The 2025 Bengals Rosters Thread: Coaches & Players

[Isaac Curtis: The Real #85]

Well, it is not a signing, per se, but Zach Moss has agreed to a reworked contract and will play for us in 2025. Originally reported by SI.

https://www.yardbarker.com/nfl/articles/zack_moss_agrees_to_re_worked_deal_will_play_for_cincinnati_bengals_in_2025/s1_16652_42084541

I do not know how much cap space we will save. The old cap number was $4.8 mil. $1.5 mil in dead money if cut for a $3.3+ mil in savings.

https://overthecap.com/salary-cap/cincinnati-bengals

We must be reasonably sure he will recover from the neck injury. And I think you can take RB off the board in the draft. Unless we decide to carry 4. Good RB draft,,but I think we have bigger needs st G (1-2), S, DT, DE, and also TE. Depth at WR & OT would also be useful. As would a speedier LB, another CB, and even a PK.

[Luvnit2]

(04-21-2025, 07:58 PM)Isaac Curtis: The Real #85 Wrote: Well, it is not a signing, per se, but Zach Moss has agreed to a reworked contract and will play for us in 2025. Originally reported by SI.

https://www.yardbarker.com/nfl/articles/zack_moss_agrees_to_re_worked_deal_will_play_for_cincinnati_bengals_in_2025/s1_16652_42084541

I do not know how much cap space we will save. The old cap number was $4.8 mil. $1.5 mil in dead money if cut for a $3.3+ mil in savings.

https://overthecap.com/salary-cap/cincinnati-bengals

We must be reasonably sure he will recover from  the neck injury. And I think you can take RB off the board in the draft. Unless we decide to carry 4. Good RB draft,,but I think we have bigger needs st G (1-2), S, DT, DE, and also TE. Depth at WR & OT would also be useful. As would a speedier LB, another CB, and even a PK.

I like him 1.6 million or less, 2.0 Meh

Glad they reworked the deal since Brown became our #1 RB

It is a very heavy RB class, we could get a very good one in round 6, but definitely not a priority if he is healthy so unless Henderson is sitting there at pick 81, no need to go with a RB wit first 5 picks.

[Clark W Griswold]

I guess this frees up another pick so they don’t have to grab a RB. However, if they have filled some G/defensive needs within the first 3-4 rounds and there’s a RB they like still available then they should take him - especially if he has some speed.

If Brown were to miss time they would not have a RB who is capable of filling in as RB1.

[Isaac Curtis: The Real #85]

(04-21-2025, 10:05 PM)Clark W Griswold Wrote: I guess this frees up another pick so they don’t have to grab a RB. However, if they have filled some G/defensive needs within the first 3-4 rounds and there’s a RB they like still available then they should take him - especially if he has some speed.

If Brown were to miss time they would not have a RB who is capable of filling in as RB1.

Agreed. We were hurting vs Pitt last year with Brown out. He needs a deputy.

[Isaac Curtis: The Real #85]

Bengals take Shemar Stewart, DE, Texas A&M, at #17. I hated it  but even I have to admit, there is tremendous upside. And there certainly do not apoear to be any personal or work ethic red flags. 


I think it is a safe bet he makes the 53. Speaking of, time to start projecting that. 
--------------

II.  Current Projected Roster: Signed/Draft = 53

Italics denotes a player with a zero dead cap hit.

Offense = 25
QB (2): Burrow; Browning
RB (3): C. Brown; Perine, Moss
WR (6): Chase, Higgins, Iosivas; C. Jones, I. Williams, Burton
TE (5): D. Sample; Gesicki, Hudson, Grandy, McLachlan
OT (4): O. Brown, Mims; Ford (T/G), Cochran
G (3): Patrick (G/C), Volson, Kirkland
C (2): Karras (C/G); Lee (C/T/G)
----------------
Defense = 25
DE (6): Hendrickson, Ossai; Stewart, Murphy, C. Sample, C. Johnson
DT (4): BJ Hill, Slaton; Jenkins; Jackson
LB (5): L. Wilson, Pratt; Burks, Heyward, Njongmeta
CB (6): CTB, D. Hill; Turner, Newton, Ivey, M. Wilson
S (4): Battle, Stone; Anderson, Anthony
---------------
Special Teams = 3
PK: McPherson
P: Rehkow
LS: Adomitis
=================

III.  Injured Reserve = 1 (54)
1. Erick All, TE, (knee). Likely season-ending 2nd surgery.
----------

IV. Signed, Projected Outside the 53 = 6 (60)
1. QB (1): Woodside
2. RB (1): Milton
3. G (1): Stueber
4. DE (1): I. Thonas
5. LB (1): Giles-Harris
6. CB (1): L. Robinson
---------------------

V. Signed to Future's Contracts = 13 (73)

These guys do technically take up roster spaces and cap space at the moment. But effectively  they do not, as none of them have any Dead Cap hit if released. These are camp bodies, practice squad types with perhaps a dark horse candidate to make the 53 or two.

