Tell Us Your Free Agents (s) FO should have signed

[Luvnit2]

I know we have a lot of frustrated fans the Bengals did not do more in FA or did not like our draft. This thread is your shot to to tell us who Bengals should have signed in 2025 and should have cut. Please keep in mind cap space needed to sign your pick. Let's do it for fum and then revisit to analyze after the season is over. Feel free to also shape our roster with replacing 2025 picks with your picks (must be available at draft position for pick you replace)

I would not change draft picks.

I like the players we signed and extended. I like Tee only becauseI love the contract is low on guaranteed money and high on incentives

I would sign Risner for 2 years and 7 million with 4.5 million guaranteed

I would extend Trey giving him a 20 million dollar signing bonus in 2025 to go with his 15.6 salary and 200K per game incentive. Year 2 I woud give him 32 million with 32 million guaranteed and year three 37 million with 10 million guaranteed - 3 years 110 million with 75.7 miillion guaranteed. Trey would earn 3.4 million if he hits the 200K per game bonus playing also 17 games.

I loved exending Chase, signing Gesicki, Fant, Punter. I would have signed Risner over Patrick. I actually love our draft. I think the FO got a 3rd round steal. Stewart and Knight both risky picks, but I am good with them.

Let us know how you would reshape our roster or who you would have signed and drafted prior to week 1 games.

[Isaac Curtis: The Real #85]

DT: Calais Campbell. Though he did get pricier than I thought. So maybe not.

S: Julian Blackmon

OG: pick 1: Fries, Zeitler, Hernandez, Daniels, Jenkins, Risner.

[*ochocincos*]

I would have signed Chase Young instead of drafting a DE in the first round.
If I wanted a DE in the first round, I would have drafted James Pearce Jr.
I know CY hasn't been the double-digit sack guy people expected him to be, but he put up >5 sacks in 3 of 5 years. The other two years, he only played 9 games and 3 games. So he's a solid DE2.

I would have looked at Risner instead of Patrick, but maybe there's something about Patrick that is more enticing to Bengals? (Run blocking? Can play C?)

I would have let Higgins walk and either signed a cheaper WR2 option like Darius Slayton or used 1st round pick on someone like Emeka Egbuka.

I would have focused on getting Hendrickson extended in the Winter/Spring and paired him with Chase Young/James Pearce Jr.

I would not have cut Germaine Pratt, and I would not have drafted Demetrius Knight, at least not in Rd 2. I might have targeted a LB in middle rounds to groom behind Pratt for a year, but I thought the starting LBs would have been fine for 2025 between Wilson, Pratt, and Burks.
(Side note - Is the Pratt departure actually contributing to some of the problems the LBs are having right now? Logan Wilson's whole career had Pratt next to him)

[Luvnit2]

(08-20-2025, 03:01 PM)Isaac Curtis: The Real #85 Wrote: DT: Calais Campbell. Though he did get pricier than I thought. So maybe not.

S: Julian Blackmon

OG: pick 1: Fries, Zeitler, Hernandez, Daniels, Jenkins, Risner.

Can you pick 1 guard. I am trying to view this through the eyes of Tobin and Katie, they can't sign 6 guards, they have to choose 1 or at most 2.

TY

[*Nate (formerly eliminate08)*]

I wanted 2 Guards in FA and a pass rusher, so Fries, Risner and Chase Young would of been doable even while extending our guys.

But Fairchild has looked really good. Hope it stays that way and Shemar Stewart becomes a better player than Chase Young.

I liked the Blackmon thought as well at Safety.

[Luvnit2]

(08-20-2025, 03:02 PM)ochocincos Wrote: I would have signed Chase Young instead of drafting a DE in the first round.
If I wanted a DE in the first round, I would have drafted James Pearce Jr.
I know CY hasn't been the double-digit sack guy people expected him to be, but he put up >5 sacks in 3 of 5 years. The other two years, he only played 9 games and 3 games. So he's a solid DE2.

I would have looked at Risner instead of Patrick, but maybe there's something about Patrick that is more enticing to Bengals? (Run blocking? Can play C?)

I would have let Higgins walk and either signed a cheaper WR2 option like Darius Slayton or used 1st round pick on someone like Emeka Egbuka.

I would have focused on getting Hendrickson extended in the Winter/Spring and paired him with Chase Young/James Pearce Jr.

I would not have cut Germaine Pratt, and I would not have drafted Demetrius Knight, at least not in Rd 2. I might have targeted a LB in middle rounds to groom behind Pratt for a year, but I thought the starting LBs would have been fine for 2025 between Wilson, Pratt, and Burks.
(Side note - Is the Pratt departure actually contributing to some of the problems the LBs are having right now? Logan Wilson's whole career had Pratt next to him)

Can you commit to how your roster would look at FA and the draft. I see you keep Pratt and don't draft Knight. So can you share your 1, 2, 3, 4 ,5 ,6  draft picks, it appears you woud not have chosen like FO did.

TY for he response

[NUGDUKWE]

Ill say Zeitler. We can compare him and Patrick at the end of the season.

