Redsfaithful]

Age 30 and 31 seasons, I don't have a problem with that re-signing.

I'd love to see a swing tackle drafted this year or next year that could be good depth and maybe develop into his replacement.

[WVRed]

Bengals just signed DT Johnathan Allen formerly of the Vikings.

Didn't realize he had been in the league that long.

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[RiverRat13]

They gave him WAY more money than I expected. This pretty much means that Carter and Knight are going to be the starters at LB going into camp. Yikes.

[WVRed]

They gave him WAY more money than I expected. This pretty much means that Carter and Knight are going to be the starters at LB going into camp. Yikes.Unless Styles falls in the draft.

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[Tony Cloninger]

Everyone overpays. When the cap goes up everything and everyone gets overpaid. And if it’s the same MO of not guaranteeing money they have to as well. The day we complain that the Bengals overplays must be the rapture.

[Redsfaithful]

Three new defensive starters, figure they'll get at least one more in this draft. I was hoping we'd get more like 6 new starters, so they're not too far off.

[Rdirtypirates]

Caleb Banks who I believe the Bengals overrated and were considering at 10 broke his foot. If he gets to the second you have to take him.

[RedTeamGo!]

That stinks for that kid but maybe the bengals will get smart and draft Caleb Downs

[WVRed]

Just now realized Allen was the one who tackled Burrow when he tore his ACL.

That said Washington's stadium is probably more responsible for that injury than anything.

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[Boss-Hog]

Just now realized Allen was the one who tackled Burrow when he tore his ACL.

That said Washington's stadium is probably more responsible for that injury than anything.

Sent from my SM-S936U using TapatalkI think Michael Jordan was mostly responsible for it. I don't think the field had much to do with it - if a QB takes that hit on any field, it's probably not ending well. I don't think it was dirty or anything like that, though.

[WVRed]

I think Michael Jordan was mostly responsible for it. I don't think the field had much to do with it - if a QB takes that hit on any field, it's probably not ending well. I don't think it was dirty or anything like that, though.It wasn't, but Washington's stadium is notorious for player injuries over the years.

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[WVRed]

Speaking of Washington, looks like we have Josh Johnson to look forward to if Burrow gets hurt again.

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[dfs]

Speaking of Washington, looks like we have Josh Johnson to look forward to if Burrow gets hurt again.


Let's not get too excited about that.
Last time they signed him in 2015, he was a Bengal in May and then released in August.
I'll be shocked if he takes a regular season snap.

[WVRed]

Let's not get too excited about that.
Last time they signed him in 2015, he was a Bengal in May and then released in August.
I'll be shocked if he takes a regular season snap.Agreed.

I kinda hope they take a late round flyer on a QB this year and develop their own backup. That way if something does happen to Burrow maybe we could luck into the next Brock Purdy.

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[dfs]

Agreed.

I kinda hope they take a late round flyer on a QB this year and develop their own backup. That way if something does happen to Burrow maybe we could luck into the next Brock Purdy.


They're the Bengals. They have holes to fill with the first four picks. It shouldn't be that way, but it always is.

They've got nothing in the fifth round, two picks in the 6th and then 2 picks in the 7th. It's unlikely that they get "impact" out of those picks. If they were to use one of those on somebody like Sawyer Robertson or Diego Pavia it wouldn't hurt my feelings at all.

FWIW At this time last year I confidently crowed that Jake Browning was going to advance past the backup stage and sign a contract to be a starter someplace this year.
I wuz wrong.

[RiverRat13]

https://x.com/joegoodberry/status/2033278437427933458?s=46&t=wL7LgJH8agKJkhUxTq_R9g

[Sea Ray]

https://x.com/joegoodberry/status/2033278437427933458?s=46&t=wL7LgJH8agKJkhUxTq_R9g

Hendrickson is not considered a defensive end?


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[Boss-Hog]

Hendrickson is not considered a defensive end?


Sent from my iPhone using TapatalkHe's addressed in the comment you posted - cap number information not known yet.

[WVRed]

Hendrickson is not considered a defensive end?


Sent from my iPhone using TapatalkHe is but the cap numbers haven't been released yet

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[RiverRat13]

Sounds like they are done adding veterans so now we turn our attention to the draft.

They are going to have to take a linebacker in the first three rounds. Ideally Styles falls to them at 10, but that may be unlikely with the way he tested.

Signing Brown to an extension takes tackle off the board at 10. It's still an area where they could take one on Day 2 if the value is there as they need a swing tackle... ideally one who you groom to take over for Brown.

Tough spot with Shemar. He's DE3 right now, which on one hand is perfect for his development as he'll get enough snaps to improve, but on the other he's wildly unproven and this is a make-or-break year. If Bain is there at 10 they have to go that way, IMO.

Long way to go until April 23, but I bet they go corner at 10. They'll sign one of Turner or Hill to a long term contract, draft a corner to be the third guy this year and then take over in 2027 for whichever one of Turner/Hill don't get the extension.

[WrongVerb]

Imagine the headaches for opposing defenses if the Bengals take Love at 10, or trade back a few picks and take Sadiq.

[WVRed]

Sounds like they are done adding veterans so now we turn our attention to the draft.

They are going to have to take a linebacker in the first three rounds. Ideally Styles falls to them at 10, but that may be unlikely with the way he tested.

Signing Brown to an extension takes tackle off the board at 10. It's still an area where they could take one on Day 2 if the value is there as they need a swing tackle... ideally one who you groom to take over for Brown.

Tough spot with Shemar. He's DE3 right now, which on one hand is perfect for his development as he'll get enough snaps to improve, but on the other he's wildly unproven and this is a make-or-break year. If Bain is there at 10 they have to go that way, IMO.

Long way to go until April 23, but I bet they go corner at 10. They'll sign one of Turner or Hill to a long term contract, draft a corner to be the third guy this year and then take over in 2027 for whichever one of Turner/Hill don't get the extension.Knowing how the Bengals pick, Mansoor Delane or Jermod McCoy make too much sense.

If linebacker is such a need I wouldn't mind trading back and taking CJ Allen from Georgia. 10 is too high but 15-25 would be ideal.

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[RiverRat13]

Knowing how the Bengals pick, Mansoor Delane or Jermod McCoy make too much sense.

If linebacker is such a need I wouldn't mind trading back and taking CJ Allen from Georgia. 10 is too high but 15-25 would be ideal.

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I think everyone would love a trade back if Bain, Styles, and Downs are all gone, I just don't know how many teams are going to be willing to trade up in this draft if those guys aren't there.

[Redsfaithful]

I'll talk myself into whoever they draft but I'm going to be crushed if they don't get one of Bain, Styles, or Downs. They all just fit what they need so perfectly.

[Rdirtypirates]

Sounds like they are done adding veterans so now we turn our attention to the draft.

They are going to have to take a linebacker in the first three rounds. Ideally Styles falls to them at 10, but that may be unlikely with the way he tested.

Signing Brown to an extension takes tackle off the board at 10. It's still an area where they could take one on Day 2 if the value is there as they need a swing tackle... ideally one who you groom to take over for Brown.

Tough spot with Shemar. He's DE3 right now, which on one hand is perfect for his development as he'll get enough snaps to improve, but on the other he's wildly unproven and this is a make-or-break year. If Bain is there at 10 they have to go that way, IMO.

Long way to go until April 23, but I bet they go corner at 10. They'll sign one of Turner or Hill to a long term contract, draft a corner to be the third guy this year and then take over in 2027 for whichever one of Turner/Hill don't get the extension.

They did receive an extra 7 million in cap money bc of Burrows injury and just found out Friday.

[CTA513]

Logan Wilson is retiring.



Former Bengals linebacker Logan Wilson announces retirement from NFL

On Wednesday, Wilson announced his retirement in a post to Instagram, saying “football gave me more than I ever could have imagined.”

Wilson ended his message on Instagram by saying, "Who Dey Forever."

https://www.wlwt.com/article/former-bengals-linebacker-logan-wilson-retirement-nfl/70784695

[Kingspoint]

Anarumo adds Davis-Gaither and Taylor-Britt.

[JBChance]

Anarumo adds Davis-Gaither and Taylor-Britt.

Good luck with that, lol.


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[Kingspoint]

Good luck with that, lol.


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100% certain that he'll get more out of them than our current Defensive Coach could do (who I think is pathetic and will still have himself a bottom-three Defense next season).

[Kingspoint]

I really hope I'm wrong and he finds a way to get out of the bottom-10 Defenses of the NFL. With Burrow, we all know this would be enough.

[WVRed]

Flaccos back on a one year deal.

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[Kingspoint]

All teams that aspire to reach the Super Bowl (21 to 22 games plus pre-season and training camp) need 3 QB's capable of at least not losing the game to get through a season. There are barely enough for one person team. Have wanted the Bengals to have this kind of QB depth for many years now.

Now, if we are able to get a 4th Quarter lead and the Defense seems capable, then pull Burrow and cut down the risk, wear and tear (and prep the other QB's to be more ready). JB needs to jettison his pride and do what's best for the team (not always his first choice) and be smart about this.

[Sea Ray]

Flaccos back on a one year deal.

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I guess no one wanted him as their starter


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[Sea Ray]

This surprises me. I figured the FAs we signed would screw up our 3rd rd pick comp for losing Trey. According to this, we still will receive that comp pick


As of this writing, Over the Cap is projecting three teams to receive a third-round compensatory pick. Besides the Bengals, there's the Philadelphia Eagles (Jaelan Phillips) and Los Angeles Chargers (Odafe Oweh).

Cincinnati is also currently projected to receive a 7th-round compensatory pick for guard Cordell Volson, who signed with the Tennessee Titans. The losses of defensive end Joseph Ossai (New York Jets) and tight end Noah Fant (New Orleans Saints) were canceled out on their compensatory-pick board by the additions of edge Boye Mafe and safety Bryan Cook.

https://bengalswire.usatoday.com/story/sports/nfl/bengals/2026/03/13/bengals-nfl-draft-comp-pick-update-trey-hendrickson-news/89117623007/

[RiverRat13]

So we're less than a month away from the draft. Will the Bengals continue to take lesser players to fill needs that weren't addressed in free agency or will they go best player available in order to raise the ceiling of its roster?

[UKFlounder]

So we're less than a month away from the draft. Will the Bengals continue to take lesser players to fill needs that weren't addressed in free agency or will they go best player available in order to raise the ceiling of its roster?