But it does give one a better idea if how much space we'd have with a full toster instead of only 44.


#, Pos, Player, # Acc Yrs, Salary, Dead Cap
1. RB Gary Brightwell, 3, $1,100,000, Zero
2. WR Kendric Pryor, 1, $1,030,000, Zero
3. WR Cole Burgess, 0, $840,000, Zero
4. WR Mitchell Tinsley, 1, $960,000, Zero
5. OT Andrew Coker, 0, $840,000, Zero
6. OG Tayshawn Manning, 0, $8400,000,Zer0
7. DE Raymond Johnson III, 1, $960,000, Zero
8. LB Craig Young, 0, $840,000, Zero
9. CB Micah Abraham, 0, $840,000, Zero
10. CB Nate Brooks, 0, $960,000, Zero
11. CB Jalen Davis, 4, $1,030,000, Zero
12. S PJ Jules, 0, $840,000, Zero
13. S Jaylen Key, 0, $840,000, Zero

https://www.bengals.com/news/bengals-sign-11-players-to-reserve-future-contracts-bengals-roster-update
--------------

VI.  Bengals Free Agents: 53/IR/PS = 7

Pos, Player
1. CB3: Mike Hilton
-------------
2. S3: Vonn Bell
-------------
3. LB4: Joe Bachie
4. PK: Cade York 
------------
5. RB4: Trayveon Williams
6. RB5: Chris Evans
7. OG/OT: D'Ante Smith
------------

VII.  Bengals FA's, Re-signed/Extensions = 15
1. TE Cam Grandy, ERFA, 1 year, $980,000.
2. CB Jalen Davis, Future's/Reserve, $1,030,000
3. P Ryan Rehkow, ERFA, 2 yrs, $960,000 in 2025
4. LS Cal Adomitis, RFA, 1 year, $1,100,000
5. OG Jaxson Kirkland, ERFA, 1 yr  $960,000
6. TE Tanner Hudson, 1 year, ??? $$$
7. TE/WR Mike Gesicki, 3 years, $25.5 mil
8. OG/OT Cody Ford, 2 years, $6,000,000
9. DT BJ Hill, 3 years, $33 mil, $16 G.
10. DE Joseph Ossai, 1 year, $7 mil
11. CB Marco Williams, 1 year, $1.52 mil
12. DE Cam Sample, 1 year, $1.6 mil
13. WR Tee Higgins, 4 years, $115 million
14. WR Ja'Marr Chase, 4 years, $161 mil (extension)
15. QB Logan Woodside, 1 year, ?$$ (Likely PS QB)
-------------------

VIII. Outside FA's brought in (5)
1. RB Samaje Perine, 2 years, $3.8 mil.
2. NT/DT TJ Slaton, 2 years, $15.1 mil
3. LB Oren Burks, 2 years, $5 mil
4. OG/C Lucas Patrick, 1 year, $2.1 mil
5. LB Joe Giles-Harris, 1 year, ??? (on PS briefly in '24)
----------------

IX. Bengals Draft Picks (1)
1. Rd1: #17: Shemar Stewart, DE, Texas A&M
-----------

X.  Bengals FA's, Signed elsewhere = 6
1. DT: Dominique Davis (PS), 1 year, $840,000 (future's)
2. LB: Akeem Davis-Gaither, AZ, 2 yrs, $10 mil, $3.805 cap
3. RB Khalil Herbert, Indy, 1 year, $1,197,500
4. DT Jay Tufele, Jets, 1 year, $1,030,000
5. OT Trent Brown, Texans, 1 year, $1,732,353
6. C/G Trey Hill, Packers, 1 yr, $1,100,000
----------

XI.  Bengals Cuts from last year's 53 = 3
#, Pos, Player, Cap Savings, Dead Cap
1. DT Sheldon Rankins, $9.618 mil, $2 mil (Texans, 1/$7)
2. G Alex Cappa, $8 mil, $2.25 mil (Raiders, 2/$11.2)
3. DE Sam Hubbard, $9.5 mil, $2 mil (retired)
=========================== 

[*pally*]

Digits dropped.#WhoDey pic.twitter.com/nZJATEgdOc

— Cincinnati Bengals (@Bengals) April 29, 2025

[Isaac Curtis: The Real #85]

OK, long past time for an update post draft, post UDFA signings. 