[Luvnit2]

(08-20-2025, 03:07 PM)Nate (formerly eliminate08) Wrote: I wanted 2 Guards in FA and a pass rusher, so Fries, Risner and Chase Young would of been doable even while extending our guys.

But Fairchild has looked really good. Hope it stays that way and Shemar Stewart becomes a better player than Chase Young.

I liked the Blackmon thought as well at Safety.

TY, got it no Fairchild , but Fries and Risner

No Srewart, but Chase Young

Blackman yes or no?

How does your spend square up Bengals adjacet roster spots? If I recall Fries was not cheap. Wold Risner replace Patrick in your scenario? If Stewart was not your 1st round pick, who would you have picked, same for 3rd round for Fairchild.

TY

[Luvnit2]

(08-20-2025, 03:13 PM)NUGDUKWE Wrote: Ill say Zeitler. We can compare him and Patrick at the end of the season.

So you would have done. same draft and rest of FA's. What was Zeitler cap hit versus Patrick.

TY

[*ochocincos*]

(08-20-2025, 03:09 PM)Luvnit2 Wrote: Can you commit to how your roster would look at FA and the draft. I see you keep Pratt and don't draft Knight. So can you share your 1, 2, 3, 4 ,5 ,6  draft picks, it appears you woud not have chosen like FO did.

TY for he response

So Risner would have been selected regardless. He would cover one of the two OG spots.

If Hendrickson would have actually reached an extension prior to draft along with bringing in CY...
Rd 1 - Emeka Egbuka (WR, Ohio St)
Rd 2 - Tate Ratledge (OG, Georgia)
Rd 3 - Xavier Watts (FS, Notre Dame)
Rd 4 - Probably DE like Jack Sawyer (DE Ohio St), Kyle Kennard (EDGE South Carolina), or maybe an off-ball LB such as Carter.
Rd 5 - Mitchell Evans (TE Notre Dame)
Rd 6 - Aeneas Peebles (DT Virginia Tech) even though I like Tahj Brooks

I wanted IDL pass rusher early, such as Walter Nolen in Rd 1 but he didn't make it. I would have gone after TJ Sander in Rd 2 but he didn't make it. I didn't really like the mid-round options, so I was ok to wait.

If Hendrickson was still unknown like he is now, would have been tough between Egbuka or JPJ, but I also probably would have had a plan to address WR2 in March if I wasn't confident about being able to re-sign Hendrickson, so probably Slayton in FA and JPJ in Rd 1.

[NUGDUKWE]

(08-20-2025, 03:15 PM)Luvnit2 Wrote: So you would have done. same draft and rest of FA's. What was Zeitler cap hit versus Patrick.

TY

I get that your trying to defend the FO at all costs. But its not about the exact players its about how they use theyre resources to get as much talent as possible on the roster. The Bengals have gone out of theyre way to use up the resources to limit how much they can add when most teams that want to win now are going out of there way to stretch theyre resources. 

[Luvnit2]

(08-20-2025, 03:28 PM)NUGDUKWE Wrote: I get that your trying to defend the FO at all costs. But its not about the exact players its about how they use theyre resources to get as much talent as possible on the roster. The Bengals have gone out of theyre way to use up the resources to limit how much they can add when most teams that want to win now are going out of there way to stretch theyre resources. 

This is not about defending the FO. It is your chance to show your GM skills. The FO will be easily evaluated as we see their decisions 1 game at a time. But NP if you don't want to play GM for fun.

I put my FA hat on and did not agree with FO 100%.

[*Nate (formerly eliminate08)*]

(08-20-2025, 03:13 PM)Luvnit2 Wrote: TY, got it no Fairchild , but Fries and Risner

No Srewart, but Chase Young

Blackman yes or no?

How does your spend square up Bengals adjacet roster spots? If I recall Fries was not cheap. Wold Risner replace Patrick in your scenario? If Stewart was not your 1st round pick, who would you have picked, same for 3rd round for Fairchild.

TY

I still would of drafted Fairchild looking back. As long as we get Risner in here eventually after he visits a few more teams I will be pretty
happy about Guard. Also, Chase Young has not lived up near to his draft status either, so I would still be for drafting Stewart or one of the 
other Ends in either Green or Pearce.

Malaki Starks would probably instantly be better than Geno Stone so looking back he would be my pick if we brought in Chase Young and 
didn't go End early. It is a fine line honestly, but I would of grabbed Fries or Risner over Patrick every time.

[J24]

Tevin Jenkins G Bears- Signed with Cleveland for 2.5 million-Has experience at Both LG and RG, High PFF grades, but injury History.(over Patrick )
Dante Fowler Edge Commanders- Signed with Dallas for six Million- 10.5 sacks last season Good rotation edge. More proven then Ossai.(over Ossai)
S Andre Cisco Jaguars- Signed with Jets for 8 million. Pretty good as a single High safety.(cut Geno Stone)
Chauncey Golston DE Cowboys- Signed with Giants for 3 year 18 million. Versatile DE that can play outside on Run Downs and play inside on passing. Big guy 6-5 260!(over Cam Sample)
Trades-
Trey Hendrickson to Buffalo for Edge Greg Rousseau and 3rd Rd pick. Built like Carlos Dunlap.
2nd rd pick to Dallas for DT Osa Odighizuwa(would have been franchised by Dallas if he didn't reach deal with Dallas)
Myles Murphy to Colts for DT Adebawore Adebawore- swap of bust picks picks for each teams.

