Arkansas Bengal

Greg Wilson Sun, Feb 25, 2024, 1:02 PM CST·1 min read After 14 seasons of Kevin Huber keeping the punting game mostly consistent for the Cincinnati Bengals, there were some struggles at the position with Drue Chrisman and 2023 rookie Brad Robbins getting a chance. The Bengals drafted Robbins with their sixth-round pick in last year’s draft, but he didn’t perform like they hoped he would for the most part. Now after the Kansas City Chiefs signed Matt Araiza, it seems as if they won’t be re-signing their punter Tommy Townsend. Over the past four seasons, Townsend has been one of the better punters in the league for the Chiefs and has proven he belongs on an NFL roster, earning first-team All-Pro in 2022 and a Pro Bowl appearance. Throughout his career, he has averaged 47.4 yards per punt and has had 80 punts inside the 20-yard line, doing so 40.8 percent of the time. He had 20 punts inside the 20 last season, which was the same number as Robbins, but Robbins punted 17 more times than Townsend did. Robbins has only had one year in the NFL, so he could turn into the player the Bengals hoped he would be with time, but with Townsend about to hit free agency, they should consider signing him to compete with Robbins next season. https://sports.yahoo.com/bengals-consider-signing-tommy-townsend-190250422.html

By Charean Williams Published February 23, 2024 06:35 PM The Bengals’ locker room received a D grade, ranking in a tie for 25th among the 32 teams, in the NFLPA’s survey that solicited feedback from players. The team is doing something about it this year. The Bengals’ locker room at Paycor Stadium is undergoing a makeover, Geoff Hobson of the team website reports. The project, which began after the season ended, includes overhauling ceilings, flooring, restrooms, and showers, as well as installing state-of-the-art lockers. The target completion date is for Week 1, and until then, players will use two adjoining locker rooms about 50 yards from the main one. Bengals director of operations Jeff Brickner and equipment manager Adam Knollman, along with representatives of ownership, researched the latest and best locker-room models in both the college and NFL. “We view it as the players’ office, where they go to work every day, and we believe this meets their every need now and, in the future,” Brickner told Hobson. “Until then, no one is going to miss a beat. Locker rooms B and C allow us to operate like we have. You only have one chance to make a first impression, and we’re going to make sure it’s completed before we make that first impression.” Players’ complaints about the Bengals’ locker room in last year’s survey included some of the smallest hot/cold tubs in the league and being the only team in the league without outlets in lockers to charge devices. They also reported issues with the showers and toilets not consistently working. The Bengals also are making a change to their playing surface for 2024. They announced Thursday that they are switching to a FieldTurf CORE system from a slit film turf field. The locker room renovation and field installation are two of several offseason projects ongoing within the building. New club seats, updated concessions equipment and an upgraded stadium TV system are among the major gameday enhancements. All projects are scheduled for completion before the start of the 2024 season. https://www.nbcsports.com/nfl/profootballtalk/rumor-mill/cincinnati-bengals

Dave Clark Cincinnati Enquirer Last season was Joe Mixon's fourth in seven in the National Football League as a 1,000-yard rusher for the Cincinnati Bengals. So why would the Bengals consider moving on from Mixon? The veteran RB is scheduled to collect a $3 million roster bonus in mid-March. And his salary-cap hit for 2024 would be about $8.85 million. Mixon agreed to a contract restructure last July, meaning he has one year remaining on his current deal with the Bengals. When NFL free agency starts March 11, Cincinnati might look for someone expected to earn less than Mixon, making him a cap casualty. CBS Sports' Jordan Dajani lists the Bengals among three potential landing spots for Baltimore Ravens running back and former Ohio State Buckeyes standout JK Dobbins. Dobbins had 805 rushing yards and nine touchdowns as a rookie in 2020, with 120 receiving yards. But he missed the 2021 season with a torn ACL. He played in eight games in 2022 but suffered another knee injury. And he tore his Achilles in Week 1 of last season. In January 2023, Dobbins said the Ravens would've won their playoff game in Cincinnati if they'd had Lamar Jackson at quarterback. Tyler Huntley replaced the injured Jackson. Dobbins had 160 rushing yards on 13 carries in Baltimore's 38-3 win in Cincinnati in January 2021, the final regular-season game of the 2020 season. https://www.cincinnati.com/story/sports/nfl/bengals/2024/02/23/jk-dobbins-is-free-agent-rb-candidate-if-cincinnati-cuts-joe-mixon-salary-cap-casualty/72708809007/?utm_source=cincinnati-bengals-news-strada&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=sportsbaseline&utm_term=hero&utm_content=pcin-cincinnati-nletter01

Chris Roling Thu, Feb 22, 2024, 3:46 PM CST The Cincinnati Bengals dropped some big news on Thursday, revealing that Paycor Stadium will have new turf in 2024. The Bengals were set to be the only team in the NFL with a slit film turf field next season before the announcement. From the team’s press release: Bengals players such as Joe Burrow have commented recently about playing surfaces around the league. https://sports.yahoo.com/bengals-announce-turf-paycor-stadium-214610857.html