Draft class = 6.
1/17: Shemar Stewart, DE, Texas A&M 
2/49: Demetrius Knight Jr., LB, South Carolina
3/81: Dylan Fairchild, LG, Georgia 
4/119: Barret Carter, LB, Clemson 
5/153: Jalen Rivers, OG/OT, Miami, Fl. 
6/193: Tahj Brooks, RB, Texas Tech 

https://www.bengals.com/draft/2025-draft-picks
------------------

UDFA signings = 14. 

https://www.cincyjungle.com/2025/4/26/24415072/bengals-undrafted-free-agent-signings-tracker-picks-results

1. C: Seth McLaughlic, Ohio State 
2. DT: Howard Cross, Notre Dame 
3. DT: Eric Gregory, Arkansas 
4. QB: Payton Thorne, Auburn 
5. RB: Quali Conley, Arizona
6. WR: Jordan Moore, Duke
7. WR: Rashod Owens, Oklahoma State
8. WR: Jamoi Mayes, Cincinnati 
9. TE: Kole Taylor, West Virginia 
10. OT: Caleb Etienne, BYU 
11. CB: Bralyn Lux, Texas Tech
12. S: Shaquan Loyal, Rutgers 
13. LS: William Wagner, Michigan 
-------------
14. DT: Dante Barnett, Dickenson College, Birmingam (ENG), Int Pathway

https://www.cincyjungle.com/2025/5/1/24422019/dante-barnett-bengals-international-prospect-nfl-pathway-program
--------------

For those wondering, 6 draft picks + 14 USFA signings would put us at 92 players by my count. 2 over the 90 teams can bring to camp. 

I have no idea if placing a player on IR (All, McLaughlin) would free a spot. Or if our UDFA on the International Pathway might be exempt somehow.
-------------

Currently, I am projecting all 6 picks to make the 53 and no UDFA or Future's guys. 

And, for the moment at least, I have Pratt & Volson on the 53. Until they are released. 

II.  Current Projected Roster: Signed/Draft = 53

Italics denotes a player with a zero dead cap hit.

Offense = 25
QB (2): Burrow; Browning
RB (4): C. Brown; Perine, Moss, Brooks
WR (5): Chase, Higgins, Iosivas; C. Jones, Burton
TE (5): D. Sample; Gesicki, Hudson, Grandy, McLachlan
OT (4): O. Brown, Mims; Ford (T/G), Rivers (OT/G)
G (3): Patrick (G/C), Fairchild, Volson
C (2): Karras (C/G); Lee (C/T/G)
----------------
Defense = 25
DE (6): Hendrickson, Ossai; Stewart, Murphy, C. Sample (DE/DT), C. Johnson
DT (4): BJ Hill, Slaton; Jenkins; Jackson
LB (5): L. Wilson, Pratt; Knight; Burks, Carter
CB (6): CTB, D. Hill; Turner, Newton, Ivey, M. Wilson
S (4): Battle, Stone; Anderson, Anthony
---------------
Special Teams = 3
PK: McPherson
P: Rehkow
LS: Adomitis
=================

III.  Injured Reserve = 1 (54)
1. Erick All, TE, (knee). Likely season-ending 2nd surgery.
----------

IV.  Projected Practice Squad = 14 (68)
1. QB: Woodside
2. RB: Milton
3. WR: I. Williams
4. OT: Etienne (UDFA)
5. G: Kirkland (G/OT)
6. C: McLaughlin (UDFA)
7. DE: I. Thomas
8. DT: Gregory (UDFA)
9. DT: Cross (UDFA) 
10. LB: Giles-Harris
11. LB: Heyward
12. LB: Njongmeta
13. CB: Jalen Davis, 4, $1,030,000, Zero (Fut)
14. Open 
15. Open 
16. Open
---------------
17. DT: Barnett, I ternational Pathway

I'd expect one of the LBs to move to the 53 once Pratt is released. We'd then have 4 open spots. WR & S for sure. Probably another corner as well. Another TE/WR also likely. Or another S. How the 53 shakes out will obviously impact the PS choices. I am assuming some cover at every spot.