That's a key question. I suspect they'll draft for need, but if its a guy like Bain, they might fill need and best player available.

The number of possibilities for their first pick fascinates me. Bain, Delane or even Downs would be reasonable picks.

[dfs]

That's a key question. I suspect they'll draft for need, but if its a guy like Bain, they might fill need and best player available.

The number of possibilities for their first pick fascinates me. Bain, Delane or even Downs would be reasonable picks.

My order is Reese, Bailey Styles, Bain, Downs, Delane. If those guys are gone, find a way to trade down.

The notion that the Bengals will ever be in a position to draft BPA implies a level of confidence in the front office that I cannot understand.

[UKFlounder]

I figured Reese, Bailey and Stynes would definitely be gone, but, yes, they would be goid choices too.

[Rdirtypirates]

My order is Reese, Bailey Styles, Bain, Downs, Delane. If those guys are gone, find a way to trade down.

The notion that the Bengals will ever be in a position to draft BPA implies a level of confidence in the front office that I cannot understand.

We have OSU fans on here, I am curious if they think Sonny Styles is a top ten pick. I am a huge fan of Ohio state, he has been a linebacker for two years and really hasn’t been overly impressive in my eyes. Zero chance an average LB imo should go in the top ten.

[Oxilon]

We have OSU fans on here, I am curious if they think Sonny Styles is a top ten pick. I am a huge fan of Ohio state, he has been a linebacker for two years and really hasn’t been overly impressive in my eyes. Zero chance an average LB imo should go in the top ten.

Seems like Keith Rivers reincarnated but just my two cents. I’m hoping for Bain but fully expecting to be disappointed so someone like Faulk or Woods.

[WrongVerb]

I'm kinda expecting a trade back if all the top defensive players are off the board. I like the idea of getting Sadiq or Faulk around 15-20.

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The only guy designated as a top player that I'm leery of is McCoy, because of the injury risk.

[Redhook]

I'm kinda expecting a trade back if all the top defensive players are off the board. I like the idea of getting Sadiq or Faulk around 15-20.

The only guy designated as a top player that I'm leery of is McCoy, because of the injury risk.

Trading back would be ideal this year, but it seems unlikely that there will be a player available at #10 that's worth trading up for.

I'm leery of McCoy too, but he seems like the exact type of player the Bengals love to draft. "Let's outsmart everyone with this guy!". I'd be fine with Delane at #10 if all of the other studs are gone.

[Redhook]

While the Bengals got off to a solid start in free agency, it stalled and has been very disappointing since Day 1 although I'm happy Flacco is back. They desperately need a linebacker and it's just mind bogging (par for the course) that they haven't signed a vet yet. With a terrible pass rush and terrible linebackers, the corners and safeties are set up to fail.

[dfs]

We have OSU fans on here, I am curious if they think Sonny Styles is a top ten pick. I am a huge fan of Ohio state, he has been a linebacker for two years and really hasn’t been overly impressive in my eyes. Zero chance an average LB imo should go in the top ten.
The consensus is that Syles will be gone by the time the Bengals pick.
The reason he's so high on my list is because the Bengals so desperately need LB's who can play.


Trading back would be ideal this year, but it seems unlikely that there will be a player available at #10 that's worth trading up for.

An NFC contender that needs offense is likely their best hope. If there's a run on defensive players and somehow Love and Tate are available at 11, I could see the Vikings, Bears or Rams willing to trade up.

[Redhook]

An NFC contender that needs offense is likely their best hope. If there's a run on defensive players and somehow Love and Tate are available at 11, I could see the Vikings, Bears or Rams willing to trade up.

Right. I could definitely see someone trading up for Love if he was year, but not Tate.

[Redhook]

Last year, the only player I didn't want the Bengals to draft in the first round was Stewart. This year, it's McCoy and Faulk. There's no way I'd draft McCoy at #10 coming off a major injury and missing a season. And, Faulk looks like Stewart 2.0.

[RiverRat13]

Last year, the only player I didn't want the Bengals to draft in the first round was Stewart. This year, it's McCoy and Faulk. There's no way I'd draft McCoy at #10 coming off a major injury and missing a season. And, Faulk looks like Stewart 2.0.

By most accounts Faulk would be good against the run, which would be an improvement over Stewart who was terrible at everything last year. It sounds like Faulk would have a Sam Hubbard comp, which is obviously a useful player but not a profile you'd take at #10.

[Kingspoint]

I made one trade in a simulator trading the #10 for four picks of the Eagles and got this...

23686

[dfs]

If Love and Tate are still there and all of the good defensive targets are off the board (Reese, Bailey, Bain, Styles, Downs, Delane and maybe McCoy) then a trade like that seems like a no brainer. The eagles, bears, vikings and dolphins all have surplus picks where the Bengals could get a 1,2 and a 4 for that #10 pick.

I doubt the Bengals would DO that because they are the Bengals, but in my world it seems like a better solution than paying a running back you don't really need.

(I've been playing with MockDraftHero, but all the simulators use the same gas.)

[Kingspoint]

If Love and Tate are still there and all of the good defensive targets are off the board (Reese, Bailey, Bain, Styles, Downs, Delane and maybe McCoy) then a trade like that seems like a no brainer. The eagles, bears, vikings and dolphins all have surplus picks where the Bengals could get a 1,2 and a 4 for that #10 pick.

I doubt the Bengals would DO that because they are the Bengals, but in my world it seems like a better solution than paying a running back you don't really need.

(I've been playing with MockDraftHero, but all the simulators use the same gas.)

The Center I wanted was taken 40th, right before my 41st pick. I really like the choices from #35-#100. Would love to have four picks from that group. If you notice, I pretty much stayed with Major schools in Major conferences. Don't like players who look good from poor competition. Even now, you have to be wary as Michigan didn't exactly play much of anyone last season....at least not often enough to make good judgements on players. I stayed away from Michigan players.

And, yes. It's a pipedream believing that our de facto G.M. would do anything reasonable, like seek a trade down from #10 to pick up multiple picks in the area I'm speaking about plus a lower 1st round pick to boot.

[dfs]

Yeah they've got 4 draft choices that might contribute next year and then another 4 in rounds 6 and 7 to do developmental flyers with but they need so much.

Help at Linebacker
Slot Corner
Edge Rotation
DL Rotation
Swing Tackle
New Center/Guard Depth
A real TE that can block and catch and isn't hurt.

plus it wouldn't hurt them to take a flyer on a slot WR and a QB.

They simply can't do all that with the picks they have. They don't have to use all of the first four picks on defensive players, but they have to hit on the swings they take. They just can't afford another Stewart or Murphy that might be a good player in 3 years. The future is now.

[Kingspoint]

Yeah they've got 4 draft choices that might contribute next year and then another 4 in rounds 6 and 7 to do developmental flyers with but they need so much.

Help at Linebacker
Slot Corner
Edge Rotation
DL Rotation
Swing Tackle
New Center/Guard Depth
A real TE that can block and catch and isn't hurt.

plus it wouldn't hurt them to take a flyer on a slot WR and a QB.

They simply can't do all that with the picks they have. They don't have to use all of the first four picks on defensive players, but they have to hit on the swings they take. They just can't afford another Stewart or Murphy that might be a good player in 3 years. The future is now.

Any G.M. with half a brain would recognize this and do whatever it takes to trade down from #10, even if it takes three trade-downs to do it, in order to acquire a 1st Round pick in the low to mid 20's plus two or three additional picks from 35-100 to make attempts at filling the needs you listed, improve the competition on Special Teams, and to keep enough lower cost players with upside on the squad to counter the exorbitant contracts of Burrow/Chase/Higgins.

I'd manipulate contracts in order to offer Joe Bittonio a contract he can't refuse.

[WVRed]

Couple of signings:

JaSir Taylor
Kyle Dugger

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[Kingspoint]

Couple of signings:

JaSir Taylor
Kyle Dugger

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That's some pretty poor coverage there.

There's some real quality Free Agents there and they bring in this crap.

Tobin continues to go unchecked and be held unaccountable.

[Redsfaithful]

Dugger had a pick six against us and Tobin mostly scouts by watching Bengals games I think.

[RiverRat13]

Dugger should be fine as a third safety. I'd be concerned if he was signed to start but he should just be depth. He shouldn't prevent the Bengals from taking Downs if he is at 10 (although I don't think they'd take a safety that high) but at least he should keep them from reaching for a safety in the first two days out of pure necessity.

[WVRed]

Dugger should be fine as a third safety. I'd be concerned if he was signed to start but he should just be depth. He shouldn't prevent the Bengals from taking Downs if he is at 10 (although I don't think they'd take a safety that high) but at least he should keep them from reaching for a safety in the first two days out of pure necessity.Im just wondering if they are operating under thr assumption that Downs will be off the board by 10.

If he isn't then fans obviously aren't going to be happy, especially if they take a CB instead.

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[dfs]

Dugger had a pick six against us and Tobin mostly scouts by watching Bengals games I think.

sigh. Gotta love those cincy teams. Operate on a shoestring budget and call it big league.

[RiverRat13]

Im just wondering if they are operating under thr assumption that Downs will be off the board by 10.

If he isn't then fans obviously aren't going to be happy, especially if they take a CB instead.

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I'd be pleasantly surprised if they took Downs over a corner. I don't see it happening unless both McCoy and Delane are gone.

[Tony Cloninger]

sigh. Gotta love those cincy teams. Operate on a shoestring budget and call it big league.

While not arguing that. I don’t think this is a bad signing. For depth and could still start and not be Geno Stone. Winning!!

[LiferJim]

I don’t care how good of a corner you are, without a pass rush you are toast. There are a few shutdown corners who can cover a guy a bit longer, but not many.

Knowing these clowns, they’ll pick a corner, not properly address the pass rush and the new stud corner will get burnt repeatedly


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[Boss-Hog]

I don’t care how good of a corner you are, without a pass rush you are toast. There are a few shutdown corners who can cover a guy a bit longer, but not many.

Knowing these clowns, they’ll pick a corner, not properly address the pass rush and the new stud corner will get burnt repeatedly


Sent from my iPhone using TapatalkIf Bailey and Bain are gone at ten, which is possible, if not likely, who are you then taking to address the pass rush?

[Rdirtypirates]

I don’t care how good of a corner you are, without a pass rush you are toast. There are a few shutdown corners who can cover a guy a bit longer, but not many.