Who will the Bengals target at No. 18? BLAKE JEWELL 23 HOURS AGO CINCINNATI — The NFL Combine starts later this month, which means we’ll find out a lot more information about the 2024 NFL Draft class. With the Bengals picking at No. 18, they’ll have some pretty good prospects to choose from. Here is a pre-combine preview of several players the Bengals could target when they're on the clock: Jer’Zhan Newton, DT, Illinois One of the Bengals' top draft needs this offseason is interior pass rush, and Newton could be the best of the bunch in the 2024 draft class. The Illinois defense tackle is a disrupter, tallying 7.5 sacks last season for the Illini. Newton has the strength and athleticism required of a top-tier 3-tech and has a plethora of pass-rush moves in his skill set. Rushing the passer will be Newton’s primary role, but he also was a pretty solid run defender in his time in college. The concerns with Newton come with his size. He’s slightly undersized for the position and doesn't have ideal arm length. That being said, his technical abilities and athleticism make him one of the top defensive players in this draft class. He would pair well with DJ Reader, should he return, and bring the Bengals some much-needed interior pass-rushing skills. Brock Bowers, TE, Georgia Similar to Newton, Bowers's draft spot projections are all over the place. His range appears to be from the 5th overall pick all the way to the Bengals at 18. Bowers had an exceptional college career, finishing with three seasons of 700+ receiving yards and a total of 26 receiving touchdowns. The two-time National Champion is an explosive athlete. He’s dangerous after the catch and has the ability to make contested catches. The Bengals have a need at tight end and Bowers could not only fill the need but make the position a strength for the Bengals. His dynamic YAC abilities would take pressure off Ja’Marr Chase and the Bengals' wide receivers group, which would unlock another level for Joe Burrow and the Bengals offense. Terrion Arnold, CB, Alabama He could be long gone by pick 18, but would likely be the best player available if he makes it to No. 18. The cornerback class is loaded, which could lead to someone like Arnold making it later than he should if the board falls that way. Arnold checks a lot of boxes as a first-round cornerback option. He had quality production at Alabama, recording five interceptions in 2023 and allowing just a 50.7 passer rating when targeted. At 6-0, 195 lbs, his size will work for an outside cornerback in the NFL. He'll only be 21 years old when he takes his first snap in the pros. Arnold’s strengths include his ball skills, press coverage, and athleticism. He has all the tools to be a quality corner in the NFL and would step into an already talented and young group in Cincinnati with Cam Taylor-Britt and DJ Turner II. Taliese Fuaga, OT, Oregon State Fuaga is one of the top offensive linemen in the 2024 draft. He was dominant at Oregon State. He didn't give up a sack in 734 pass-blocking snaps. He allowed two quarterback hits and 10 hurries in his 351 pass-blocking snaps last season. Fuaga was also an exceptional run blocker, which could end up being his strength over pass blocking. With right tackle being one of the top needs for the Bengals, Fuaga would step in as a well-rounded prospect who is effective in both the run and pass game. Fuaga also could excel at guard should an NFL team decide to move him inside. JC Latham, RT, Alabama The Bengals will have plenty of options to choose from when it comes to the right tackle position in the first two rounds of the draft, and Latham is in the mix to be a top target. He's coming off a prolific college career, where he played over 1,000 pass-blocking snaps and only allowed two sacks and a handful of quarterback hits. At 6-6, 360 pounds, Latham has almost ideal size you want out of a right tackle. He plays with great power and explosiveness and would be a good option for the Bengals pick at 18. Laiatu Latu, EDGE, UCLA The Bengals took an edge rusher with their first-round pick last season, but if a player of Latu's caliber is on the board at 18, it could be very enticing for them. Latu had elite production in college, tallying 15 sacks in 2023 and 12 sacks in 2022. His concerns lie with his age, as well as an injury history, but Latu is an NFL-ready talent with a technically sound pass-rushing game and is at the very least an interesting prospect that the Bengals could consider Amarius Mims, RT, Georgia Although he lacks experience, Mims has elite potential. He's 6-7”, 320 pounds, and has the athleticism to be a special player. He’s an explosive athlete and moves very well. As one of the most physically gifted players in this draft, Mims is a very interesting prospect. Although he doesn’t have the experience most would like to see, the Bengals could use a physical athlete like Mims on their offensive line. Jackson Powers-Johnson, G/C, Oregon Powers-Johnson is a player I like for the Bengals. He could be the Bengals starting left guard in 2024 and a potential Ted Karras replacement at center when the time comes. Powers-Johnson had an outstanding career at Oregon and moved all over their offensive line. He was strictly a center in 2023, but played right guard before that and also has played snaps at left guard and right tackle. If the Bengals don’t love any right tackle or defensive tackle options at 18, they could select Powers-Johnson and get an NFL-ready talent that would also help them prepare for the future. Brian Thomas, WR, LSU Depending on what happens in the coming months, wide receiver could end up being a big need for the Bengals. Thomas looks to be a solid first-round prospect that the Bengals could target, should the need arise. Thomas has good size at receiver and could be an effective vertical target for Burrow. He was a great playmaker for the Tigers and would be another quality weapon for this Bengals offense. Tyler Guyton, RT, Oklahoma Guyton is another interesting prospect for the Bengals at 18. He has the size and athleticism to be a good right tackle in the NFL. Overall, Guyton didn’t have the elite play in college that we saw from other prospects like Fuaga and Latham, but his build and athletic abilities are near the top. T’Vondre Sweat, DT, Texas The Bengals could use an interior pass rusher as well as additional interior support in the run game, and Sweat could provide both. Sweat is 6-4, 362 pounds. He uses his size and strength to bullrush offensive linemen and collapse the pocket in the passing game and he takes on double teams and clogs up the line of scrimmage in the run game. Sweat could immediately help this Bengals defense and would be a good pick in the first round. Byron Murphy, DT, Texas Like his former teammate at Texas, Murphy is good at both rushing the passer and stopping the run. Murphy is a little undersized for his position at 6-1, but his explosiveness and disruptive abilities from the interior are certainly enough to get excited about. Murphy would be a solid pick in the first round and would help improve the Bengals pass rush. Troy Franklin, WR, Oregon Franklin is a 6-3 receiver with elite speed. At 187 pounds, he doesn’t have the body mass or strength to be a contested catch option, but his route running and speed create plenty of separation and he has the ability to be a dangerous weapon. There is a lot of uncertainty about what the Bengals will do at the receiver position with both Tee Higgins and Tyler Boyd scheduled to become free agents, but if receiver ends up being a need, Franklin could give the Bengals a boost with his playmaking ability and speed. https://www.si.com/nfl/bengals/news/pre-combine-look-cincinnati-bengals-top-options-2024-nfl-draft#gid=ci02d64df410002720&pid=jerzhan-newton-dt-illinois