V. Signed, Projected Outside PS ARM = 3 (71)

1. OT: Cochran
2. G: Stueber
3. CB: L. Robinson
---------------------

VI. Signed to Future's Contracts, Projected Outside the PS = 12 (83)

These guys do technically take up roster spaces and cap space at the moment. But effectively  they do not, as none of them have any Dead Cap hit if released. These are camp bodies, practice squad types with perhaps a dark horse candidate to make the 53 or two.

But it does give one a better idea if how much space we'd have with a full toster instead of only 44.

#, Pos, Player, # Acc Yrs, Salary, Dead Cap
1. RB Gary Brightwell, 3, $1,100,000, Zero
2. WR Kendric Pryor, 1, $1,030,000, Zero
3. WR Cole Burgess, 0, $840,000, Zero
4. WR Mitchell Tinsley, 1, $960,000, Zero
5. OT Andrew Coker, 0, $840,000, Zero
6. OG Tayshawn Manning, 0, $8400,000,Zer0
7. DE Raymond Johnson III, 1, $960,000, Zero
8. LB Craig Young, 0, $840,000, Zero
9. CB Micah Abraham, 0, $840,000, Zero
10. CB Nate Brooks, 0, $960,000, Zero
11. S PJ Jules, 0, $840,000, Zero
12. S Jaylen Key, 0, $840,000, Zero

https://www.bengals.com/news/bengals-sign-11-players-to-reserve-future-contracts-bengals-roster-update
--------------

VII. UDFA's: Projected Outside the PS = 9 (92)

1. QB Payton Thorne, Auburn
2. RB: Quali Conley, Arizona
3. WR: Jordan Moore, Duke 
4. WR: Rashod Owens, Oklahoma State
5. WR: Jamoi Mayes, Cincinnati 
6. TE: Kole Taylor, West Virginia
7. CB: Bralyn Lux, Texas Tech 
8. S: Shaquan Loyal, Rutgers
9. LS: William Wagner, Michigan
-----------------

VIII. Bengals Free Agents: 53/IR/PS = 7

Pos, Player
1. CB3: Mike Hilton
-------------
2. S3: Vonn Bell
-------------
3. LB4: Joe Bachie
4. PK: Cade York 
------------
5. RB4: Trayveon Williams
6. RB5: Chris Evans
7. OG/OT: D'Ante Smith
------------

IX. Bengals FA's, Re-signed/Extensions = 15

1. TE Cam Grandy, ERFA, 1 year, $980,000.
2. CB Jalen Davis, Future's/Reserve, $1,030,000
3. P Ryan Rehkow, ERFA, 2 yrs, $960,000 in 2025
4. LS Cal Adomitis, RFA, 1 year, $1,100,000
5. OG Jaxson Kirkland, ERFA, 1 yr $960,000
6. TE Tanner Hudson, 1 year, ??? $$$
7. TE/WR Mike Gesicki, 3 years, $25.5 mil
8. OG/OT Cody Ford, 2 years, $6,000,000
9. DT BJ Hill, 3 years, $33 mil, $16 G.
10. DE Joseph Ossai, 1 year, $7 mil
11. CB Marco Williams, 1 year, $1.52 mil
12. DE Cam Sample, 1 year, $1.6 mil
13. WR Tee Higgins, 4 years, $115 million
14. WR Ja'Marr Chase, 4 years, $161 mil (extension)
15. QB Logan Woodside, 1 year, ?$$ (Likely PS QB)
-------------------

X. Outside FA's brought in (5)

1. RB Samaje Perine, 2 years, $3.8 mil.
2. NT/DT TJ Slaton, 2 years, $15.1 mil
3. LB Oren Burks, 2 years, $5 mil
4. OG/C Lucas Patrick, 1 year, $2.1 mil
5. LB Joe Giles-Harris, 1 year, ??? (on PS briefly in '24)
----------------

