9 games in Roster Today and for 2025

[MichaelWeston]

Quarterback

QB

Burrow 29

Browning 26

Burrow is on pace for over 4000 yards and 30 TDs. He is having a solid year despite the mess around the team. it would be even better with a running game and an offense that got him more plays. We are 2nd to last in plays per game as of week 8. Every game has been close so Browning hasn't played

 

2025 Outlook

QB

Burrow 29

Browning 26

Woodside

I wrote this a month ago, and it remains the same: "This is the most settled position on the team. Burrow and Browning will both be back in their respective spots. Woodside should land back as a camp arm and possibly eventually as a backup. They will add a yet-to-be-known fourth arm. Maybe Rocky Lombardi, who may get some run with the Michigan Panthers of the UFL."

 

Running Back

RB

Brown 27

Herbert 25

Williams 25

Milton

Evans 25

Moss 26

 

Brown has taken control of the RB positon with 120 yards against the Raiders. Prior to week 9, and Moss's absence, there was still a nice balance between Moss (74 carries-27 targets) and Brown (77 carries-21 targets) but chunk plays have been hard to come by. Moss has just 55 yards since week 4. Williams hasn't gotten one snap from scrimmage. He has 142 STs snaps. Kendall Milton was added to the roster for week 9 and saw snaps. I'd still love a more dynamic practice squad back. now that that spot is open. We shall see if Milton moves back to the PS. Moss might be out of the year with a neck injury so the bengals added Herbert. He has 1 year left on his deal, can help in the kick return game and maybe even play teams. 

 

2025 Outlook

RB

Brown 27

Herbert 25

Williams 25

Milton

Moss 26

Evans moves on after this year, Williams is back in my projection, and Milton is as well. I'd love to see them somehow try to get a back off another team's practice squad on a future deal. In the last two years, I have been very high on Dwayne McBride (Vikings), George Holani (Seahawks), and Emani Bailey (Chiefs). If this season goes even more sideways, We are certainly a good spot for a back that wants to find a place to make a roster. Newly traded Herbert might just be that guy. He was solid in Chicago for 2 years before being buried this year and after that experience might re-sign on a vet mim deal and play teams. 

 

Wide Receiver

WR	Chase 26	Burton 28	Burgess
WR	Higgins 25	Irwin 25	Pryor
WR	Iosivas 27	Jones 27

Chase led the league in receiving yards and receiving TDs before week 9. He's going to be worth every penny he gets in the offseason. Higgins was playing great but he is losing to the injury bug. Yoshi has disappeared. He had 11 catches through 4 games and has just 15 now. His snaps have been consistent but his targets have diminished. His separation score is still among the team's best, but I haven't watched any of the all 22's to know how accurate that is. In week 9 he caught a TD and was absent on a block that became a pick 6. Burton seemed like he was just starting to shine and was about to blow up. Then he reportedly no called no showed to a walk through and was declared inactive. We will see if he gives us a second threat easing the pain of losing Higgins. Charlie Jones has just 26 snaps from scrimmage and Trenton Irwin had 19 snaps from week 3-8. (Irwin does not play special teams beyond returning punts) I believe Jones is being criminally underutilized. I am a big fan and think he can be a weapon. 

 

2025 Outlook

WR	Chase 26		Burgess
WR	Burton 28		Pryor
WR	Iosivas 27	Jones 27

We probably have 4 of our 6 WR spots. I'd assume they target an inexpensive veteran to hedge against Burton and Yoshi not succeeding. Burgess and Pryor have some upside. Pryor could be the 6th WR on a good unit. Kwamie Lassiter and Shed Jackson remain free agents and could return for the offseason. 

 

Tight End

TE

Gesicki 25

Sample 27

Hudson 25

McClachlan 28

All 28

Grandy

This position is probably the most improved over last year. There is a very good balance of pass-catching weapons and blockers. All was a quality blend of both, but it appears he is lost for the year. Gesicki is coming off a two-TD, 100-yard game. It's hard to imagine we don't find a way to pay him this offseason. McClachlan might get his first looks in All's absence. 

 

2025 Outlook

TE

Gesicki 25

Sample 27

McClachlan 28

All 28

Grandy

It appeared All was the future here. But another ACL injury puts that in jeopardy. We certainly looked the best with an all-purpose TE. I think they like this room but it will be interesting if they try to replicate All's versatility this offseason. I think Gesicki is back. He has to love it here and Burrow loves him I am sure. If you look at him as a slot WR I think there is a real path to pay him 7M per year for a couple of years. 

 

 

If you look at it like this it seems more reasonable and likely. 

 

WR	Chase 26	Burton 28	Burgess
WR	Iosivas 27		Pryor
WR	Gesicki 25	Jones 27
TE	All 28	Sample 27	McClachlan 28	Grandy

 

You can also go light at TE (3) and WR (5) with Gesicki (1) playing both, for a total of 9 instead of 10 or 11. This might lead to them wanting to bring Hudson back again, but more likely, it's someone who can block and catch. 