Published: Feb 16, 2024 at 03:06 PM by Eric Edholm & Chad Reuter In a matter of months, the 2024 NFL Draft will usher a new wave of talent into the league. Before we get there, though, Eric Edholm and Chad Reuter are taking a team-by-team look back at the rookie class of 2023. Upon the completion of this series, Edholm and Reuter collaborated to officially rank every group, from 1 to 32. Here's the pecking order. Rank 7 Cincinnati Bengals Class grade: B+ Round 1 (No. 28) Myles Murphy, DE | 17 games/0 starts Round 2 (60) DJ Turner II, CB | 17 games/12 starts Round 3 (95) Jordan Battle, S | 17 games/7 starts Round 4 (131) Charlie Jones, WR | 11 games/0 starts Round 5 (163) Chase Brown, RB | 12 games/0 starts Round 6 (206) Andrei Iosivas, WR | 16 games/1 start (217) Brad Robbins, P | 17 games Round 7 (246) D.J. Ivey, CB | 8 games/0 starts REUTER: With Trey Hendrickson and Sam Hubbard in place, Murphy would not have been expected to start as a rookie. He earned more snaps as the season went on, though, ending the year with 20 tackles and three sacks. With Hubbard (28) and Hendrickson (29) on the older end of the spectrum, the Bengals would surely love for Murphy to continue his growth and develop into someone who could take the pass-rush reins at some point. On the other hand, the Bengals needed both Day 2 picks to step into big roles right away, thanks to veteran departures in the secondary last offseason. Battle was thrown into the fire in the second half of the year and acquitted himself nicely, making plays against the run and pass. Turner's athleticism was obvious, and he did not shy from contact, but the rookie gave up three touchdowns in the final four games and missed several tackles through the season, according to Pro Football Focus. He'll need to clean things up in Year 2 to be an above-average NFL starter. The three skill-position players picked on Saturday were nice hits. Iosivas scored four times on 15 receptions. Brown fought through a hamstring injury early on, then played like the back who starred at Illinois while he was giving Joe Mixon a breather during the second half of the year. Jones did well as a punt returner, scoring once, and then caught six passes over the last month of the season. Robbins ranked near the bottom of the league in gross and net punt average, so it's unclear if he'll have the job again in 2024. https://www.nfl.com/news/2023-nfl-rookie-grades-ranking-the-classes-1-to-32