XI. Bengals FA's, Signed elsewhere = 6

1. DT: Dominique Davis (PS), 1 year, $840,000 (future's)
2. LB: Akeem Davis-Gaither, AZ, 2 yrs, $10 mil, $3.805 cap
3. RB Khalil Herbert, Indy, 1 year, $1,197,500
4. DT Jay Tufele, Jets, 1 year, $1,030,000
5. OT Trent Brown, Texans, 1 year, $1,732,353
6. C/G Trey Hill, Packers, 1 yr, $1,100,000
----------

XI. Bengals Retirements/Cuts from last year's 53 = 3

#, Pos, Player, Cap Savings, Dead Cap

1. DT Sheldon Rankins, $9.618 mil, $2 mil (Texans, 1/$7)
2. G Alex Cappa, $8 mil, $2.25 mil (Raiders, 2/$11.2)
3. DE Sam Hubbard, $9.5 mil, $2 mil (retired)

=========================== 

[Isaac Curtis: The Real #85]

We are at 92 atm.

I would assume All gets put on PUP so as not to count vs the 90. Maybe Moss/McLaughlin as well.

[Luvnit2]

I thought the international players do not count as a roster spot.

[Isaac Curtis: The Real #85]

By position:

Offense = 46
--------
QB (4): Burrow; Browning; Woodside; Thorne
RB (7): C. Brown; Perine, Moss, Brooks; Milton, Brightwell; Conley
WR (12): Chase, Higgins, Iosivas; Burton, C. Jones, I. Williams; Pryor, Burgess, Tinsley; Moore, Owens, Mayes
TE (7): D. Sample; Gesicki, All (inj); Hudson, Grandy, McLachlan; Taylor
OT (6): OBJ, Mims; Ford (G); Cochran, Coker, Etienne
OG (7): Patrick, Fairchild; Volson, Rivers (OT), Kirkland (OT), Stueber; Manning
C (3): Karras; Lee, McLaughlin 
-----------------

Defense = 42

DE (8): Hendrickson, Ossai; Murphy, Stewart; C. Sample (DT), C. Johnson; I. Thomas, R. Johnson 
DT (7): BJ Hill, Slaton; Jenkins, Jackson; Gregory, Cross; Barnett (PS Lock, Int) 
LB (8): L. Wilson, Knight; Burks, Carter; Heyward; Pratt; Njongmeta, Giles-Harris
CB (11): D. Hill, CTB, Turner; Newton; Ivey, M. Wilson; J. Davis; Brooks, Abraham; L. Robinson, Lux.  
S (8): Battle, Stone; Anderson, Anthony; Jules, Young, Key; Loyal. 
===================

Special Teams (4): 
PK: McPherson 
P: Rehkow 
LS (2): Adomitis, Wagner
==========

[Isaac Curtis: The Real #85]

(05-07-2025, 11:57 AM)Luvnit2 Wrote: I thought the international players do not count as a roster spot.

Good point. I know he does not count vs the 16 on the PS effectively becoming #17, but as to the 90 camp limit, IDK. 

If you find a link that says definitively, post it & I will adjust accordingly. I will have a look-see. 

[Isaac Curtis: The Real #85]

(05-07-2025, 11:57 AM)Luvnit2 Wrote: I thought the international players do not count as a roster spot.

You are correct, unless he makes the 53, then he counts. But not towards the 90, nor the 16 on the PS.

https://atozsports.com/nfl/cincinnati-bengals-news/bengals-udfa-signings-dante-barnett-nfl-international-player-pathway-program-2025-nfl-draft/

So, assuming All to PUP, we are right at 90 atm. 

[*pally*]

LB Joe Bachie signed with the Colts.  He showed some promise with us but he just could not say healthy

RB Chris Evans is attending the Broncos rookie camp on a tryout.

Keep in mind,  that the Bengals still have not released the official list of UDFAs.  They will not be signed until rookie camp where they will have to pass a physical and actually sign their contracts.  Any names that have been released are simply rumors.  Past history seems to indicate 3-5 of the rumored players won't be signed

[Isaac Curtis: The Real #85]

(05-07-2025, 12:44 PM)pally Wrote: LB Joe Bachie signed with the Colts.  He showed some promise with us but he just could not say healthy

RB Chris Evans is attending the Broncos rookie camp on a tryout.

Keep in mind,  that the Bengals still have not released the official list of UDFAs.  They will not be signed until rookie camp where they will have to pass a physical and actually sign their contracts.  Any names that have been released are simply rumors.  Past history seems to indicate 3-5 of the rumored players won't be signed

Thanks, pally. You are, as usual, right on the money. We are all totally jumping the gun on USFA's. There likely will be some dead money in there as well, but we are likely taling $100k total or so. So it does not move the needle much. 