Knowing these clowns, they’ll pick a corner, not properly address the pass rush and the new stud corner will get burnt repeatedly


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Like was said below both those guys would be gone and there just is not any other guys that are worth that pick. You could always pick up a Cam Jordan. Both corners I would take because they are both shut down corners. I know you don’t want to reach like they did on Stewart. Just because he was a need. It makes zero sense if they don’t come away with a premium player and settle for a Faulk because he plays a certain position.

[WVRed]

If Bailey and Bain are gone at ten, which is possible, if not likely, who are you then taking to address the pass rush?Probably going corner and hoping Akheem Mesidor or Casshius Howell are there in the second.

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[Boss-Hog]

Probably going corner and hoping Akheem Mesidor or Casshius Howell are there in the second.

Sent from my SM-S936U using TapatalkI doubt Mesidor will be there in the second; I'm not certain about Howell, but those seem more like mid to late first round players than guys that will be there at 41. There should be some decent edge options there for the Bengals in the second if they don't take one in round one, though.

I took Jim's post to mean he'd take a pass rusher in the first no matter what, so I was curious who he was taking if Bailey and Bain are gone by the Bengals' pick.

[WVRed]

I doubt Mesidor will be there in the second; I'm not certain about Howell, but those seem more like mid to late first round players than guys that will be there at 41. There should be some decent edge options there for the Bengals in the second if they don't take one in round one, though.

I took Jim's post to mean he's taking a pass rusher in the first no matter what, so I was curious who he was taking if Bailey and Bain are gone by the Bengals' pick.One mock i saw had both of them in the second.

Keldrick Faulk would probably be the other first round option and that would be a reach.

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[Boss-Hog]

One mock i saw had both of them in the second.

Keldrick Faulk would probably be the other first round option and that would be a reach.

Sent from my SM-S936U using TapatalkFaulk definitely seems like the next edge up after Bailey and Bain (I'm intentionally not even mentioning Reese since he'll almost certainly be gone) and one I want no part of, though I'm sure the Bengals would be interested.

[LiferJim]

If Bailey and Bain are gone at ten, which is possible, if not likely, who are you then taking to address the pass rush?

I’d be looking to trade down, to get at least one additional pick and looking to add Faulk or Mesidor later in the first round. I’m not sure if there would be any takers though, as I haven’t looked closely at the needs of the teams picking behind the Bengals.


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[dfs]

If Bailey and Bain are gone at ten, which is possible, if not likely, who are you then taking to address the pass rush?

Some time ago I posted that I thought the bengals board looked something like Reese, Bailey Styles, Bain, Downs, Delane.

With his workout this week I would add McCoy.
With the recent DB signing I think the order now would be something like Reese, Bailey, Styles, Bain, and then the three defensive backs.

They pick at 10. I guess it's possible that 7 defensive players go in the first 9, but that seems unlikely so they should be able to get one of those guys. I think a trade down is very unlikely.

The goal of free agency was to get to the point where they could select BPA. Well, the D was so weak that they didn't quite get to BPA, but I think they did shore things up to the point where they can take the best defensive player available. It would not shock me at all if that three of their first four picks are Edge, LB, DB in some order.

[Boss-Hog]

Some time ago I posted that I thought the bengals board looked something like Reese, Bailey Styles, Bain, Downs, Delane.

With his workout this week I would add McCoy.
With the recent DB signing I think the order now would be something like Reese, Bailey, Styles, Bain, and then the three defensive backs.

They pick at 10. I guess it's possible that 7 defensive players go in the first 9, but that seems unlikely so they should be able to get one of those guys. I think a trade down is very unlikely.

The goal of free agency was to get to the point where they could select BPA. Well, the D was so weak that they didn't quite get to BPA, but I think they did shore things up to the point where they can take the best defensive player available. It would not shock me at all if that three of their first four picks are Edge, LB, DB in some order.

Good post; I suspect the CBs with playing a premium position, especially after McCoy's testing this week, are higher in their pecking order than at least some of your list, such as Styles and Downs.

[UKFlounder]

I don’t think signing a slot DB / special teams player like Taylor would stop them from taking a potential shutdown CB like Delane or McCoy.

I’m not as sure about safety and Downs.

[WVRed]

Good post; I suspect the CBs with playing a premium position, especially after McCoy's testing this week, are higher in their pecking order than at least some of your list, such as Styles and Downs.Delane and McCoy both were who I wouldn't be surprised if they took even if a pass rusher or Downs fell to them.

CTB is a free agent while Dax and Turner aren't locked in. McCoy would practically be a redshirt anyways which is how the Bengals tend to operate.

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[Boss-Hog]

Delane and McCoy both were who I wouldn't be surprised if they took even if a pass rusher or Downs fell to them.

CTB is a free agent while Dax and Turner aren't locked in. McCoy would practically be a redshirt anyways which is how the Bengals tend to operate.

Sent from my SM-S936U using TapatalkCTB is already gone (signed with the Colts), and with neither Dax or Turner signed long term and no depth at CB even if one or both do, I'd be surprised if they don't target that position early and as soon as the first round. It wouldn't be what I'd do since Dax's best position is pretty clearly outside CB, but they could always move him back inside to slot to make room for Delane or McCoy.

[dfs]

I suspect the CBs with playing a premium position, especially after McCoy's testing this week, are higher in their pecking order than at least some of your list, such as Styles and Downs.
The pass rushers have just as premium a position as the CB's, but you are correct the Bengals do have a history of investing in CB's. It's a long season and your third corner will get on the field a lot. IT would be VERY bengal-like to take a CB.

The place they didn't shore up in free agency is LB. They HAVE to address LB in the draft and Styles is the best of the bunch. If he falls to them it just makes sense for them to take him.

I doubt Reese, Baily or Bain will fall to 10.
One of the DB's will be gone to KC.

If McCoy test like that and he's still rehabilitating .....sign me up. I think he's demonstrated he's fully healed. Before McCoy's testing showed so strongly I thought there was a real chance that the Bengals would sit at 10 and the 3 BPA would all be a RB and a couple of offensive lineman. With McCoy jumping up on the board, I don't think the Bengals will get shut out of a defensive pick at 10.

If they have to choose between Styles, Downs or CB....as a fan I'm not convinced there is a wrong answer.

There are positional value reasons to not take Downs and the Bengals did pour a ton of money into the safety position with a free agent, but Caleb Downs is probably the most versatile player on their board. We heard a LOT last year about how valuable both Stewart and Knight were because they were so versatile and could do so many things. It's clearly something the Bengals D-staff values.

(Now...we can talk about the wisdom of that and how while they both may have been versatile, they weren't valuable cause they looked lost on the field, but that's a different conversation.)

[chicoruiz]

If all else fails and the defenders they feel good about are all gone, I wouldn’t hate Spencer Fano. Swing tackle this year, and if he shows enough he becomes Orlando Brown’s replacement; if not he becomes Ted Karras’s replacement.

That said, I REALLY want a defensive player at twin…

[plantmanky]

If all else fails and the defenders they feel good about are all gone, I wouldn’t hate Spencer Fano. Swing tackle this year, and if he shows enough he becomes Orlando Brown’s replacement; if not he becomes Ted Karras’s replacement.

That said, I REALLY want a defensive player at twin…



I dont know what it is about Fano, but there is something that just tells me over time hes going to be a top lineman. If he was the "we have to pick someone pick" at 10 it wouldnt bother me. I think the Rams will take him if he is there at 13 though.

[Redhook]

I'm now at the point where I would be happy with anyone except Faulk in the first round, even McCoy. Just give us a football player and not a big bag of hope.

[chicoruiz]

I'm now at the point where I would be happy with anyone except Faulk in the first round, even McCoy. Just give us a football player and not a big bag of hope.

Amen to that. Faulk just seems like Shemar Stewart: The Next Generation. I’d put Peter Woods in that category too.

[WVRed]

Sexy Dexy has requested a trade from the Giants.

Would you deal no 10 for him?

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[Sea Ray]

Sexy Dexy has requested a trade from the Giants.

Would you deal no 10 for him?

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He’s going to want a new contract. We’re not giving him that


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[RiverRat13]

If I were handicapping as to who the Bengals take at #10, I'd go:

1. McCoy
2. Delane
3. Bain
4. Faulk
5. Downs

[WrongVerb]

If I were handicapping as to who the Bengals take at #10, I'd go:

1. McCoy
2. Delane
3. Bain
4. Faulk
5. Downs

Where does "trade down" rank in that? (Keeping in mind someone has to want to move up? )


Actually, I'd love to see the Bengals move up in the first to #3 and take Styles, Reese, or Bailey. But this risk-averse group won't ever do that.

[Boss-Hog]

Where does "trade down" rank in that? (Keeping in mind someone has to want to move up? )


Actually, I'd love to see the Bengals move up in the first to #3 and take Styles, Reese, or Bailey. But this risk-averse group won't ever do that.The odds are low either way, and I'd say extraordinarily low for moving up given that's it's been 31 years since the Bengals have moved up in the first. That's for the reason you mentioned (this is not regarded as a great draft, so that lessens the likelihood of someone dying to move up) and the recent history of the Bengals sticking and picking where they're at probably moreso than any of the other 31 teams.

[RiverRat13]

Where does "trade down" rank in that? (Keeping in mind someone has to want to move up? )


Actually, I'd love to see the Bengals move up in the first to #3 and take Styles, Reese, or Bailey. But this risk-averse group won't ever do that.

I think they try to trade down if the first two aren't there. But I put the odds of that happening below them taking Downs at 10, which I think it unlikely (hope to be wrong).

[Redhook]

If I were handicapping as to who the Bengals take at #10, I'd go:

1. McCoy
2. Delane
3. Bain
4. Faulk
5. Downs

That seems about right. I really hope they find a way to pass on Faulk and then I hope he's picked before their 2nd round pick because they won't dare to pass on him twice. They desperately need football players and instant impact players.

[RiverRat13]

That seems about right. I really hope they find a way to pass on Faulk and then I hope he's picked before their 2nd round pick because they won't dare to pass on him twice. They desperately need football players and instant impact players.

I'd take Faulk in the 2nd round (he won't fall that far). He's great against the run and still young enough to develop some pass rush to his game. I think he'd be a Sam Hubbard-like player pretty quickly and that's worth taking in the second round.

[plantmanky]

Pittsburg trades up to #1 pick to take the QB. Gonna shuffle all the deck chairs and make other teams panic.