Published: Feb 16, 2024 at 11:16 AM Dan Parr Original Content Editor, Draft Strategy We're still about a month away from the 2024 NFL Draft outlook coming into clearer view, with the NFL Scouting Combine kicking into high gear a couple weeks from now and the start of free agency following shortly thereafter. Many questions will be answered between now and then. With that, I submit my first foray into the mock-verse, where I tried to untangle the 32-pick web by filling team needs as they stand in mid-February. Pick 1 Chicago Bears (via CAR) Caleb Williams USC · QB · Junior A lot can change between mid-February and the start of the draft, but right now, anything other than Williams to the Bears at No. 1 would be a surprise to me. Pick 2 Washington Commanders Drake Maye North Carolina · QB · Sophomore (RS) The Commanders explore moving up to reunite Caleb Williams with OC Kliff Kingsbury, but the asking price is too rich for a team with plenty of other needs. Maye gives Washington a foundation to build on. Pick 3 New England Patriots Marvin Harrison Jr. Ohio State · WR · Junior In this scenario, the Patriots trade for Justin Fields and start a new era by giving him arguably the best player in the draft. Pick 4 Atlanta Falcons Jayden Daniels LSU · QB · Senior PROJECTED TRADE WITH ARIZONA CARDINALS Atlanta pounces before another team moves up for the Heisman Trophy winner’s services. Daniels brings dual-threat electricity to the Falcons’ offense under new head coach Raheem Morris. Pick 5 Los Angeles Chargers Joe Alt Notre Dame · OT · Junior Jim Harbaugh has made it abundantly clear he wants a tough, physical team that can protect Justin Herbert. There might be bigger needs on paper come draft day, but selecting Alt to play right tackle seems like the pick most in line with the head coach’s philosophy. Pick 6 New York Giants Malik Nabers LSU · WR · Junior If the Giants are going to run it back with Daniel Jones, they might as well give him a true No. 1 wide receiver for the first time in his career. Nabers has the talent to provide the G-Men with an element they have missed since Odell Beckham Jr.'s heyday. Pick 7 Tennessee Titans Olumuyiwa Fashanu Penn State · OT · Junior (RS) The Titans have to give Will Levis better protection if they want him to make progress in Year 2. Fashanu, Levis' teammate for a year at Penn State, should be part of the solution. Pick 8 Arizona Cardinals Rome Odunze Washington · WR · Senior PROJECTED TRADE WITH ATLANTA FALCONS GM Monti Ossenfort now owns multiple picks in each of the first three rounds after trading down to No. 8. He holds the keys to the draft and still manages to find Kyler Murray a receiver who has drawn comparisons to Cardinals legend Larry Fitzgerald. Pick 9 Chicago Bears Dallas Turner Alabama · Edge · Junior The Bears have to find someone who can pressure quarterbacks other than Montez Sweat. They can make a case that they left Round 1 with the top quarterback and top edge rusher available this year. Pick 10 Las Vegas Raiders J.J. McCarthy Michigan · QB · Junior PROJECTED TRADE WITH NEW YORK JETS You really think Michigan Man and soon-to-be Raiders minority owner Tom Brady is going to let McCarthy fall to the Vikings at No. 11 or the rival Broncos at No. 12? Not happening. Vegas goes all in on the national title winner. Pick 11 Minnesota Vikings Jared Verse Florida State · Edge · Senior With free agency potentially leaving the Vikings thin off the edge, Verse’s relentless effort will be welcomed by DC Brian Flores. Pick 12 Cincinnati Bengals Brock Bowers Georgia · TE · Junior PROJECTED TRADE WITH DENVER BRONCOS I know, it never happens. The Bengals haven’t traded up in Round 1 since 1995, when they took Ki-Jana Carter first overall. Well, it’s time to put that streak to an end. The value of a top-five talent at No. 12 is too great for Cincinnati to resist, and the team doesn’t have a tight end under contract for 2024 as of this writing. Denver needs more draft picks, and the Bengals need Bowers. Pick 13 New York Jets Taliese Fuaga Oregon State · OT · Senior PROJECTED TRADE WITH LAS VEGAS RAIDERS The Jets recoup some draft capital after trading for Aaron Rodgers last year, and they get some much-needed help up front for the QB with the selection of the ultra-tough Fuaga. Pick 14 New Orleans Saints JC Latham Alabama · OT · Junior New Orleans might need new starters at both left and right tackle. The powerful Latham can immediately step in on the right side. Pick 15 Indianapolis Colts Terrion Arnold Alabama · CB · Sophomore (RS) There’s a decent chance Arnold will go earlier than 15th overall. If he’s still available, GM Chris Ballard delights in his good fortune, landing the draft’s top corner in the middle of Round 1. Pick 16 Seattle Seahawks Troy Fautanu Washington · OT · Senior New OC Ryan Grubb grabs his former pupil at UW. Fautanu can line up anywhere on the offensive line, but the Seahawks might be best served playing him at guard. Pick 17 Jacksonville Jaguars Byron Murphy II Texas · DT · Junior The Jaguars add some serious juice on the interior. If they bring back pending free agent Josh Allen and new DC Ryan Nielsen fully unlocks 2022 No. 1 overall pick Travon Walker’s potential, Murphy could be part of a ferocious front. Pick 18 Denver Broncos Bo Nix Oregon · QB · Senior PROJECTED TRADE WITH CINCINNATI BENGALS Sean Payton is desperate for help after parting with Russell Wilson in this hypothetical and missing out on the first four quarterbacks off the board. Nix has the experience and intelligence to be a good fit in Denver. Pick 19 Los Angeles Rams Laiatu Latu UCLA · Edge · Senior If you want wins off the edge, Latu is your guy. He will kick the intensity of the Rams’ pass rush up a notch. Pick 20 Pittsburgh Stealers Tyler Guyton Oklahoma · OT · Senior Pittsburgh slides last year’s first-rounder, Broderick Jones, to the left side, making room for Guyton at right tackle. Now, which quarterback will they be protecting? Pick 21 Miami Dolphins Jackson Powers-Johnson Oregon · C · Junior This looks good on an offensive lineman’s résumé, folks: Zero sacks allowed on 714 career pass-blocking snaps, per PFF. Powers-Johnson steps right in at center, filling a void for Miami. Pick 22 Philadelphia Eagles Quinyon Mitchell Toledo · CB · Senior The Eagles had one of the worst pass defenses in the league last season, and their top corners -- Darius Slay (33) and James Bradberry (31 in August) -- aren’t getting any younger. Mitchell showed at the Senior Bowl that he deservers to be in the draft’s CB1 conversation. Pick 23 Houston Texans (via CLE) Nate Wiggins Clemson · CB · Junior At least one scout views Wiggins as a better prospect than Seahawks stud rookie Devon Witherspoon was a year ago. High praise. The Texans snag a Clemson Tiger to play opposite Derek Stingley Jr. Pick 24 Dallas Cowboys Graham Barton Duke · IOL · Senior If Tyler Biadasz departs in free agency, Barton could be the perfect successor at center. Pick 25 Green Bay Packers Cooper DeJean Iowa · CB · Junior The Packers can’t quit Iowa defenders. For the second year in a row, Green Bay turns to the Hawkeyes in the first round, this time adding a versatile defensive back with a knack for making big plays. Pick 26 Tampa Bay Buccaneers Chop Robinson Penn State · Edge · Junior The production might give some teams pause (9.5 sacks in last two seasons), but the freakish athletic ability will make other teams salivate. The Bucs can’t resist here, especially with Shaquil Barrett’s play trending in the wrong direction. Pick 27 Arizona Cardinals (via HOU) Amarius Mims Georgia · OT · Junior The Cardinals have the picks to move up the board for help in the trenches if they want to be aggressive, but they stay put in this scenario. This selection gives them two young bookends to build the offensive line around, with Mims joining last year’s first-rounder, Paris Johnson Jr. Pick 28 Buffalo Bills Brian Thomas Jr. LSU · WR · Junior It’s been a decade since the franchise spent a first-round pick on a receiver. With Gabe Davis headed for free agency, now is the time to strike for Thomas, who led the FBS with 17 touchdown catches in 2023. Pick 29 Detroit Lions Kool-Aid McKinstry Alabama · CB · Junior I can hear Dan Campbell saying “Kool-Aid? Oh yeah!” when GM Brad Holmes sends this pick in. McKinstry’s game might not have a lot of flash, but he’s a well-schooled, confident cover corner who will reunite with Alabama teammate Brian Branch in the Detroit secondary. Pick 30 Baltimore Ravens Keon Coleman Florida State · WR · Junior An offensive lineman could be the play for the Ravens in Round 1. In this case, they decide to give Lamar Jackson a receiver who can win jump-ball battles and be a menace in the red zone. Pick 31 San Francisco 49ers Darius Robinson Missouri · DE · Senior NFL.com draft expert Daniel Jeremiah likened Robinson’s evaluation to that of the 49ers’ Arik Armstead. With Armstead potentially a year away from hitting free agency, why not take the 6-foot-5, 286-pounder to be his successor. Pick 32 Kansas City Chiefs Devontez Walker North Carolina · WR · Senior Walker might not have received glowing reviews at the Senior Bowl, but teams will go back to the tape and see what he did at North Carolina last season (41 catches for 699 yards and seven TDs in eight games). He can be a reliable wideout for Patrick Mahomes. https://www.nfl.com/news/dan-parr-2024-nfl-mock-draft-1-0