FWIW, by my back of the napkin calculations, we have $15.75 mil in cap space. That is with the Moss/Stone restructures. With $3 mil for the PS, with 53 players, with all 6 rookies making the squad with their spotrac cap hits, and with Pratt & Volson on the roster. 

Here is the roster that generates that cap figure: 

QB: Burrow; Browning 
RB: C. Brown; Perine, Moss, Brooks 
WR: Chase, Higgins, Iosivas; Burton, C. Jones
TE: D. Sample; Gesicki, Hudson, Grandy, McLachlan
OT: OBJ, Mims; Ford (G) 
OG: Volson, Patrick; Fairchild, Rivers (OT) 
C: Karras; Lee
-------25 on O-------
DE: Hendrickson, Ossai; Murphy, Stewart, C. Sample (DT), C. Johnson
DT: BJ Hill, Slaton; Jenkins, Jackson
LB: L. Wilson, Burks; Knight, Carter, Pratt 
CB: CTB, Turner, D. Hill; Newton, Ivey, M. Wilson
S: Battle, Stone; Anderson, Anthony
-------25 on D---------
PK: McPherson
P: Rehkow 
LS: Adomitis 

Quibble with a player choice or positional allocation of slots here or there, but with Moss & Stone renegotiating haircuts, the only moves that significantly move the cap calculus are Pratt/Volson trades/cuts or a Trey trade.

If we jettison/trade Pratt, we save $5.85 mil vs the cap. Volson $3.656 mil. Together it is $9.5 mil. Which would give us approximately $25.25 in cap space with 2 open roster spots. Min, those costs $2 mil to fill. 

But realistically, $25 mil for Trey's extension, 2 roster slots, and whatever cushion we want for next year is the best we can realistically do. 

[Isaac Curtis: The Real #85]

FWIW, I expect Pratt to be gone and Heyward to take the 5th LB spot.

Volson? IDK. If Fairchild is not ready, then he may start & surely stays. As a less versatile backup he could be in danger. But if we are not gonna reiveat his savings (or Pratt's) towards a significant FA addition, then maybe he stays. I doubt we have 4 better guards. And letting him walk after next year could help with comp picks. And he was our best run blocker last year. 

[*pally*]

official UDFA signings

2 guys from the initial list weren't signed QB Peyton Thomas from Auburn, and DB Shaquon Loyal from Rutgers

There is now 91 on the roster with international player Dante Barnett accounting for the extra spot

POSITION AND NAME; HEIGHT AND WEIGHT; COLLEGE; HOMETOWN

--DT Dante Barnett (IPP); 6-1, 275; Dickinson College; Birmingham (England)
--HB Quali Conley; 5-10, 211; Arizona; Fresno, Calif.
--DT Howard Cross III; 6-1, 285; Notre Dame; Paramus, N.J.
--OT Caleb Etienne; 6-7, 329; Brigham Young; New Orleans, La.
--DT Eric Gregory; 6-3, 319; Arkansas; Memphis, Tenn.
--CB Bralyn Lux; 5-10, 180; Texas Tech; San Jose, Calif.
--WR Jamoi Mayes; 5-10, 206; Cincinnati; Griffin, Ga.
--C Seth McLaughlin; 6-4, 304; Ohio State; Buford, Ga.
--WR Jordan Moore; 6-0, 191; Duke; Sykesville, Md.
--WR Rashod Owens; 6-2, 218; Oklahoma State; San Antonio, Texas
--TE Kole Taylor; 6-7, 250; West Virginia; Grand Junction, Colo
--QB Payton Thorne; 6-2, 207; Auburn; Naperville, Ill.
--LS William Wagner; 6-2, 240; Michigan; Alpharetta, Ga.

[*pally*]

DB Shaquon Loyal from Rutgers just needed to wait until Monday...he's been signed and CB Micah Abraham is out

[Isaac Curtis: The Real #85]

3rd attempt at updates. 


1) UDFA 14 are now official as S Loyal had to wait a day. Pally, I do see Thorne on the official release. Did something happen after that?


2) CB Micah Abraham, PS member last year & Future's contract this year, released. No dead cap hit. That puts at the 90 limit with Barnett #91 not counting. 


