We're almost out of time but I thought it would be good to see even a few predictions from the board. I hope I'm wrong but I'll go with someone overpaying some guards right at noon and we settle for Will Hernandez. That creates a big need for a run blocking LG but that's my guess on the first move. We go the early afternoon hearing interest in bigger name DL and then we ink BJ Hill and spin it as him "finding his value". Also assuming that Tee will be very vocal and no action, same for Trey, hope I'm wrong.

SETTLING for Will Hernandez for what we can get him for and not overpaying on someone is the SMART thing to do. I assume most of you don't know how to look up stats and compare their numbers to others and where good value is. (Not saying you don't but some in here don't). Would like to have BJ back on a 2 year deal but no crazy contract.

(03-09-2025, 11:52 PM)pulses Wrote: SETTLING for Will Hernandez for what we can get him for and not overpaying on someone is the SMART thing to do. I assume most of you don't know how to look up stats and compare their numbers to others and where good value is. (Not saying you don't but some in here don't). Would like to have BJ back on a 2 year deal but no crazy contract.

What do you consider crazy?

(03-09-2025, 11:52 PM)pulses Wrote: SETTLING for Will Hernandez for what we can get him for and not overpaying on someone is the SMART thing to do. I assume most of you don't know how to look up stats and compare their numbers to others and where good value is. (Not saying you don't but some in here don't). Would like to have BJ back on a 2 year deal but no crazy contract.

Alex Cappa who was literally the worst guard in football last year signed a 2 year 11 mil 5.5m APY. I have a hard time believing any OL with starter potential will be a "good deal".

(03-09-2025, 11:57 PM)Synric Wrote: Alex Cappa who was literally the worst guard in football last year signed a 2 year 11 mil 5.5m APY. I have a hard time believing any OL with starter potential will be a "good deal".

No one worth being on the field will be. And we are talking about just guys. It’s becoming obvious it’s really hard to overpay superstars.

(03-09-2025, 11:52 PM)pulses Wrote: SETTLING for Will Hernandez for what we can get him for and not overpaying on someone is the SMART thing to do. I assume most of you don't know how to look up stats and compare their numbers to others and where good value is. (Not saying you don't but some in here don't). Would like to have BJ back on a 2 year deal but no crazy contract.

So I'm suggesting that a guy like Will Fries gets a huge deal. Then, though I agree that settling for the market to settle for Hernandez and Hill types...even both of them will be paid more than expected even with the new cap...but short term deals. I heard someone suggest Hill for 9M/2yr but I'm thinking 10.5M/3 but really a 2yr deal with not much guaranteed in the 3rd  I'm just guessing I'll be thinking tomorrow "I can deal with ___ , at least we got that need solidified I just wish it was for less".  

I predict Bengals will end up re-signing BJ Hill and Joseph Ossai, as well as signing James Daniels to be the new RG.
That allows the Bengals to go into the draft.
They will focus on getting another DT early to pair next to Hill with Jenkins and Jackson backing them up.
They will also look to get another Guard to compete with Volson and Ford for LG duties.
They'll also draft a DE early to compete with Ossai and Murphy for starting DE duties opposite Hendrickson.

Neither Hendrickson, Chase, nor Higgins will get a new deal nor be traded until August (new deal) or October (traded).

(03-09-2025, 11:54 PM)Bengalbug Wrote: What do you consider crazy?

I wouldn't go over 10/yr for BJ Hill

(03-10-2025, 12:05 AM)phil413 Wrote: So I'm suggesting that a guy like Will Fries gets a huge deal. Then, though I agree that settling for the market to settle for Hernandez and Hill types...even both of them will be paid more than expected even with the new cap...but short term deals. I heard someone suggest Hill for 9M/2yr but I'm thinking 10.5M/3 but really a 2yr deal with not much guaranteed in the 3rd  I'm just guessing I'll be thinking tomorrow "I can deal with ___ , at least we got that need solidified I just wish it was for less".  

Someone will pay Fries 12-14/yr If I was to guess.

Rodgers to the Vikings.

Their coach has gotta be the best at maximizing QB success.

Having the weapons they have doesn’t hurt either.

If I were Rodgers it’d be the best landing spot as far as having success this year.

Hopefully a little more action and a little less tire kicking.

(03-10-2025, 01:24 AM)BrownAssClown Wrote: Hopefully a little more action and a little less tire kicking.

It's like they just sit back and wait for deals to fall into their laps

For me, I say we go:

1) BJ Hill- Our own

2) Brandon Scherff- G ( Jax)

3) Joseph Ossai- our own

Trey gets traded. No extension for Chase. Tee plays on the tag. We let BJ Hill & Hilton walk.

And then we overpay for a bunch of mediocre B-/C+ FA's.

Burrow asks out after 1 more year, or before.

Hill
Ossai
ADG
Cam Sample
RB Herbert

I’m setting my expectations low so I might get some surprise signings to celebrate.

(03-10-2025, 02:14 AM)Isaac Curtis: The Real #85 Wrote: Trey gets traded. No extension for Chase. Tee plays on the tag. We let BJ Hill & Hilton walk.

And then we overpay for a bunch of mediocre B-/C+ FA's.

Burrow asks out after 1 more year, or before.

At least be realistic with your pessimism.

If I’m to take a pessimistic view I’d say all of the above except Chase gets locked up and Burrow doesn’t leave—but is forced to retire early due to injuries. And the Bengals don’t win a Super Bowl with him because they fail to surround him with the right talent.

The bengals locked up Palmer and Chad in the past. They let Housh walk. Look to history if you want to predict the future.

I’m more of a realist I guess. I’m not sure what to expect but there’s beauty in not knowing. Life is mysterious and beautiful and fun. Not everything goes the way you want it and there are valuable lessons in that. Have fun with it anyway.

(03-10-2025, 02:14 AM)Isaac Curtis: The Real #85 Wrote: Trey gets traded. No extension for Chase. Tee plays on the tag. We let BJ Hill & Hilton walk.

And then we overpay for a bunch of mediocre B-/C+ FA's.

Burrow asks out after 1 more year, or before.

A bit dramatic?

(03-10-2025, 08:47 AM)Bengalbug Wrote: A bit dramatic?

You’re being silly if you think Burrow won’t demand a trade if this doesn’t improve. There’s still hope that they can salvage things this year, but if they don’t, those rumblings will eventually come.

(03-10-2025, 09:30 AM)RunKijanaRun Wrote: You’re being silly if you think Burrow won’t demand a trade if this doesn’t improve. There’s still hope that they can salvage things this year, but if they don’t, those rumblings will eventually come.

Bills traded Stefon diggs. Chiefs traded Tyreek hill.

It has less to do with the free agents/this off season and more to do with the drafting and developing. If that gets fixed (not an easy task), then the rest will fall into place.

(03-09-2025, 11:57 PM)Synric Wrote: Alex Cappa who was literally the worst guard in football last year signed a 2 year 11 mil 5.5m APY. I have a hard time believing any OL with starter potential will be a "good deal".

Rumor is the guard market is going to explode, even for bad ones. Apparently it was the talk of the combine which is why Poles in Chicago just went ahead and traded for some.