While defensive end Carl Lawson and the New York Jets part ways, the Cincinnati Bengals appear to have made the right decision to let their former fourth-round draft pick walk in free agency. RALPH VENTRE 3 HOURS AGO The results says that the Cincinnati Bengals chose wisely and the New York Jets chose poorly. With defensive end Carl Lawson reaching the void year on the free-agent contract he signed back in 2021, one can only sit and wonder what could have been. By most accounts, Lawson's tenure as a Jet was a disappointment. Meanwhile, his replacement in Cincinnati thrived. After signing a three-year deal worth $45 million, Lawson was reportedly performing at a high level during his first training camp as a Jet until rupturing his Achilles in preseason practice. Missing the entire 2021 campaign, Lawson bounced back to start all 17 games and total 7.0 sacks in 2022. Unable to carry any momentum over into the 2023 campaign, Lawson was bothered by a back injury in the preseason and slipped down the Jets' depth chart into irrelevance. The 28-year-old, who played only six games and made five tackles, was a healthy scratch on multiple occasions. Instead of re-signing Lawson in 2021, the Bengals committed similar money to lure free agent defensive end Trey Hendrickson away from the New Orleans Saints. While Lawson logged 5.5 sacks in his contract year as a Bengal, Hendrickson was coming off 13.5 sacks over 15 games for the Saints. New York secured Lawson's services for a $15 million average annual value and the Bengals inked Hendrickson to a four-year contract worth $60 million, according to Spotrac. Earning three consecutive Pro Bowl nods since signing with the Bengals, Hendrickson has totaled 39.5 sacks over three seasons. He recorded 17.5 sacks in 2023, 7.5 more QB takedowns than Jets' team leader Bryce Huff. Although bad luck is somewhat to blame, the Jets paid Lawson $6.43 million per sack over the course of a forgettable tenure. To say the Bengals received a much better return on investment is an understatement. The Lawson over Hendrickson decision is arguably Joe Douglas's biggest blunder as Jets' general manager. The good news is that it's hard to see the Jets spending substantial resources on a replacement for Lawson this offseason. New York has been deep at the defensive end position and that was before drafting Will McDonald in the first round last year. Starters Jermaine Johnson and John Franklin-Myers are still under contract, but the Jets may lose Huff to free agency. https://www.si.com/nfl/jets/news/free-agency-cincinnati-bengals-trey-hendrickson-new-york-jets-carl-lawson

The 23-year-old started all 17 games for the Bengals last season. JAMES RAPIEN 3 HOURS AGO CINCINNATI — The Bengals promoted Jordan Kovacs to secondary/safeties coach earlier this month. The 33-year-old is hoping to get the most out of a young, but talented safety room led by Dax Hill and Jordan Battle. Will the Bengals stick with the young guys or add a veteran on the back end? We'll get the answer to that question after free agency begins next month, but Kovacs did praise Hill when Dan Hoard asked about the 23-year-old on the Bengals Booth Podcast. "Experience is the most important thing in anything, especially in the National Football League. He's been great. He's got the skillset," Kovacs said. "He can cover and that's not easy to come by for safeties. He's had high-highs. He's had some really good plays and I'm sure he'd be the first to tell you that there's a few plays that he'd like to have back, but that's what happens when you're a young safety. He's done a great job just trying to get a little better over the course of the season. I have high expectations for Dax and looking forward to working with him and expect him to make even bigger strides this year." Hill finished with 110 tackles (six for loss), five quarterback hits, two interceptions and 1.5 sacks last season. Kovacs believes communication is crucial for Hill, Battle and the entire secondary. "Anytime you're going from nickel to safety, there is a transition, there's a learning curve," Kovacs said. "Once you're on the backend of this thing, you're really the quarterback of the defense. I know he's continuing to learn and grow there and communication is one of the areas where we need to take a huge step forward. We're the quarterback, we're running the defense, we've gotta communication, make sure everybody's on the same page. I expect him to do a great job in that area." https://www.si.com/nfl/bengals/news/cincinnati-bengals-safeties-coach-jordan-kovacs-discusses-dax-hill-future

By Josh Alper Published February 13, 2024 11:11 AM Bengals wide receiver Tee Higgins could become a free agent when the new league year starts in March, but the team has two ways to keep that from happening. They could sign him to a long-term deal or they could use a franchise tag to keep him from hitting the open market and extending the time to negotiate a new deal until mid-July. If no deal came before that point, Higgins would have the choice of sitting out or playing the 2024 season with a guaranteed salary that is projected to be $20.7 million. Paul Dehner of TheAthletic.com reports that the team is expected to use the latter option and apply the franchise tag to Higgins. He notes that the team has the cap space to carry that salary in the 2024 season and that Joe Burrow’s cap number remains relatively low in 2024 before jumping up by nearly $20 million in 2025. The overall makeup of the wide receiver market might also make it a plus for Higgins to wait on signing a multi-year deal. With receivers like Justin Jefferson, CeeDee Lamb, Brandon Aiyuk, Michael Pittman Jr., and fellow Bengal Ja’Marr Chase closing in on new deals, Higgins could benefit from a reset market by moving for a longer deal at some point in the future. Any tags must be issued by March 5, so there will be clarity on the Bengals’ plans in the near future. https://www.nbcsports.com/nfl/profootballtalk/rumor-mill/cincinnati-bengals