[*Nate (formerly eliminate08)*]

(08-20-2025, 04:15 PM)J24 Wrote: Tevin Jenkins G Bears- Signed with Cleveland for 2.5 million-Has experience at Both LG and RG, High PFF grades, but injury History.(over Patrick )
Dante Fowler Edge Commanders- Signed with Dallas for six Million- 10.5 sacks last season Good rotation edge. More proven then Ossai.(over Ossai)
S Andre Cisco Jaguars- Signed with Jets for 8 million. Pretty good as a single High safety.
Trades-
Trey Hendrickson to Buffalo for Edge Greg Rousseau and 3rd Rd pick.
2nd rd pick to Dallas for DT Osa Odighizuwa(would have been franchised by Dallas if he didn't reach deal with Dallas)
Myles Murphy to Colts for DT Adebawore Adebawore- swap of bust picks picks for each teams

Good ones with Fowler and Cisco. Odighizuwa was the one DT to compare BJ Hill to, but his numbers aren't any better. Younger though.

[puddycat]

Extended: Chase, Hendrickson, CTB or Hill, Tycen Anderson
Re-sign: Sample
Trade: Higgins
FAs Pursued: Jenkins (OG) & Hernandez (OG), Poona Ford (DT), Matt Peart (swing OT), Jaire Alexander (CB), Fant (TE), Ashtyn Davis (S), Javonte Williams (RB), Ossai(DE)

I don't think Zeitler wanted to return. Also tempted by a pass rush specialist like Barnett or Anthony Nelson if Ossai fall through.

[SladeX]

Risner.

Yesterday.

[J24]

(08-20-2025, 04:19 PM)Nate (formerly eliminate08) Wrote: Good ones with Fowler and Cisco. Odighizuwa was the one DT to compare BJ Hill to, but his numbers aren't any better. Younger though.

Osa was 3rd in pressures amongst DTs with 60 (20th amongst all players in pressures last year) and He was also top 5 in pass rush win rate amongst DTs with 15.1 (25th overall).

In Comparison BJ Hill was 33rd amongst DTs in pressures with 32 (89th overall in pressures) and He was 51st in pass rush win rate amongst DTs 8.4(137th overall)

His pass rush numbers are way better than BJs the past two seasons. (Especially last season)

Keep in mind that no team has won a Superbowl since 2019 with a a starting 3T having under 50 pressures and only one team has made the Superbowl since 2019 with a starting 3T under 50 pressures.(us in 2021)

[*Nate (formerly eliminate08)*]

(08-20-2025, 04:52 PM)J24 Wrote: Osa was 3rd in pressures amongst DTs with 60 (20th amongst all players in pressures last year) and He was also top 5 in pass rush win rate amongst DTs with 15.1 (25th overall).

In Comparison BJ Hill was 33rd amongst DTs in pressures with 32 (89th overall in pressures) and He was 51st in pass rush win rate amongst DTs 8.4(137th overall)

His pass rush numbers are way better than BJs the past two seasons. (Especially last season)

Keep in mind that no team has won a Superbowl since 2019 with a DT having under 50 pressures and only one team has made the Superbowl since 2019 with a DT under 50 pressures.(us in 2021)

Good arguments for Osa alright J24. I was for the guy, but didn't know if he fit our system as well as BJ and thought Osa would of been way
more expensive because of what you say here.

[007BengalsFan]

I thought we should have traded Tee and used that extra money in other areas of greater need.  From my post in the offseason thread:

Quote:The Bengals could have signed Justin Reid + Josh Sweat for about the same price as signing Tee Higgins at his base price not counting incentives which could push Tee's contract higher.  

Also if you sign Sweat, you dont need to spend 7 million dollars to bring back Ossai on a 1 year contract so that saves you 7 million dollars which could have been spent toward a guard like Zeitler.  There are many possibilities freeing up that money would have allowed + getting a 1st or 2nd round draft pick

Quote:The defense has several weaknesses.  Expanding on my previous post suggestion, if you added Josh Sweat to Trey Hendrickson that would be a pretty good pass rush, then you add Justin Reid at safety.  That defense is now better.  You would also free up 7 million by no longer needing Ossai.  If you wanted, you could have put Ossai's 7 million with Slaton's 7 million and paid most of the contract of Jonathan Allen.  That would have given you Jonathan Allen, Josh Sweat and Justin Reid on defense + a 1st or 2nd round draft pick for the Tee trade that could have been used to draft Tee's replacement instead of the current Tee + Ossai + Slaton...