[WrongVerb]

Giants, Bengals Agree To DT Dexter Lawrence Trade (https://www.profootballrumors.com/2026/04/giants-bengals-agree-to-dt-dexter-lawrence-trade)


Dexter Lawrence is indeed on the move. The Pro Bowl defensive tackle’s trade request will result in a swap sending him to the AFC North.

The Giants and Bengals have agreed to a Lawrence trade, Ian Rapoport and Mike Garafolo of NFL Network report. This deal involves the No. 10 pick in next week’s draft heading to New York. An extension is also part of this blockbuster development, per the report.

Wow!

[plantmanky]

Giants, Bengals Agree To DT Dexter Lawrence Trade (https://www.profootballrumors.com/2026/04/giants-bengals-agree-to-dt-dexter-lawrence-trade)



Wow!



Depending on what the contract extension is, im not up arms about this trade. Its a trade for a proven player, not a draft pick you dont know. If its just the one pick. Good for the Bengals. Fills a need.

[WVRed]

Giants, Bengals Agree To DT Dexter Lawrence Trade (https://www.profootballrumors.com/2026/04/giants-bengals-agree-to-dt-dexter-lawrence-trade)



Wow!Beat me to it. Wow.

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[WVRed]

Beat me to it. Wow.

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Sexy Dexy has requested a trade from the Giants.

Would you deal no 10 for him?

Sent from my SM-S936U using TapatalkThis aged well.

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[WVRed]

He’s going to want a new contract. We’re not giving him that


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk...

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[plantmanky]

This aged well.

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You have to think they semi agreed on a new deal in order to make this trade right?


This really is just the Hendrickson move they made years ago, just with a draft pick involved.

[RiverRat13]

I'm all in on the move. It was becoming likely that none of the top tier defensive guys were going to be there at 10, and really, all of those guys except maybe Reese would not be considered top tier guys in a normal draft (and even he is more projection at this point). It's a bad year to have the 10th pick.

Plus they have to win this year. Even getting to the Divisional Round makes all of the potential "Burrow wants out" noise go away. They now have as good of an interior pass rush as anyone in the league, two solid defensive ends who will benefit from Lawrence getting doubled on the inside, and should have above average secondary play. Get one decent vet LB and a LB on Day 2 and you have a defense that not only can get you some stops, but may have the upside of being in the top half of the league.

[WVRed]

I'm all in on the move. It was becoming likely that none of the top tier defensive guys were going to be there at 10, and really, all of those guys except maybe Reese would not be considered top tier guys in a normal draft (and even he is more projection at this point). It's a bad year to have the 10th pick.

Plus they have to win this year. Even getting to the Divisional Round makes all of the potential "Burrow wants out" noise go away. They now have as good of an interior pass rush as anyone in the league, two solid defensive ends who will benefit from Lawrence getting doubled on the inside, and should have above average secondary play. Get one decent vet LB and a LB on Day 2 and you have a defense that not only can get you some stops, but may have the upside of being in the top half of the league.Its a defense heavy draft but there is nobody who would have made the impact Lawrence makes on this defense for the reasons you just listed.

If Downs falls to 10 then its what might have been but they can add CB and LB on day 2.

For once Tobin does something aggressive. I love it.

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[WVRed]

Its also for the 10th overall pick. Straight up.

Thats even better.

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[RiverRat13]

Its also for the 10th overall pick. Straight up.

Thats even better.

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I think people were hoping the Bengals got a Day 2 pick coming along with Lawrence. I'm not that worried about it.

I wonder if they cut Slayton now. I'd prefer to keep him. His deal is reasonable and I love him behind Lawrence at NT and someone to potentially play beside him on short yardage situations.

I think it's hard to overstate the potential this could have on the entire defensive line. I was worried that Jonathan Allen would be Rankins 2.0, but now he and BJ become a nice 3 tech rotation who will consistently get single teamed.

[UKFlounder]

I like Lawrence, but the price seems high.

Then again, you have to give up something to get something, and this certainly is sn sggressive move, very un-Bengals like. I give them credit for that.

This is really fascinating. It will be fun to watch it play out.

[Redsfaithful]

Super Bowl contenders now for sure.

If they could still manage a decent draft with no first round pick, look out.

[KoryMac5]

Bengals never make moves like this biggest trade in years.

Rapien speculated that Bengals must know that their top targets will not be there at 10...Albert Breer said Bengals approached around 1-2 weeks ago but Giants were still trying to make it work with Lawrence.

Personally I like the move DT's are so tough to find and to get one of the top 3 is a good win for the Bengals.

I give the offseason a solid A their D line rotation is really good now...would love a Veteran LB to round things out.

Mafe/Cook/Allen/Dex

unreal haul...Bengals are win now and with Burrow turning 30 they should be.

[pedro]

Great move IMO

[Stray]

Can't believe we made that trade but I love it. We need to win now and Lawrence helps in a huge way.

[pedro]

Nobody they could have drafted would instantly make everyone on the defense better on day one. Dexter Lawrence can do that.

Big swing. I love it.

[The Operator]

I’m legit shocked.

I wonder if this was also geared toward showing Joe Burrow that they’re serious about winning. He clearly was frustrated last season, and they’ve drafted pretty horribly since the Burrow/Higgins/Chase picks with some occasional exceptions.

Either way, very un-Bengals-like move and I’m here for it.

[WVRed]

If Skip Bayless is against it, the Bengals did something right.

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[RiverRat13]

The two guys most likely to have been there at 10 for the Bengals are Bain and Downs. Right or wrong, Bain's length puts him outside of what the Bengals want in a DE. As an OSU fan I love Downs and would have been thrilled to have him at 10, but after signing Cook the Bengals would have had the league's most expensive safety room with Downs at a position the Bengals have shown they don't consider a premium.

Then you have the consideration of how light this draft is at the top. The Gridiron Grading guys posted the player at 10 would be in the 17-24 range in most other drafts.

[JBChance]

The two guys most likely to have been there at 10 for the Bengals are Bain and Downs. Right or wrong, Bain's length puts him outside of what the Bengals want in a DE. As an OSU fan I love Downs and would have been thrilled to have him at 10, but after signing Cook the Bengals would have had the league's most expensive safety room with Downs at a position the Bengals have shown they don't consider a premium.

Then you have the consideration of how light this draft is at the top. The Gridiron Grading guys posted the player at 10 would be in the 17-24 range in most other drafts.

I’m not sure Downs is going to be there, anyway. And, even if he was, the impact to this year is debatable. As a Buckeye fan, I watched Downs and he is amazing, but against the next level, there’s bound to be a learning curve. He could be something special in the future.

Lawrence is a bona-fide dude. “Down” year last year (better than any other def guy we had) is a very slight concern, but he is going to contribute mightily this year, barring injury.

NEVER thought the Bengals would do something like this. The #10 spot was a tweener and especially in this weak draft.


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[UKFlounder]

After sleeping on it, I’m still stunned, but wow! Thats a gutsy move znd a healthy Lawrence will be huge.

[wally post]

I feel like a weight has been lifted off of me. The Bengals finally did something that most any other team would do and likely other teams were also offering deals here, which explains why there’s nothing extra coming back. Great deal and if it send the Bengals to the SB maybe ownership will realize more of these kinds of business dealings can be good!

[Sea Ray]

Bengals never make moves like this biggest trade in years.

Rapien speculated that Bengals must know that their top targets will not be there at 10...Albert Breer said Bengals approached around 1-2 weeks ago but Giants were still trying to make it work with Lawrence.

Personally I like the move DT's are so tough to find and to get one of the top 3 is a good win for the Bengals.

I give the offseason a solid A their D line rotation is really good now...would love a Veteran LB to round things out.

Mafe/Cook/Allen/Dex

unreal haul...Bengals are win now and with Burrow turning 30 they should be.

The thinking amongst the experts is that the way the draft was falling they were going to be screwed at 10. Now we don’t have to hate the Chiefs for taking our guy on Thursday, whoever that might be


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[Sea Ray]

Are we confident the Bengals will sign him to an extension?


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[UKFlounder]

Per Ian Rappaport, its already done: : It’s a 1-year, $28M extension for Dexter Lawrence, per @WinSportsGroup.

[KoryMac5]

Are we confident the Bengals will sign him to an extension?


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I would think that the Bengals have discussed the parameters with his agent when the trade was being consummated. Speculation is something similar to the Higgins deal. Supposedly he is in town today probably to meet the FO and get a physical.

[KoryMac5]

Per Ian Rappaport, its slready done: : It’s a 1-year, $28M extension for Dexter Lawrence, per @WinSportsGroup.

If that’s true OMG that’s a good deal for the Bengals

[UKFlounder]

The deal is official

https://www.bengals.com/news/dexter-lawrence-trade-giants-bengals-roster-update-2026

[KoryMac5]

DJ said on X today after doing a few mocks with FO folks around the league that the Bengals were screwed at 10. They must have realized everyone they had on their board would be gone. Now trade back at 2 and grab extra picks…

[Redhook]

I'm feeling pretty optimistic about next season believe it or not. Their offense is pretty much set and they should easily be able to resign Risner to a 2 or 3 year deal that won't cost much at all. That's a no brainer.

The defense needs a lot of help, but I think it should be pretty manageable even for the Bengals pitiful front office. All they need to do is make it a top 20 defense (league average would be great if that happened). Their cornerbacks are good enough (improvements are still welcome), Miles Murphy showed he can actually start in this league which is one of the few silver linings from the disappointing year and their linebackers can't be worse next year....lol.

To be a legitimate Super Bowl contending team, I think they need 3 above average defensive players with one of them being Pro Bowl caliber. They clearly need help in the center of the field with the interior d-line, LB and safety. Devin Lloyd is the most obvious choice as someone to sign. Hopefully, they can draft Downs to cover the safety position. Then, they could sign a couple of defensive lineman to handle and possibly draft another one in the 2nd or 3rd. If they don't resign Hendrickson, they'd have plenty to get a couple of good lineman.

There's obviously a lot of routes that they can go accomplishing this, but getting the best 3 defensive players to cover their weakest areas should be addressed early and often. And hopefully, they sign some studs before the draft so they don't get forced into overdrafting guys like they've done far too often in the past.

Wow, they actually pulled it off. While I was optimistic in January, it definitely faded a few weeks back when they still hadn't addressed the LB group and their DL was still awful. But now, they got the 3 above average players along with the pro bowler. And, Lawrence is way better than LB Lloyd and DL is arguably the hardest position to find a game changer. I'm equally happy and surprised.

Now, they just need to a vet LB to go along with the their draft picks.