Grace Tucker, Cincinnati Enquirer Mon, Feb 12, 2024, 12:42 PM CST·1 min read Following a thrilling Super Bowl between the Kansas City Chiefs and San Francisco 49ers, it's not too early to start looking ahead to next year's big game. Those two teams, according to sportsbook BetMGM, are actually the favorites to make it to the Super Bowl next year. The 49ers are the favorites to win the Super Bowl at +500 odds. The Chiefs rank second with +750 odds of becoming the first team in NFL history to secure their third consecutive win. But where do the Bengals stand following a turbulent 9-8 season that featured lows like Joe Burrow's season-ending injury and unexpected highs like their victory against the 49ers during week 8? Cincinnati sits at +1400, landing them in sixth place among the top 10 teams favored to win the 2025 Super Bowl. If you're not into betting, that means if you bet $100 and the Bengals win the Super Bowl, you'd get $1,400. Relative to fellow Ohio NFL franchise the Cleveland Browns, whose +5000 odds are far below the top 10 favored teams, the Bengals' probability of a Super Bowl 2025 victory are fairly good. DraftKings Sportsbook reflects similar odds for the Bengals, granting them +1200 odds and fifth place alongside the Detroit Lions. Where is the 2025 Super Bowl? Super Bowl 59 will take place on Feb. 9, 2025. It will be held in New Orleans and played at the Caesars Superdome, home of the New Orleans Saints. The Super Bowl was last in New Orleans in 2013. https://sports.yahoo.com/odds-bengals-win-next-super-184232907.html

Bye Deebo…

You can tell that the Chiefs offensive line really misses Thuney. and Usher sucks…

Cincinnati has one of the best quarterbacks on the planet. RUSS HELTMAN 5 HOURS AGO CINCINNATI — Pro Football Hall of Famer Anthony Muñoz knows a thing or two about great quarterback play and gave his latest thoughts on Joe Burrow to Jim Rome this week. The best-left tackle in Bengals history says he goes to every home game when Burrow is out there. "Joe is the real deal," Muñoz said to Rome. "We got to keep Joe healthy, upright. But man that guy, every part of his game, I just sit there and I'm amazed. I go to every home game when he's playing. And I watch him. The way the guys fight for him. You hear guys talk about it. They love him, they love playing for him. You have free agents come in, have dinner with him, and say, 'I gotta come play with this guy.' "He has the 'It.' And you know, we got a guy that again, if he stays healthy, then he's gonna play a long time. But I just love watching him play. I have a bunch of grandkids. There's a couple that are around a lot, seventh and eighth graders, pretty good athletes, and I say, 'Watch Joe, how he handles adversity and success.'" Cincinnati has experienced great heights with Burrow, as the organization tries to keep him healthy for full seasons moving forward at a higher rate (missed the end of half his NFL seasons so far). A new-looking offensive staff is tasked with that big goal in 2024. https://www.si.com/nfl/bengals/allbengals-insiders-plus/bengals-legend-anthony-muñoz-uses-joe-burrow-as-teaching-example-watch-joe

CINCINNATI — The Stealers may show interest in one of their new offensive coordinator's old quarterbacks. Multiple NFL network reporters noted Ryan Tannehill could reunite with Arthur Smith in Pittsburgh. Smith was his OC in Tennessee for two seasons before taking over the head coach role in Atlanta. “With new offensive coordinator Arthur Smith, the expectation is Pittsburgh will explore adding free agent Ryan Tannehill, who had his best years with the Titans while Smith was the OC there,” they wrote. In 10 appearances and eight starts this season, Tannehill posted a 3-5 record. He completed 64.8% of his passes for 1,616 yards, four touchdowns and seven picks. The quarterback carousel continues in Pittsburgh as Kenny Pickett looks more and more like a bust each time he starts. https://www.si.com/nfl/bengals/news/report-expectation-Stealers-target-ryan-tannehill-in-free-agency

'That's how confident I am' By Ryan Morik Fox News Published February 10, 2024 8:02pm EST Chad Johnson is just one of many celebrities in Las Vegas for media tours ahead of the Super Bowl, so plenty of big bets are being made. However, there may be none bigger than this one. OchoCinco is so confident about his pick for the big game, he's willing to risk three of the most important things in his life: McDonald's, his wife and sex — in no particular order. Former Cincinnati Bengals player Chad Ochocinco Johnson attends warmups before a game between the Bengals and Los Angeles Rams at Paycor Stadium Sept. 25, 2023, in Cincinnati. (Dylan Buell/Getty Images) The six-time Pro Bowler says there is zero chance the Kansas City Chiefs lose, and he's apparently putting a lot on the line. When asked by Bleacher Report Betting what he'd be willing to bet on the Chiefs, his first reply was hilarious. "If the Chiefs lose, I won't eat McDonald's anymore. Ever," the Cincinnati Bengals legend said. Chad Ochocinco of the Cincinnati Bengals hauls in a one-handed catch for a first-quarter touchdown against the Cleveland Browns at Cleveland Browns Stadium Oct. 4, 2009, in Cleveland. (Jim McIsaac/Getty Images) When Johnson realized he could say "whatever" he wanted during the interview, he got a little bit more personal. "Matter fact, if the Chiefs lose, I'll divorce my wife and no more sex for the rest of the year. That's how confident I am," he said. That last part is definitely risking a lot, as OchoCinco has never shied away from his life in the bedroom. He recently was on an Instagram Live video with former teammate Terrell Owens about their "lil orgy" with "17 women in 12 hours." Johnson is taking a risk, though, with Kansas City an underdog against the San Francisco 49ers. But that hasn't stopped the Chiefs yet. They were underdogs on the road in Buffalo and Baltimore, but their playoff experience has trumped the odds. Nonetheless, Johnson knows how to keep things interesting. He didn't call himself the "greatest entertainer" in NFL history for no reason. Wide receiver Chad Johnson of the Cincinnati Bengals prior to a game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers Oct. 15, 2006, at Raymond James Stadium in Tampa, Fla. (Marc Serota/Getty Images) The Super Bowl kicks off at 6:30 p.m. ET Sunday. https://www.foxnews.com/sports/super-bowl-lviii-chad-johnson-says-hell-give-up-sex-marriage-mcdonalds-if-chiefs-lose

