So, I know it's not that simple and its WILD to think the Bengals are doing TOO much in free agency, but hear me out...

The Brown family is notorious for seeking "value" when it comes to things (I won't say cheap, because I really don't think they are cheap). They want to stretch their dollar as far as possible, not waste money, and want a return on their investment. This is clear.

So, why do they not focus more on re-signing more of their proven quality players rather than rolling the dice with expensive free agents at times? Bates, Reader, Higgins, etc.

I am not against bringing in free agents in the least (you need them to build a quality roster), but you think they'd PRIORITIZE keeping guys that have produced for them rather than spend big on "wild cards".

You'd think that the misses on guys like Trae Waynes, Rankins, Stone, Preston Brown, even going way back to Antonio Bryant would incentivize this team to prioritize the KNOWN commodity. I mean, this team could have literally kept Bates for only a few more million dollars than they gave Sheldon Rankins. You'd think an organization like the Bengals who value comfortability and a "safe" investment would have went down that path.

Again, I know it's not that simple and these are different "positional" signings, but I just found it interesting. In my mind, they should prioritize paying out big to keep their own stars (no matter position), THEN supplimenting through free agency. But they haven't worked that way recently.

Anyone doubting Cappa shoud be cut needs to look at his 2023 and 2024 season. He was also not a great run blocker. Time to find his replacement at right gurad. Who else needs to go post draft or if we sign a FA replacement?

Cincinnati Bengals

RG Alex Cappa

Cappa was the first big post-Super Bowl LVI addition the Bengals made to boost their offensive line. However, Cappa has struggled the past two years. In 2024, Cappa ranked last (64th) among qualifying players in pass block win rate as a guard, according to NFL Next Gen Stats. The year before that, he was 60th out of 62. By moving on from Cappa, the Bengals would save $8 million in salary cap space while incurring $2 million in dead cap. -- Ben Baby

Before everyone freaks out...Offensive linemen don't work out until Sunday so they aren't even in Indianapolis yet

Updated list: https://t.co/kHENV0Mi0j pic.twitter.com/0du8M4PJaH

— Bengals & Brews (@BengalsBrews) February 27, 2025

We’ve all seen these offseasons play out.

I got told i was crazy yesterday cause most fans think we’re signing Tee OR Trey but i wanna be the 1st to say it……we ain’t extending EITHER.


If anyone really cares and want to know why i think this i will explain but to me it’s obvious we are moving on from both when their contact ends.

https://www.espn.com/nfl/story/_/id/44022968/sources-titans-give-harold-landry-permission-seek-trade


Pairing him with Hendrickson would be incredible !

#Bengals end up 24th out of 32 on the NFLPA overall report card but were hammered for treatment of families and food/dining. https://t.co/kWNtdgzp7x pic.twitter.com/PRHq09Mj6I

— Paul Dehner Jr. (@pauldehnerjr) February 26, 2025

1) No hedging, no caveats, no buts...he wants a deal done with the big 3 before free agency
2) He agrees with his QB
3) Ja'Marr Chase WILL be the highest paid non-QB in the NFL
4) The hedging came with the other free agents include Mike G. Love to have them back but we'll have to see
5) Mims will be an All-pro
6) hemming and hawing a bit on the guard situation.

Tobin on guards: our offensive line gets beat on. We had a ton of injuries.

We score points like nobody’s business. The line is half of that group.

We can be a little better here or there. Our offensive is pretty good.

Can we improve some of those spots? Maybe. We’ll see.

— Charlie Goldsmith (@CharlieG__) February 25, 2025

According to Schefter, Tobin said at the combine in Indy that the Bengals are preparing to make Chase the highest paid non QB in the NFL. Sounds like the deal is there. Wish i knew how to post Schefter's post.

Former DC for the Eagles and Bears.  He spent last season with the Rams.  He worked for Al at Temple and at Univ of Miami

The #Bengals are hiring Sean Desai as senior defensive assistant, per source.

Desai — the former #Bears and #Eagles DC — played a key role with the #Rams’ game planning last year. Now headed to Cincinnati. pic.twitter.com/kadZo9lGZa

— Tom Pelissero (@TomPelissero) February 24, 2025

Are we still in need of a RB or are we fine with Chase Brown as the 3 down back?

Fine with Brown and a Herbert/Moss type backup?

Or are we still in the belief that Chase Brown is better as a committee back.