3) Puts us right at 90. 91, but IPP DT UDFA Barnett not counting towards that number. 


4) 4 of 6 picks signed. 


5) Bachie to Colts. 1 year, $1,030,000.


https://www.bengals.com/news/bengals-sign-13-rookies-2025


https://www.bengals.com/news/bengals-sign-shaquan-loyal-bengals-roster-update


https://www.bengals.com/news/bengals-sign-fairchild-carter-rivers-brooks-2025-nfl-draft


https://overthecap.com/player/joe-bachie/9386
------------------

UDFA signings = 14. 

https://www.cincyjungle.com/2025/4/26/24415072/bengals-undrafted-free-agent-signings-tracker-picks-results

1. C: Seth McLaughlic, Ohio State 
2. DT: Howard Cross, Notre Dame 
3. DT: Eric Gregory, Arkansas 
4. QB: Payton Thorne, Auburn 
5. RB: Quali Conley, Arizona
6. WR: Jordan Moore, Duke
7. WR: Rashod Owens, Oklahoma State
8. WR: Jamoi Mayes, Cincinnati 
9. TE: Kole Taylor, West Virginia 
10. OT: Caleb Etienne, BYU 
11. CB: Bralyn Lux, Texas Tech
12. S: Shaquan Loyal, Rutgers 
13. LS: William Wagner, Michigan 
-------------
14. DT: Dante Barnett, Dickenson College, Birmingam (ENG), Int Pathway

https://www.cincyjungle.com/2025/5/1/24422019/dante-barnett-bengals-international-prospect-nfl-pathway-program
-------------

Currently, I am projecting all 6 picks to make the 53 and no UDFA or Future's guys. 

And, for the moment at least, I have Pratt & Volson on the 53. Until they are released. 

II.  Current Projected Roster: Signed/Draft = 53

Italics denotes a player with a zero dead cap hit.

Offense = 25
QB (2): Burrow; Browning
RB (4): C. Brown; Perine, Moss, Brooks
WR (5): Chase, Higgins, Iosivas; C. Jones, Burton
TE (5): D. Sample; Gesicki, Hudson, Grandy, McLachlan
OT (4): O. Brown, Mims; Ford (T/G), Rivers (OT/G)
G (3): Patrick (G/C), Fairchild, Volson
C (2): Karras (C/G); Lee (C/T/G)
----------------
Defense = 25
DE (6): Hendrickson, Ossai; Stewart, Murphy, C. Sample (DE/DT), C. Johnson
DT (4): BJ Hill, Slaton; Jenkins; Jackson
LB (5): L. Wilson, Pratt; Knight; Burks, Carter
CB (6): CTB, D. Hill; Turner, Newton, Ivey, M. Wilson
S (4): Battle, Stone; Anderson, Anthony
---------------
Special Teams = 3
PK: McPherson
P: Rehkow
LS: Adomitis
=================

III.  Injured Reserve = 1 (54)
1. Erick All, TE, (knee). Likely season-ending 2nd surgery.
----------

IV.  Projected Practice Squad = 14 (68)
1. QB: Woodside
2. RB: Milton
3. WR: I. Williams
4. OT: Etienne (UDFA)
5. G: Kirkland (G/OT)
6. C: McLaughlin (UDFA)
7. DE: I. Thomas
8. DT: Gregory (UDFA)
9. DT: Cross (UDFA) 
10. LB: Giles-Harris
11. LB: Heyward
12. LB: Njongmeta
13. CB: Jalen Davis, 4, $1,030,000, Zero (Fut)
14. Open 
15. Open 
16. Open
---------------
17. DT: Barnett, I ternational Pathway

I'd expect one of the LBs to move to the 53 once Pratt is released. We'd then have 4 open spots. WR & S for sure. Probably another corner as well. Another TE/WR also likely. Or another S. How the 53 shakes out will obviously impact the PS choices. I am assuming some cover at every spot.

V. Signed, Projected Outside PS ARM = 3 (71)

1. OT: Cochran
2. G: Stueber
3. CB: L. Robinson
---------------------

VI. Signed to Future's Contracts, Projected Outside the PS = 11 (82)

These guys do technically take up roster spaces and cap space at the moment. But effectively  they do not, as none of them have any Dead Cap hit if released. These are camp bodies, practice squad types with perhaps a dark horse candidate to make the 53 or two.

But it does give one a better idea if how much space we'd have with a full toster instead of only 44.