Nick Suss, The Oak Ridger Fri, Feb 9, 2024, 2:25 PM CST·2 min read Tee Higgins, one of the best high school football players to come out of Tennessee in the last decade, isn't ruling out a return to his home state as a pro with the Tennessee Titans. Higgins, the standout Cincinnati Bengals receiver, is a free agent this offseason after four years, 257 catches and 24 touchdowns with the Bengals. The Oak Ridge High School graduate and two-time Mr. Football winner will have the opportunity to re-sign with Cincinnati or be franchise tagged by the team that drafted him. But if Higgins does hit the open market, his home state connection and familiarity with Titans coach and former Bengals offensive coordinator Brian Callahan make the Titans a natural fit. "It would be good," Higgins said about joining up with the Titans speaking to The Sick Podcast on radio row at the Super Bowl on Thursday. "Going back home to family and then being able to play for a coach that I’ve already been under. It would be ideal." Higgins only played in 12 games in 2023 but still amassed 656 yards and five touchdowns. He surpassed 1,000 yards in 2021 and 2022, helping lead the Bengals to division titles both years. He's also proven stellar in the playoffs through his career, including a 100-yard, two-touchdown performance in Super Bowl LVI. Callahan is the only offensive coordinator Higgins has ever played for. The Titans hired Callahan in January after five years designing Cincinnati's offense, the last four of those spent with Higgins. "(He has) a great offensive mind," Higgins told TennesseeTitans.com about Callahan. "I was able to pick his brain a little bit, and learn new things about the game that I didn't know. He's just a great offensive mind." NFL teams are allowed to franchise tag players between Feb. 20 and March 5 this offseason. If Higgins and the Bengals do not agree to a contract extension before March 11 and Higgins is not franchise tagged in the aforementioned window, he will become a free agent. https://sports.yahoo.com/tee-higgins-calls-chance-reunite-202558729.html

Ben Baby, ESPN Staff WriterFeb 9, 2024, 06:00 AM ET CINCINNATI -- Tyler Boyd has caught 513 passes with the Cincinnati Bengals. And one of his most memorable moments involved none of them. In 2019, Boyd started cramping in the final seconds of a Week 16 game against the Miami Dolphins. Had Boyd stayed down and been unable to make it to the line of scrimmage, a mandatory 10-second run-off would have ended the game and Cincinnati's chances of a dramatic comeback. So Boyd crawled along the turf, staggered to his feet and lined up in time for the Bengals to stop the clock and set up a game-tying touchdown and two-point conversion at the end of regulation. The Bengals eventually lost in overtime, sealing their status as the NFL's worst team in 2019. But that play showed how valuable Boyd could be even without catching a touchdown pass. It's one of the ways he has displayed leadership during his Bengals tenure, which started when he was a second-round pick in 2016. But that tenure could be ending soon. Boyd, 29, is set to enter free agency, leaving his future as a Bengal uncertain. But his impact on the franchise's turnaround is undisputed. Boyd had a major role in setting the foundation that transformed Cincinnati from the NFL's worst team to a championship contender. It's one of the reasons why Bengals quarterback Jake Browning, whose locker is next to Boyd's, interrupted Boyd's final media scrum of the season. "In the receiver room, obviously we've got a ton of talent there," said Browning, who started the final seven games of the season after Joe Burrow suffered a torn ligament in his right wrist. "But a big, unsung hero of the locker room. I hope he's back. But wherever he goes, someone's going to be lucky to have him." Boyd entered the season as the longest-tenured player on the roster. His breakout moment came in the season finale in 2017, when he caught a game-winning touchdown pass against the Baltimore Ravens. The former Pitt standout is one of four players -- along with running back Joe Mixon, defensive tackle Josh Tupou, defensive end Sam Hubbard -- who predated coach Zac Taylor's arrival in 2019. As Taylor worked on changing the franchise and establishing a winning culture, Boyd played an integral role, from helping the coaching staff's message filter through the locker room to establishing an example for others, including young receivers Tee Higgins and Ja'Marr Chase. Two of Boyd's key traits, a great attitude and daily consistency, were important for building the culture that Taylor wanted to create. "He's one of those guys, that through thick and thin, is always, 'Whatever you need from me coach,'" Taylor said in May 2023. "He's always been a great leader in the locker room. He's always been someone I've been able to go to and know that I'm going to get a truthful response back on how things are going." When Boyd arrived, A.J. Green was still in the midst of his run as the team's No. 1 receiver. Boyd led the team in receiving in 2018 and 2019 as Green battled injuries. Once Cincinnati drafted Higgins in 2020 and Chase a year later, Boyd's role in the offense diminished significantly. However, Boyd never expressed any frustration over a lack of targets. Instead, he showed the way forward for the two blossoming stars. "With each one of those guys joining the team, his touches went down, and he kind of set the tone that it was not a 'I gotta get mine' type of receiver room," Browning said. "And I think that's an underrated part of the room in general." In eight seasons, Boyd had 513 receptions, 6,000 yards and 31 touchdowns. At the peak of his career, he was known as one of the most sure-handed receivers in the league. Between 2020 and 2022, he had four total drops in the regular season, matching the same number he had in 2023. With Burrow signed to a big extension and Chase and Higgins also eligible for new contracts, Boyd is among those who could be too pricey for a Bengals team trying to manage the salary cap. In that case, Cincinnati will not only need to replace their starting slot receiver but also try to fill a massive leadership void. The type of leadership that was on display against Miami in 2019. "I was just willing to do anything I could to help the team win," Boyd said. "That's what showed on that tape." https://www.espn.com/nfl/story/_/id/39478089/are-tyler-boyd-days-bengals-over