[RiverRat13]

Cincinnati would be the perfect place for Bobby Wagner to come ring chasing...

[Redhook]

Cincinnati would be the perfect place for Bobby Wagner to come ring chasing...

100%. Cut Slayton to pay for the majority of Wagner.

[Sea Ray]

I don’t know…Wagner has lost more than a step or two


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[WrongVerb]

DJ said on X today after doing a few mocks with FO folks around the league that the Bengals were screwed at 10. They must have realized everyone they had on their board would be gone. Now trade back at 2 and grab extra picks…

Using the PFN mock simulator this morning with an order that includes this trade, it was like everything just fell into place. CB in round 2, LB in 3, OC in 4, swing tackle, edge, WR, and TE to round everything out. I wouldn't mind them staying put.

[Sea Ray]

My gripe of the last few years with this team is the lack of first year impact from their 1st round pick. They pick a project or an injury concern. This trade guarantees that they will get impact from their 1st rounder (injury aside). ‘Bout time


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[Tony Cloninger]

I like that Ravebs fans are twisting themselves into pretzels about how bad it is for the Bengals. He’s injured and it cost them a pick. And besides the pick part they signed a player who is older and was out for more than half a season.

[Fil3232]

You’d better believe Harbaugh doesn’t mind the thought of sticking it to Baltimore by trading Lawrence into the AFC North.

[WVRed]

I like that Ravebs fans are twisting themselves into pretzels about how bad it is for the Bengals. He’s injured and it cost them a pick. And besides the pick part they signed a player who is older and was out for more than half a season.And almost traded two first round picks for a player, realized they got fleeced, and said he failed the physical so they could get out of the trade.

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[RiverRat13]

I don’t know…Wagner has lost more than a step or two


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Of course he has. Prime Bobby Wagner would already be under contract. But he's still good enough to take snaps away from Barrett Carter.

I wonder if a Burrow restructure is coming to add some more cap space.

[Sea Ray]

This is why stats can't really put a number on the value of a nose tackle:


This play didn’t go in the stat sheet as a sack, but watch what 97 does.

Never let someone on this app try to tell you someone performed poorly one year based on a box score.

https://x.com/BengalsCentral_/status/2046004919082082332?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw%7Ctwcamp%5 Etweetembed%7Ctwterm%5E2046004919082082332%7Ctwgr% 5E2415262c0fff405756d8748250370e2c8344938d%7Ctwcon %5Es1_&ref_url=https%3A%2F%2Fforum.go-bengals.com%2Findex.php%3Fapp%3Dcoremodule%3Dsyste mcontroller%3Dembedurl%3Dhttps%3A%2F%2Fx.com%2FBen galsCentral_%2Fstatus%2F2046004919082082332

[Ohayou]

Unsure which direction the Bengals will go in the 2nd now, but D'Angelo Ponds is probably at the top of my wish list, followed by Jacob Rodriguez. Something tells me Anthony Hill Jr. will be the pick, though.

They also really need to find a WR3, too. Iosivas is not it. Ted Hurst, I would love in Round 3. Watching his tape, he actually looks a lot like Higgins out there. If not him, I was gonna say Zachariah Branch, maybe, but he literally just got arrested...

[RiverRat13]

Unsure which direction the Bengals will go in the 2nd now, but D'Angelo Ponds is probably at the top of my wish list, followed by Jacob Rodriguez. Something tells me Anthony Hill Jr. will be the pick, though.

They also really need to find a WR3, too. Iosivas is not it. Ted Hurst, I would love in Round 3. Watching his tape, he actually looks a lot like Higgins out there. If not him, I was gonna say Zachariah Branch, maybe, but he literally just got arrested...

As much as I gripe about the linebackers, I hope they truly go BPA Friday/Saturday and then try to bring in vets still out there or who will be cut to fill any obvious holes. I'm also hoping for either Ponds or Rodriguez, but if both are gone and there's an edge who has dropped, take the edge. If there's a great slot WR or tight end in the 3rd, take that player. But I'm afraid they've already decided that it's corner in the 2nd and LB/edge in the 3rd.

[chicoruiz]

I did a draft simulator thing yesterday and got Brandon Cisse in the second, Josiah Trotter in the third, and the big tackle from Miami in the fourth. That would work…

[Sea Ray]

Sounds like the Bengals had a team meeting yesterday and Dex was introduced and all...but I haven't heard anything about Burrow. I assume he wasn't at the meeting. Why wasn't he there?

[Boss-Hog]

Sounds like the Bengals had a team meeting yesterday and Dex was introduced and all...but I haven't heard anything about Burrow. I assume he wasn't at the meeting. Why wasn't he there?I have no idea if Burrow was or wasn't there, but either way, he isn't required to be. Today's day one of phase one of the voluntary offseason program, which is limited to strength and conditioning training and physical rehabilitation.

[Kingspoint]

Hughes spoke with several coaches who were “stunned” by the return. Those coaches agreed that Lawrence is a very good player but pointed to his age and conditioning as cause for concern, as well as the fact that he needs to be kept on something of a snap count to maximize his production. ESPN’s Jordan Raanan says the Giants themselves were surprised by the strength of the Bengals’ offer, and Raanan’s colleague, Jeremy Fowler, hears no one was going to top it.

https://www.profootballrumors.com/cincinnati-bengals-news-rumors

[Redsfaithful]

It's a little ridiculous people are talking about a 28 year old like he's got one foot in the grave. Like come on, I get football players decline quickly but 28 is fine.

[WrongVerb]

Unsure which direction the Bengals will go in the 2nd now, but D'Angelo Ponds is probably at the top of my wish list, followed by Jacob Rodriguez. Something tells me Anthony Hill Jr. will be the pick, though.

Hill is the only guy in don't want in that range. His scouting reports imply that he's just not very intelligent.

[Tony Cloninger]

I wish they could d have traded the 1st pick to Dallas and then traded one of 2 1st picks to the Giants. That would have been funny. Dallas pick was only 2 lower so that would not have been worth it. Unless it was during the draft.

[WVRed]

It's a little ridiculous people are talking about a 28 year old like he's got one foot in the grave. Like come on, I get football players decline quickly but 28 is fine.I think its mostly certain people in the media who are trying to justify the trade for New York while crapping on the Bengals for taking it.

Given Tobins track record of drafting and the Bengals track record of developing defense or offensive line trading for a three time pro bowler who shores up not one but two needs (pass rush and run stopping), its a no brainer.

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[Sea Ray]

I have no idea if Burrow was or wasn't there, but either way, he isn't required to be. Today's day one of phase one of the voluntary offseason program, which is limited to strength and conditioning training and physical rehabilitation.

I’m well aware that it’s voluntary but as a leader he should be there


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[Kingspoint]

It's a little ridiculous people are talking about a 28 year old like he's got one foot in the grave. Like come on, I get football players decline quickly but 28 is fine.

When it comes to the DT position, players in the NFL don't begin to get good until Age 26-27, and their best years also seem to be in the 28-32 range.

Snap count is the norm on D-Lines for years now.

[Boss-Hog]

When it comes to the DT position, players in the NFL don't begin to get good until Age 26-27, and their best years also seem to be in the 28-32 range.

Snap count is the norm on D-Lines for years now.I'd be much more concerned with his age over the length of the contract if he played a position where players don't generally age well, like WR or CB, but DTs usually do, as you mentioned.

[Sea Ray]

You never know if this is BS or not at this stage of the calendar but if it is legit...Please Bengals. Don't draft this guy in the 2nd. Don't be tempted

https://x.com/SleeperNFL/status/2046360537987154013?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw%7Ctwcamp%5 Etweetembed%7Ctwterm%5E2046360537987154013%7Ctwgr% 5E%7Ctwcon%5Es1_&ref_url=

[Kingspoint]

I'd be much more concerned with his age over the length of the contract if he played a position where players don't generally age well, like WR or CB, but DTs usually do, as you mentioned.

And, the fact that he took less money to sign with the Bengals because he wanted a fresh start with a new organization (one that can win).

[RiverRat13]

You never know if this is BS or not at this stage of the calendar but if it is legit...Please Bengals. Don't draft this guy in the 2nd. Don't be tempted

https://x.com/SleeperNFL/status/2046360537987154013?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw%7Ctwcamp%5 Etweetembed%7Ctwterm%5E2046360537987154013%7Ctwgr% 5E%7Ctwcon%5Es1_&ref_url=

His over/under dropped to 28.5 for draft position, so there's a chance he'll be there at 41.

[WrongVerb]

You never know if this is BS or not at this stage of the calendar but if it is legit...Please Bengals. Don't draft this guy in the 2nd. Don't be tempted

https://x.com/SleeperNFL/status/2046360537987154013?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw%7Ctwcamp%5 Etweetembed%7Ctwterm%5E2046360537987154013%7Ctwgr% 5E%7Ctwcon%5Es1_&ref_url=

With that upside, I would take him at 41.

[Sea Ray]

With that upside, I would take him at 41.

If his knee needs another cut, it would derail his 2026 season. I want someone in the top of the 2nd rd who can contribute this year. I don't want an investment in our future this early in the draft

[Redhook]

"It doesn't take a whole lot of imagination to picture Jermod McCoy as an NFL standout, but it does take some. That's because he missed the entire college football season due to a torn ACL he sustained in January 2025.

What's more, NFL Media reports he could be headed toward another surgery. The ACL itself is reportedly in good shape, but a bone plug used to repair a cartilage defect in McCoy's knee may need to be replaced."

If that's true, I'd pass on him in the 2nd round for sure.

[Redsfaithful]

I keep reading it's not a great draft. I would say those are probably the drafts you want to reach on potential, but a lot of other variables obviously.

[RedTeamGo!]

I keep reading it's not a great draft. I would say those are probably the drafts you want to reach on potential, but a lot of other variables obviously.

I feel like "they" say it is a weak draft every year.

[texasdave]

I feel like "they" say it is a weak draft every year.

Too many Kyles in this year's draft.

[pedro]

Too many Kyles in this year's draft.

"Too Many Kyle's" is a good name for a prog rock band.

[WVRed]

I guess we have our answer.

Downs was there at 10. As was Bain.

Will Dexter Lawrence be worth it knowing those two were on the board?

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[Sea Ray]

I guess we have our answer.

Downs was there at 10. As was Bain.

Will Dexter Lawrence be worth it knowing those two were on the board?

Sent from my SM-S936U using Tapatalk

We’ll see


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[Redsfaithful]

I feel like "they" say it is a weak draft every year.