#, Pos, Player, # Acc Yrs, Salary, Dead Cap
1. RB Gary Brightwell, 3, $1,100,000, Zero
2. WR Kendric Pryor, 1, $1,030,000, Zero
3. WR Cole Burgess, 0, $840,000, Zero
4. WR Mitchell Tinsley, 1, $960,000, Zero
5. OT Andrew Coker, 0, $840,000, Zero
6. OG Tayshawn Manning, 0, $8400,000,Zer0
7. DE Raymond Johnson III, 1, $960,000, Zero
8. LB Craig Young, 0, $840,000, Zero
9. CB Nate Brooks, 0, $960,000, Zero
10. S PJ Jules, 0, $840,000, Zero
11. S Jaylen Key, 0, $840,000, Zero

https://www.bengals.com/news/bengals-sign-11-players-to-reserve-future-contracts-bengals-roster-update
--------------

VII. UDFA's: Projected Outside the PS = 9 (91)

1. QB Payton Thorne, Auburn
2. RB: Quali Conley, Arizona
3. WR: Jordan Moore, Duke 
4. WR: Rashod Owens, Oklahoma State
5. WR: Jamoi Mayes, Cincinnati 
6. TE: Kole Taylor, West Virginia
7. CB: Bralyn Lux, Texas Tech 
8. S: Shaquan Loyal, Rutgers
9. LS: William Wagner, Michigan
-----------------

VIII. Bengals Free Agents: 53/IR/PS = 6

Pos, Player
1. CB3: Mike Hilton
-------------
2. S3: Vonn Bell
-------------
3. PK: Cade York 
5. RB4: Trayveon Williams
6. RB5: Chris Evans
7. OG/OT: D'Ante Smith
------------

IX. Bengals FA's, Re-signed/Extensions = 15

1. TE Cam Grandy, ERFA, 1 year, $980,000.
2. CB Jalen Davis, Future's/Reserve, $1,030,000
3. P Ryan Rehkow, ERFA, 2 yrs, $960,000 in 2025
4. LS Cal Adomitis, RFA, 1 year, $1,100,000
5. OG Jaxson Kirkland, ERFA, 1 yr $960,000
6. TE Tanner Hudson, 1 year, ??? $$$
7. TE/WR Mike Gesicki, 3 years, $25.5 mil
8. OG/OT Cody Ford, 2 years, $6,000,000
9. DT BJ Hill, 3 years, $33 mil, $16 G.
10. DE Joseph Ossai, 1 year, $7 mil
11. CB Marco Williams, 1 year, $1.52 mil
12. DE Cam Sample, 1 year, $1.6 mil
13. WR Tee Higgins, 4 years, $115 million
14. WR Ja'Marr Chase, 4 years, $161 mil (extension)
15. QB Logan Woodside, 1 year, ?$$ (Likely PS QB)
-------------------

X. Outside FA's brought in (5)

1. RB Samaje Perine, 2 years, $3.8 mil.
2. NT/DT TJ Slaton, 2 years, $15.1 mil
3. LB Oren Burks, 2 years, $5 mil
4. OG/C Lucas Patrick, 1 year, $2.1 mil
5. LB Joe Giles-Harris, 1 year, ??? (on PS briefly in '24)
----------------

XI. Bengals FA's, Signed elsewhere = 7

1. DT: Dominique Davis (PS), 1 year, $840,000 (future's)
2. LB: Akeem Davis-Gaither, AZ, 2 yrs, $10 mil, $3.805 cap
3. RB Khalil Herbert, Indy, 1 year, $1,197,500
4. DT Jay Tufele, Jets, 1 year, $1,030,000
5. OT Trent Brown, Texans, 1 year, $1,732,353
6. C/G Trey Hill, Packers, 1 yr, $1,100,000
7. LB Joe Bachie, Colts, 1 yr, $1,030,000
----------

XI. Bengals Retirements/Cuts from last year's 53 = 3

#, Pos, Player, Cap Savings, Dead Cap

1. DT Sheldon Rankins, $9.618 mil, $2 mil (Texans, 1/$7)
2. G Alex Cappa, $8 mil, $2.25 mil (Raiders, 2/$11.2)
3. DE Sam Hubbard, $9.5 mil, $2 mil (retired)

=========================== 

Whew!

[*pally*]

Trayveon Williams signed with the Patriots