Chris Roling February 7, 2024 5:50 pm ET Former Cincinnati Bengals offensive tackle Andrew Whitworth knows a thing or two about building a good team in the local area. Whitworth, after all, had plenty of playoff appearances with the Bengals during his time in town. The key is obvious, too, he said this week during Super Bowl media interviews. “If you look at the history of the Bengals in the last 20 years, their runs have been dictated by great drafts,” Whitworth said, according to Geoff Hobson of Bengals.com. “Not just good players who could start, but great ones. Look at what we did from 2011-15 with guys like A.J. Green, Geno Atkins, and Carlos Dunlap. And then when Joe came, there were those great drafts and now they’re at the end of that trying to keep as many of them as possible. They’ve got to kill the last draft and this one.” The Bengals appear to be well on their way with that 2023 draft class. Defenders DJ Turner and Jordan Battle got key snaps and could start for the long-term. Wideouts Charlie Jones, Andrei Iosivas and running back Chase Brown showed big upside in their respective roles and first-rounder Myles Murphy really started coming on at the end of the season. Of course, the Bengals still need to crush the 2024 draft class for Whitworth’s point to hit home. The team approaches that class with needs along the offensive line and defense after last year’s struggles with explosive plays. https://bengalswire.usatoday.com/2024/02/07/andrew-whitworth-bengals-super-bowl-window-open/?utm_campaign=trueanthem&utm_medium=trueanthem&utm_source=facebook&fbclid=IwAR2l02VN0HyRgpjK0Nk-cIfXeCWXAWikQMfaL5qPBtZmfLpVkIut-pwYC0o

Greg Wilson Fri, Feb 2, 2024, 4:16 PM CST·1 min read 1 Cincinnati Bengals left tackle Orlando Brown Jr. has already been a great addition on the field, but he also tries to do what he can off the field as well helping other players. He has been in contact with Tyler Guyton, a right tackle from his alma mater Oklahoma for a while now, trying to help him improve his game as the NFL Draft comes up. “He’s been a great mentor. He’s been like a big brother,” Guyton said Jan. 30. “He’s telling me to take this time very personal because it’s going to separate me going into the draft. He’s very respectful to me even though he’s already in the league, but he talks to me like a brother.” The 6-7, 328-pound Sooner will be drafted in April, and with the possibility of Jonah Williams leaving in free agency, the Bengals could be in need of someone on the right side of the line, and Guyton could fit that bill. Brown has been in contact with Guyton for a while now, and whether the right tackle ends up with the Bengals in the draft or not, Bengals director of player personnel Duke Tobin said he’s been happy with the way Brown has contributed on and off the field. “Orlando, his intangibles are off the charts,” Tobin said. “His tangibles are off the chart. He’s big. He’s hard to get around. He’s everything that we saw that we wanted and we wanted a guy with substance to him on and off the field and we got that. I’m pleased for Orlando and as he enters year two in our scheme with our players, he’ll get even better.” https://sports.yahoo.com/orlando-brown-jr-helping-oklahoma-221654561.html

Kelsey Conway, Cincinnati Enquirer Tue, Jan 30, 2024, 8:06 PM CST·2 min read MOBILE, Ala. – Cincinnati Bengals director of personnel Duke Tobin spoke on a number of topics at Senior Bowl, including an update on where things stand with wide receiver Tee Higgins and his future with the franchise. Higgins, 25, is no longer under contract with the Bengals. Higgins and the Bengals were unable to reach an agreement on a long-term deal prior to the start of the 2023 season. A source close to the situation told The Enquirer in September the Bengals and Higgins never got close on an extension last offseason. Tobin made headlines with his comments on Higgins last year in late February at the NFL scouting combine when he said the franchise wasn't interested at the time in trading Higgins for future draft picks. This year, Tobin answered a question regarding Higgins a little differently due to a change in contract status. "Last year, Tee Higgins was under contract to us," Tobin said on Tuesday afternoon. "He was a guy that we drafted for that reason, to be a contributor for us. He’s not under contract now so we’re going to have to work through how to do that and if it’s possible and we’ll have to go through the gymnastics of that. So it’s a different scenario than it was last year. Trading a high-level player that’s under contract just because the future might demand it, that’s never really on my mind." Cincinnati Bengals wide receiver Tee Higgins (5) gestures toward the official after catching a touchdown pass as Minnesota Vikings cornerback Akayleb Evans (21) defends in the fourth quarter of a Week 15 NFL football game between the Minnesota Vikings and the Cincinnati Bengals, Saturday, Dec. 16, 2023, at Paycor Stadium in Cincinnati. The Cincinnati Bengals won 27-24 in overtime.More As far as what happens next with Higgins, it's pretty simple. The three options for the Bengals with Higgins are the following: Place the franchise tag on him and keep him around for one more season at $20-plus million, tag him and then trade him to get draft picks or let him go to another team in free agency. The Bengals have from Feb. 20 to March 5 to place the franchise tag on Higgins if they opt to go that route. If they don’t, it’s a sign they plan to let him become a free agent."We’ll see what happens this year," Tobin said. "I want Tee Higgins back. Everyone on our team would like to have Tee Higgins back. Again, there’s one pie and how big of a slice that takes and what else we can’t do because of it, we’ll have to determine and we’ll see." https://sports.yahoo.com/heres-latest-cincinnati-bengals-tee-020622590.html

Chris Roling Mon, Jan 29, 2024, 8:00 PM CST·1 min read 2 The Cincinnati Bengals used a first-round pick on defensive end Myles Murphy last year, an attempt to boost the pass-rush right away and especially over the long-term. So how does that decision hold up now? With it being the offseason for all but two teams, re-drafts have started to become a thing. And in a 2023 re-draft from Bleacher Report’s David Kenyon, the Bengals go away from Murphy and instead draft offensive lineman Steve Avila: That pick would have created serious competition for Cordell Volson at left guard, which in hindsight, probably would have been a good idea. Still, Murphy was never projected as a guy who would command a ton of snaps as a rookie. He steadily improved, though, flashing some hints he’s got a chance to be a very good every-down player, potentially starting next season. In the 2024 draft, though, it wouldn’t be a shock to see the team attack the offensive line as early as the first round. https://sports.yahoo.com/bengals-avoid-myles-murphy-2023-020010663.html