I think it's true a lot of years though.

[Redsfaithful]

Steelers seemed to reach a fair amount there for Max Iheanachor.

ESPN had him #41, Goodberry has him 64th overall, from Nigeria, didn't grow up playing football

[WVRed]

Steelers seemed to reach a fair amount there for Max Iheanachor.

ESPN had him #41, Goodberry has him 64th overall, from Nigeria, didn't grow up playing footballSeems like they always invest in the O Line early and they never pan out.

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[Tony Cloninger]

I guess we have our answer.

Downs was there at 10. As was Bain.

Will Dexter Lawrence be worth it knowing those two were on the board?

Sent from my SM-S936U using Tapatalk


They could have still also traded back with the Cowboys who wanted Downs then used one of the picks for Lawrence too.

[Sea Ray]

They could have still also traded back with the Cowboys who wanted Downs then used one of the picks for Lawrence too.

I’m good with the trade but I do wonder why they didn’t wait until they were on the clock to make it. The Giants weren’t going to get a better offer


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[RichRed]

I feel like "they" say it is a weak draft every year.

I think when it’s a weak QB class, that’s when the “experts” call the whole draft weak.

[Boss-Hog]

I’m good with the trade but I do wonder why they didn’t wait until they were on the clock to make it. The Giants weren’t going to get a better offer


Sent from my iPhone using TapatalkLikely because they then wouldn't have had a chance to sign off on Lawrence after a physical. Before giving up the tenth overall pick, I'd want to know exactly what I'm getting from a health standpoint.

[RiverRat13]

The Cowboys could have just as easily traded up to 9 had the Bengals still had 10 to take Downs.

I just don't think the Bengals would have taken a safety at 10, even one as good as Downs, nor would they have taken Bain knowing that he's such an outlier to what they want physically (i.e. long) from defensive ends. I would have been happy with either, but there's no precedent that the Bengals would have taken either one. The word on Twitter a couple of days ago was that the Bengals were going to reach and take Peter Woods if they stayed at 10. So the Lawrence trade saved them from themselves.

[UKFlounder]

Likely because they then wouldn't have had a chance to sign off on Lawrence after a physical. Before giving up the tenth overall pick, I'd want to know exactly what I'm getting from a health standpoint.

Plus I suspect they discussed the contract extension to see what Lawrence might want before finalizing the trade.

[WVRed]

The Cowboys could have just as easily traded up to 9 had the Bengals still had 10 to take Downs.

I just don't think the Bengals would have taken a safety at 10, even one as good as Downs, nor would they have taken Bain knowing that he's such an outlier to what they want physically (i.e. long) from defensive ends. I would have been happy with either, but there's no precedent that the Bengals would have taken either one. The word on Twitter a couple of days ago was that the Bengals were going to reach and take Peter Woods if they stayed at 10. So the Lawrence trade saved them from themselves.Could you imagine Kiper and the media if the Bengals had taken Woods at 10? Let alone our fans.

Kiper criticized the Chiefs for taking him as high as they did. That said I wouldn't be surprised to see them turn him into another Dexter Lawrence. Some teams can develop talent, some cant.

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[RiverRat13]

I'm hoping for one of Parker, Rodriguez, Hood or Ponds at 41. I have a feeling at least one of those four will be there but the Bengals end up taking someone else.

[Boss-Hog]

Plus I suspect they discussed the contract extension to see what Lawrence might want before finalizing the trade.I thought about mentioning that, as well, but I assume this could have been done ahead of finalizing a trade and a physical with the Giants' permission.

[WVRed]

Casshius Howell (DE-Texas A&M)

Not mad at it.

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[pedro]

I saw several projections that KC would take him at 40 so seems reasonable.

[Tony Cloninger]

He was very productive. Opposite of Stewart. Would have preferred the Cincy or Georgia LB. Not as upset as Cincy Jungle is.

[RiverRat13]

Better ball knowers than I like it and say it signals that the Bengals are basically a 3-4 defense at this point.

[Tony Cloninger]

Better ball knowers than I like it and say it signals that the Bengals are basically a 3-4 defense at this point.

So LB in the next 2 rounds?

[Sea Ray]

So LB in the next 2 rounds?

I think CB is their biggest need but I just want BPA. No more reaches


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[pedro]

I read some analysis that Howell projects as an OLB in the NFL.

[Redsfaithful]

Better ball knowers than I like it and say it signals that the Bengals are basically a 3-4 defense at this point.

That makes sense, I've read that's what Golden prefers. That'll be different, when was the last time we were a 3-4?

[texasdave]

Jermod McCoy anyone

[UKFlounder]

Nope

Tacario Davis, CB Washington

[Sea Ray]

Jermod McCoy anyone

Nope. Rumors must have been true. He needs another knee surgery. He should have stayed in school another year


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[Boss-Hog]

That makes sense, I've read that's what Golden prefers. That'll be different, when was the last time we were a 3-4?Dick LeBeau's tenure as head coach, right?

[WVRed]

Nope

Tacario Davis, CB WashingtonDavis has size (6'3) but like McCoy has injury concerns.

Our defensive line though has been totally revamped. Interesting to note that once we traded for Lawrence all three teams loaded up on offensive linemen.

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[pedro]

There’s a universe in which the Bengals took McCoy in the first round so happy where we are.

[Redhook]

The Bengals are now a Super Bowl caliber team.

[Kingspoint]

I need to see results from our Defensive Coordinator before I believe he's capable of anything other than bottom-5 Defense no matter who gets added to the squad. I'll wait until after Week 8 before I'll feel comfortable that there is improvement.

That's what most of the enjoyment of a winning season is about though...watching the development into a cohesive group that has an identity on how they want to win games.

Should be fun to watch.

[Redsfaithful]

Dick LeBeau's tenure as head coach, right?

Has to be right since Marvin was a big 4-3 guy. It'll actually feel weird to me if they make this change, been a long time.

[Kingspoint]

Lou wanted to do both 3-4 and 4-3, but he couldn't as he never had the personnel.

[Oxilon]

The Bengals are now a Super Bowl caliber team.

lol says every teams fans post free agency and draft. The Dexter Lawrence trade and what they did in free agency put me in this camp. Their draft so far hasn’t moved the needle. Hope they address offensive line with first pick today.

[RiverRat13]

They are going to take another corner. Would love for it to be Keionte Scott as he'd probably be your nickle right away, but I'm guessing the Bengals go offensive line in the 4th even if Scott is there.

[RiverRat13]

So LB in the next 2 rounds?

Think of it more as a 5-2 where guys like Howell and Mafe are "OLB," but really they are defensive ends.

[JBChance]

Who are these Bengals? Is Tobin channeling his inner Chief and pulling off some nice moves?


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[Ohayou]

C Connor Lew. Nice pick.

I'm hoping for Deion Burks with their other 4th rounder.

[UKFlounder]

Lew tore his ACL last October, but may be ready by training camp.

Hopefully this works better than Matt Lee and Seth McLaughlin

[UKFlounder]

They just took Colbie Young, a 24-year-WR who was arrested for beating his pregnant girlfriend. Got the projected 7th rounder in the 4th round.

[Boss-Hog]

They just took Colbie Young, a 24-year-WR who was arrested for beating his pregnant girlfriend. Got the projected 7th rounder in the 6th round.He was the last pick of the fourth round (acquired in the trade they made earlier today).

[RedTeamGo!]

They just took Colbie Young, a 24-year-WR who was arrested for beating his pregnant girlfriend. Got the projected 7th rounder in the 6th round.

A wildly bad pick in the 4th

[Sea Ray]

I know nothing about the guy but my buddy says:

He had some bad legal stuff but was cleared up/dismissed

But also knowing tee misses2-5 games a year, he’s great depth there


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[Ohayou]

Love the Brian Parker pick. He was one of my pre draft favorites. I imagine he's RG/RT depth, even though I think he played predominantly at center during the Senior Bowl.

[BUTLER REDSFAN]

They just took Colbie Young, a 24-year-WR who was arrested for beating his pregnant girlfriend. Got the projected 7th rounder in the 4th round.
Dont we have to do this at least once a year? Lol

[plantmanky]

Ending the draft selecting a DT from Navy that wont even be in the country for the next 3 years.

I know its a 7th round comp pick but still.

[RiverRat13]

I'm a Bengals pessimist/realist. But if they sign a vet linebacker and swing tackle after the draft (which I think they will), this team can absolutely win the Super Bowl next year. I'm not saying they are the favorite, but there's enough talent there to win it.

[schmidty622]

Howell, Davis and Parker I can get behind. Every other pick is strange.

Lew - Coming of ACL and we never have success with players coming off injury
Young - Assaulted a pregnant woman... have we learned nothing?
Endries - Are we going to carry 6 TEs now?
Robinson - a short DT from the Naval academy????

D+ draft. C+ with Lawrence.

[Fil3232]

Ending the draft selecting a DT from Navy that wont even be in the country for the next 3 years.

I know its a 7th round comp pick but still.

That’s not how any of this works lol

[schmidty622]

That’s not how any of this works lol

Never know. Could be one of our Warfighters off to Iran...

Looked a little more into Robinson and somewhat interested though. https://gobengals.s3.us-east-2.amazonaws.com/monthly_2026_04/610752549_1438167741005394_2269136202315784421_n.t humb.jpg.26a2210a61f8ca2196655d1e98d8205e.jpg

[Fil3232]

If he’s a soldier needing to go to Iran we’re in a lot more trouble than worrying about a R7 draft pick by our Bengals

[Tony Cloninger]

Good UF pickups so far. Also how many Bearcats got drafted and no bowl game?

[Boss-Hog]

Good UF pickups so far. Also how many Bearcats got drafted and no bowl game?UC made a bowl game against Navy.

[Tony Cloninger]

UC made a bowl game against Navy.


You passed the test. Anyways. They should have been better than they were with all this NFL talent.

[Redhook]

I'm a Bengals pessimist/realist. But if they sign a vet linebacker and swing tackle after the draft (which I think they will), this team can absolutely win the Super Bowl next year. I'm not saying they are the favorite, but there's enough talent there to win it.

I agree. This offseason has been amazing and exceeded my expectations even with no vet LB....yet. I have to imagine they'll get someone, but even if they didn't they're much better on the defensive side. The D-Line went from one of the worst in the NFL to probably/hopefully league average or slightly better. That alone will improve the 2nd and 3rd levels which will be better than last year as well. The LB's will be better with a year under their belt, the safety position will be much better for obvious reasons and the cornerbacks are pretty solid.

[chicoruiz]

One of the UFA linebackers the Bengals supposedly signed is listed at 6’6 1/2” but only 221 pounds. More of a basketball body. Scouting report says he can cover and blitz a little, but don’t expect him to tackle anybody head-on.

[Redhook]

Not counting the Lawrence trade, I give the draft a C-. I like Howell and he'll bring some heat, but Davis was a typical Bengals reach. Young was a stupid pick given his and the Bengals history with this kind of poor character traits. I think Lew was a great pick though. The 6th and 7th rounds picks rarely work out so I don't expect much from them.

Thankfully, for the first time in a long time, the Bengals addressed most of their needs through free agency and went into the draft without a ton of immediate needs. Most likely, this draft class will be rated as pretty weak a few years from now, but it was a weak draft overall and they got Lawrence with their first pick which leaves me with a very positive outlook overall.

[Redsfaithful]

Goodberry/Liscow really really loved the picks in the 6th or 7th round, rare to see that. All three of those picks were in their top 100.

https://bsky.app/profile/jakeliscow.bsky.social/post/3mkeczw3yq22o

[Redhook]

Goodberry/Liscow really really loved the picks in the 6th or 7th round, rare to see that. All three of those picks were in their top 100.

https://bsky.app/profile/jakeliscow.bsky.social/post/3mkeczw3yq22o

I just read that their 6th round pick, Brian Parker, is dating Tony Boselli's daughter. That's nothing short of fantastic.

[Kingspoint]

I made one trade in a simulator trading the #10 for four picks of the Eagles and got this...

23686

The only one I got right was C Connor Lew. Of course, I had a lot more picks as I traded away #10 for picks while the Bengals traded it for Lawrence.

McDonald went #36 to Texas.

Stowers went #54 (the Pick I took him with in my trade w/ PHI) to the Eagles.

Scott went #116 to Miami.

Thompson went #105 to the Chargers.

Elarms-Orr went #126 to the Bills.

Lew went #128 to the Bengals.

Josephs went #147 to Washington.

Schrauth went #160 to Tampa Bay.

Wisniewski went #244 to the Eagles.

Whittington signed with Houston as a Free Agent.

Stribling went #33 to San Francisco. Have no idea how he was still available in the mock draft I used.

[Sea Ray]

Ending the draft selecting a DT from Navy that wont even be in the country for the next 3 years.

I know its a 7th round comp pick but still.

I'm not hearing that. What source told you that he's gone for 3 years?

[Sea Ray]

I don't see what Colby Young brings that they don't already have in Tinsley. So why go there?

[KoryMac5]

I don't see what Colby Young brings that they don't already have in Tinsley. So why go there?

Mitch is considered a 5th wide out here he is 6 feet tall and 190 and runs a 4.6 40…Young is 6 ft 4 219 and ran a 4.4 at his size. So a lot of upside to Young where I think Tinsley’s peak could be a 4th WR on this team.

[KoryMac5]

Ending the draft selecting a DT from Navy that wont even be in the country for the next 3 years.

I know its a 7th round comp pick but still.

They are allowed to defer to pursue the NFL after their careers are over they will be obligated to fulfill their commitments.

[Kingspoint]

23748

[Kingspoint]

I've noticed that a lot of Bengals' fans besides myself had Lew going to the Bengals.

[Sea Ray]

Bengals refuse option on Myles Murphy. I’m not surprised. They’ve got a lot of other commitments and irons in the fire. It’s probably good to put him in a contact year and make him play for the $14 mill


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[Boss-Hog]

Bengals refuse option on Myles Murphy. I’m not surprised. They’ve got a lot of other commitments and irons in the fire. It’s probably good to put him in a contact year and make him play for the $14 mill


Sent from my iPhone using TapatalkThe $14 million option is no longer an option once they officially decline exercising it; it's now or never. He'll still have plenty of motivation to play for a lot more expensive contract than what the fifth year option would have cost the Bengals to exercise, so he still should be plenty motivated, but this could turn out very poorly for the Bengals if they don't agree on a LTC and he goes out and shows he was worth one.

[plantmanky]

The $14 million option is no longer an option once they officially decline exercising it; it's now or never. He'll still have plenty of motivation to play for a lot more expensive contract than what the fifth year option would have cost the Bengals to exercise, so he still should be plenty motivated, but this could turn out very poorly for the Bengals if they don't agree on a LTC and he goes out and shows he was worth one.

When will he see the field though?

[Boss-Hog]

When will he see the field though?Unless you know something I don't, he's a starter as of now, which is how he finished 2025 and was very productive the second half of the year. If Shemar makes a huge leap and starts over him, the DE3 still plays plenty of snaps.

[Redsfaithful]

Murphy is why I hate drafting d-line, I have no data to support this but it feels like every Bengals d-lineman they draft is a black hole the first two years, starts to improve year 3, then starts/is productive, then leaves.

I started noticing this with Andrew Billings who could barely get on the field for the Bengals on his rookie deal it felt like and now is about to enter his 9th year in the league. I'd rather just pay established players with upside coming off their rookie contract and try to be cheap with other position units.

[Sea Ray]

The $14 million option is no longer an option once they officially decline exercising it; it's now or never. He'll still have plenty of motivation to play for a lot more expensive contract than what the fifth year option would have cost the Bengals to exercise, so he still should be plenty motivated, but this could turn out very poorly for the Bengals if they don't agree on a LTC and he goes out and shows he was worth one.

I didn’t mean to infer that they retained the $14mill option. I merely meant that he hadn’t earned such a contract yet. He might earn it with a good 2026 season. I don’t agree that a breakout season would be a poor outcome for the Bengals. That’d be fabulous for the team. With all the other sack options this D line has I doubt Murphy will pile up the sacks. If he does, fine. We franchise him and work out either a trade or a long term deal


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[Sea Ray]

Murphy is why I hate drafting d-line, I have no data to support this but it feels like every Bengals d-lineman they draft is a black hole the first two years, starts to improve year 3, then starts/is productive, then leaves.

I started noticing this with Andrew Billings who could barely get on the field for the Bengals on his rookie deal it felt like and now is about to enter his 9th year in the league. I'd rather just pay established players with upside coming off their rookie contract and try to be cheap with other position units.

I’d word it a little differently. I hate it when they draft projects in the first round. A 20 year old D lineman is a project. It inevitably brings with it decisions like we saw yesterday


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[Boss-Hog]

I didn’t mean to infer that they retained the $14mill option. I merely meant that he hadn’t earned such a contract yet. He might earn it with a good 2026 season. I don’t agree that a breakout season would be a poor outcome for the Bengals. That’d be fabulous for the team. With all the other sack options this D line has I doubt Murphy will pile up the sacks. If he does, fine. We franchise him and work out either a trade or a long term deal


Sent from my iPhone using TapatalkI didn't say a breakout season would be bad. I said that would make this decision to decline the fifth year option a bad one. If you approach this from the standpoint of 'oh, just franchise tag him' if he has a good year in 2026, the franchise tag this year for DEs was $24.5 million, and it'll be even more next year when they have to make that decision. For a team that already feels they're up against the cap, which is what led to this decision, that's a huge waste of $10+ million. Even if they franchise tag him and sign him to a LTC, that's going to cost a lot more coming off a breakout year than it would now. You can't continue paying market rate for everyone; at some point, you have to have confidence in your scouting and development and sign players when they're eligible before they break out at which point their market value is significantly higher.

The only way this decision works out is 1). He has a poor year next year in which case declining the option was probably a good move or 2). If they sign him to a LTC this offseason that lowers his 2027 cap hit relative to what the fifth year option would have cost, but picking up the option now wouldn't have prevented them from negotiating a LTC, so it doesn't make a whole lot of sense to me.

[dfs]

They are allowed to defer to pursue the NFL after their careers are over they will be obligated to fulfill their commitments.

I believe Jacob Hurtubise was/is in the same position as a West Point grad. They have the chance to play professionally and then have to serve their time afterwards.

[Sea Ray]

I didn't say a breakout season would be bad. I said that would make this decision to decline the fifth year option a bad one. If you approach this from the standpoint of 'oh, just franchise tag him' if he has a good year in 2026, the franchise tag this year for DEs was $24.5 million, and it'll be even more next year when they have to make that decision. For a team that already feels they're up against the cap, which is what led to this decision, that's a huge waste of $10+ million. Even if they franchise tag him and sign him to a LTC, that's going to cost a lot more coming off a breakout year than it would now. You can't continue paying market rate for everyone; at some point, you have to have confidence in your scouting and development and sign players when they're eligible before they break out at which point their market value is significantly higher.

The only way this decision works out is 1). He has a poor year next year in which case declining the option was probably a good move or 2). If they sign him to a LTC this offseason that lowers his 2027 cap hit relative to what the fifth year option would have cost, but picking up the option now wouldn't have prevented them from negotiating a LTC, so it doesn't make a whole lot of sense to me.

It never occurred to me that you’d consider a break out season bad. You’re a Bengal fan. We all want that. Let’s hope that’s what happens


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[Boss-Hog]

It never occurred to me that you’d consider a break out season bad. You’re a Bengal fan. We all want that. Let’s hope that’s what happens


Sent from my iPhone using TapatalkIf you still think that's what I'm saying, then it's clear you're not reading my posts because I've not said anything of the sort in either post. Let me be very clear with you: I very much hope Myles Murphy has a break out season for the Bengals in 2026. IF they don't sign him to a LTC this offseason AND he has a break out year in 2026, they will have screwed up this decision to decline the fifth year option because he'll be a heck of a lot more expensive to keep coming off a break out year than he would have been at $14 million for 2027 plus the ability to continue negotiating in a LTC this offseason. I don’t think they'll be able to keep him in that scenario whereas I think they could have as of today through 2027 at the very least via the fifth year option.

[Sea Ray]

If you still think that's what I'm saying, then it's clear you're not reading my posts because I've not said anything of the sort in either post. Let me be very clear with you: I very much hope Myles Murphy has a break out season for the Bengals in 2026. IF they don't sign him to a LTC this offseason AND he has a break out year in 2026, they will have screwed up this decision to decline the fifth year option because he'll be a heck of a lot more expensive to keep coming off a break out year than he would have been at $14 million for 2027 plus the ability to continue negotiating in a LTC this offseason. I don’t think they'll be able to keep him in that scenario whereas I think they could have as of today through 2027 at the very least via the fifth year option.

I have no issue with what you wrote. I don’t know what your issue is but I’m good. Let’s hope for a breakout year for Murphy and for the Bengals


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[Boss-Hog]

Well, you said you'd never considered I would think a break out for Murphy was bad, which I don't for the reasons mentioned above, so that's what I was responding to.

[texasdave]

Cincinnati has the “inside track” in hosting the 2029 NFL Draft according to a report from Sports Business Journal. Nothing is official yet, but this is good news for the Bengals.

Get your orange and black face paint ready.

[Sea Ray]

Get your orange and black face paint ready.

That'd be fun.

I already have a room booked in Maryland for next year's draft. Haven't decided if I'm going to keep it or not. Rooms are already getting hard to find there and pricey

[Sea Ray]

Well, you said you'd never considered I would think a break out for Murphy was bad, which I don't for the reasons mentioned above, so that's what I was responding to.

I agree with the Bengals decision. It sounds like you disagree



The only way this decision works out is 1). He has a poor year next year in which case declining the option was probably a good move or 2). If they sign him to a LTC this offseason that lowers his 2027 cap hit relative to what the fifth year option would have cost, but picking up the option now wouldn't have prevented them from negotiating a LTC, so it doesn't make a whole lot of sense to me.

Right now they are about $37mill under the cap for 2027 and I don't think that includes 2027 draft picks. It only includes 27 players. They will have to have twice that number when they open the 2027 season (including IR). Do you really want to tie up another $14 mill of that $37mill right now (on Murphy)? I say no. Let's hope Murphy does well and presents "a good problem" for the team. I'd far prefer that to happen than for him to have a Joseph Ossai season or worse yet, a season where he's hurt and can't produce. I want this to present a financial problem 'cause that means the Bengals got a great year out of him

I understand what you're saying about the franchise tag number and the 5th year option number. I'm more focused on winning on the field in 2026 and having financial flexibility in terms of the cap in 2027. That's the basis of my reasoning

https://overthecap.com/salary-cap-space

[Boss-Hog]

I agree with the Bengals decision. It sounds like you disagree



Right now they are about $37mill under the cap for 2027 and I don't think that includes 2027 draft picks. It only includes 27 players. They will have to have twice that number when they open the 2027 season (including IR). Do you really want to tie up another $14 mill of that $37mill right now (on Murphy)? I say no. Let's hope Murphy does well and presents "a good problem" for the team. I'd far prefer that to happen than for him to have a Joseph Ossai season or worse yet, a season where he's hurt and can't produce. I want this to present a financial problem 'cause that means the Bengals got a great year out of him

I understand what you're saying about the franchise tag number and the 5th year option number. I'm more focused on winning on the field in 2026 and having financial flexibility in terms of the cap in 2027. That's the basis of my reasoning

https://overthecap.com/salary-cap-space
Your link shows $59 million in 2027 cap space, which is right in the middle of the pack, so it isn't like they're up against the cap or anything. All teams will have to sign their 2027 draft picks with their cap space, plus, the draft picks will displace players already on the roster, so that's not a concern. What makes you think they'll need twice the amount of space they have now to open next seaosn because I'm not seeing that at all?

Next offseason likely won't have a huge spending spree in free agency, but they have a reasonable amount of cap space. In addition to this, it sounds like they're at least considering restructuring Burrow's contract now, which would free up immediate space and anything left unused this offseason can be rolled over for next year. If they don't do that this offseason, they'll have that available for next year.

My preference is to sign Murphy to a LTC this offseason that lowers his cap hit next year compared to the $14 million cap hit via the fifth year option. If they had exercised the fifth year option, they would have had that as a backup to keep him through next year if that negotiation fails, but now, they don't.

[Sea Ray]

Your link shows $59 million in 2027 cap space, which is right in the middle of the pack, so it isn't like they're up against the cap or anything. All teams will have to sign their 2027 draft picks with their cap space, plus, the draft picks will displace players already on the roster, so that's not a concern. What makes you think they'll need twice the amount of space they have now to open next seaosn because I'm not seeing that at all?

Next offseason likely won't have a huge spending spree in free agency, but they have a reasonable amount of cap space. In addition to this, it sounds like they're at least considering restructuring Burrow's contract now, which would free up immediate space and anything left unused this offseason can be rolled over for next year. If they don't do that this offseason, they'll have that available for next year.

My preference is to sign Murphy to a LTC this offseason that lowers his cap hit next year compared to the $14 million cap hit via the fifth year option. If they had exercised the fifth year option, they would have had that as a backup to keep him through next year if that negotiation fails, but now, they don't.

You are correct. I was looking at effective cap space but that still is not a big number. We'll need to re-sign some guys next year including DJ Turner. Signing Murphy to a LTC contract is all dependent upon the numbers. At a cap number under $14 mill, maybe. My guess is that fans will be calling for a few FAs to be signed next year. 28 guys signed for next year is not a big figure. They've got a lot of folks to bring in

[Boss-Hog]

You are correct. I was looking at effective cap space but that still is not a big number. We'll need to re-sign some guys next year including DJ Turner. Signing Murphy to a LTC contract is all dependent upon the numbers. At a cap number under $14 mill, maybe. My guess is that fans will be calling for a few FAs to be signed next year. 28 guys signed for next year is not a big figure. They've got a lot of folks to bring in

I don't think the 28 players under contract is an outlier for teams a year in advance; you'd have to see how that compares to other teams before I'd let that concern me. In any event, the cap space is middle of the pack for all teams, and they don't need twice the space you originally thought they had. They can cut players that warrant it next offseason or restructure Burrow's contract now or next year if they need more. We do agree a LTC that reduces Murphy's future cap hits would be preferable, and that should be plenty doable if he's interested in signing now and not betting on himself to try for a more lucrative deal next year.

[MWM]

I think it was probably wise to extend Murphy now. However, he seems like a prime candidate to be one of those guys that once he gets another contract, he will get complacent again. It took him being on the brink of not even having an nfl career to get him to start playing. I wouldn't at all be surprised if he declines once he gets another contract.

[texasdave]

https://www.msn.com/en-us/sports/nfl/cincinnati-bengals-center-conner-lew-s-nfl-draft-call-after-being-a-fourth-round-pick/vi-AA22eXK0?ocid=msedgntp&pc=DCTS&cvid=69f7d72e7cf9439981a61b211fa2f538&ei=40

A quick interview with Connor Lew.

[RiverRat13]

I don't think the 28 players under contract is an outlier for teams a year in advance; you'd have to see how that compares to other teams before I'd let that concern me. In any event, the cap space is middle of the pack for all teams, and they don't need twice the space you originally thought they had. They can cut players that warrant it next offseason or restructure Burrow's contract now or next year if they need more. We do agree a LTC that reduces Murphy's future cap hits would be preferable, and that should be plenty doable if he's interested in signing now and not betting on himself to try for a more lucrative deal next year.

https://www.spotrac.com/nfl/cap/_/year/2027

13 teams have less 2027 cap space than the Bengals. One (Carolina) has fewer players signed than the Bengals but most of the teams have a lot more under contract for 2027. The Bengals do have several easy levers to pull to create more space. As you mentioned, the Burrow re-structure is one. But BJ Hill, Jonathan Allen, and Mike Gesicki are all potential 2027 cuts that would free up a good amount of money compared to the dead cap hit they'd take. The most intriguing contract is Tee's. He has high cap numbers for 2027 and 2028 with a small comparative dead cap hit. I don't think the Bengals would cut him, but I could see scenarios where he's traded after this year.

[Kingspoint]

Connor Lew is going to be better than Alex Karras before the season ends. I know that's a pretty low bar, but I'd love to see Lew take over at Center by November and Karras moved to Guard.

- - - Updated - - -

https://www.profootballrumors.com/2026/05/bengals-c-connor-lew-expected-to-be-ready-for-training-camp

[Boss-Hog]

Connor Lew is going to be better than Alex Karras before the season ends. I know that's a pretty low bar, but I'd love to see Lew take over at Center by November and Karras moved to Guard.

- - - Updated - - -

https://www.profootballrumors.com/2026/05/bengals-c-connor-lew-expected-to-be-ready-for-training-campTed Karras. Keep in mind Connor Lew is young (20 years old) and coming off an ACL surgery from last October, so maybe he's pushing for playing time in the event of injury or ineffectiveness later in the year, but I'd be looking more towards 2027 before he's hopefully able to take over for good.

[Kingspoint]

Ted Karras. Keep in mind Connor Lew is young (20 years old) and coming off an ACL surgery from last October, so maybe he's pushing for playing time in the event of injury or ineffectiveness later in the year, but I'd be looking more towards 2027 before he's hopefully able to take over for good.

Ted Karras has never had a season for Cincinnati worthy of remembering his name.

At 18, Lew made everyone older than him take a seat earning the Starting job from Day 1. This guy is special...1st Round talent... 100% healthy when the season begins.

Yes. 2027 is probably when they let him have the job, but I think he'll force his way into playing time, regular playing time, in November. Tobin finally made a good pick.

[Boss-Hog]

Ted Karras has never had a season for Cincinnati worthy of remembering his name.

I don't agree with this. If he's never been any good here, why would we want to move him from center to guard instead of just benching him?

[Kingspoint]

I don't agree with this. If he's never been any good here, why would we want to move him from center to guard instead of just benching him?

Because he would be better there than our other options and it's just for one more season. Would like his IQ next to a Rookie Center and young RT.

[Boss-Hog]

Because he would be better there than our other options and it's just for one more season. Would like his IQ next to a Rookie Center and young RT.If he's as bad as you say he is, I don't see how he'd be a better option than Risner at a position he hasn't played in years.

[texasdave]

Good news for Bengals fans.
Cincinnati receives major schedule relief entering 2026, facing opponents with a combined .450 win percentage from last season. Compared to several AFC contenders battling brutal schedules, the Bengals avoid many of the conference’s toughest weekly gauntlets this time around.

[Kingspoint]

If he's as bad as you say he is, I don't see how he'd be a better option than Risner at a position he hasn't played in years.

The best he's ever been with us has been a C-minus for a season compared to other Centers in the league. That's not close to good enough.

His seasons have always been somewhere between D-plus to C-minus. He's consistently better than most of the other players on the O-Line because it's usually filled with guys who are F-minus to D+.

He's not better than Risner. I'd move Risner to LG. Risner is the best Lineman on the team right now. Would rather have him helping on the left side in pass-protect.