 

Offensive Line

LT	Brown 27	Ford 25	Smith 25	Coker
LG	Volson 26	Kirkland 25
C	Karras 26	Lee 28	Hill
RG	Cappa 26	Manning
RT	Mims 29	Steuber 25	Brown 25	Cochran

PFF rankings for the line are Karras (22 of 36), Volson (53-77), Cappa (61-77), Brown (38-77), Mims (63-77). Overall the line hasn't been bad with the struggles coming most in the interior and mostly in weeks 4-8. . Both Volson and Cappa were solid through week 4 but their grades have dropped immensely since then. Ford has filled in admirably. Burrow was sacked just twice in the last 2 weeks. It's frustrating that Kirkland went out as he showed well in the preseason. Cochran played a bit in week 9 after his callup. 

 

2025 Outlook

LT	Brown 27	Ford 25	Coker
LG	Volson 26	Kirkland 25
C	Karras 26	Lee 28	Hill
RG	Cappa 26	Manning
RT	Mims 29		Steuber 25	Cochran

 

We will probably be back to the status quo for 2025. Depending on Kirkland's health he might get a chance to run at LG. Manning might be interesting at RG as well. I assume they bring back Cochran-Steuber and Coker for camp but they will want a big upgrade at swing T. I think we have the next C for the Bengals in Lee, which is great. Ford is almost certain to be back as a versatile veteran. Volson is maligned, and I get it but I am not sure they move on. They could open up that position to competition in a variety of ways. Either Ford and Kirkland there or Karras at LG and Lee at C. I think they are happier with their depth at G and not the starters and happy with the starters at Tackle but fearful of the depth. If you did want to replace Cappa you would save 8M on the cap.

 

Special Teams and 2025 Outlook

K	McPherson 28
P	Rehkow 27
LS	Adomitis 25

McPherson has uncharacteristically struggled but he's signed long term now and will be back. Rehkow is 6th in average and 4th in net. Adomitis will probably be back. There is always the possibility that there is an underlying issue with Adomitis that is affecting the chain and that's hurting McPherson. 

 

Defensive Line

LE	Hubbard 26	Murphy 27	Johnson 28	Sample 25
LT	Hill 25	Jenkins 28	Tufele 25	Rogers
RT	Rankins 26	Jackson 28
RE	Hendrickson 26	Ossai 25	Johnson

This might just be the biggest weakness on the team. They couldn't stop the run to start the year and now they can't pass rush. I do think we have something in the Jenkins and Jackson duo and that Murphy is about to come on. He was flashing against the Raiders. Ossai has settled in as a contributor as well. They just need another threat (or 2) as a pass rusher. Maybe that's Ced Johnson, maybe that's Rankins, maybe it's preseason darling Raymond Johnson. 

 

2025 Outlook

LE	Hubbard 26	Murphy 27	Sample 25
LT	Jenkins 28	Jackson 28	Rogers
RT	Rankins 26
RE	Hendrickson 26		Johnson 28	Johnson

Hubbard has bounced back and is likely to finish out that contract here. Ossai is likely gone here. I could see them bringing Sample back on a vet minimum deal. They need another pass-rush threat. Hopefully, that's Murphy by year's end. If not I'd sign an inexpensive end to be a primary pass rusher. There is usually one or two lingering when the music stops. Jenkins takes over for Hill at DT. Hill will be 30 and I think they will be targeting a DT early again. Jackson and Jenkins pushed the pocket a few times this last week as well. A full offseason of Rogers will be interesting. Releasing Hubbard saves 9.5M

 

Linebackers

WLB	Pratt 26	Davis-Gaither 25	Njongmeta 27
MLB	Wilson 28	Bachie 25	Heyward

This group is amongst the NFL's tackle leaders and seemingly playing pretty solid. There have been mentions that Pratt is down this year, but I haven't noticed. ADG should have a starting role somewhere in the league. 

 

WLB	Pratt 26	Bachie 25	Heyward
MLB	Wilson 28	Njongmeta 27

I assume the top 2 are back and they bring Bachie back. Njongmeta and Heyward move up and they add a UDFA. 

 

Safety

S	Bell 25	Battle 27	Jules
S	Stone 26	Anderson 26

The defense is improving here and there and there is a rotation happening at safety. Stone's PFF numbers are terrible (79 of 88) but he is nowhere near as bad as when he started the year. Battle is playing over Bell. Anderson is all pro level Gunner. Jules flashed athleticism in the preseason but is raw. 

 

2025 Outlook

S	Battle 27		Jules
S	Stone 26	Anderson 26

They will let Bell walk....maybe even to the coaching room if Anarumo stays and they can find a spot. Battle will compete with someone for the starters role. I expect Stone back but we could see a complete makeover in this room. They save 6.45M by cutting Stone and eat 1.5M.  Anthony, Anderson and Jules could all vy for safety spots. 

 

Cornerback

CB	Taylor-Britt 26	Ivey 27	Abraham	Hill 27
CB	Turner 27	Newton 28	Brooks
NB	Hilton 25	Anthony 28	Davis	Robinson 28

CTB is having his worst year but is improved. Turner has been ok as the other corner. Hilton has been solid in the slot especially in run support. Ivey, Newton and Anthony have less than 55 snaps each so far with Newton leading the way at 52. 6 of Anthony's 12 snaps have come in the slot. 

 

2025 Outlook

CB	Hill 27	Turner 27	Ivey 27
CB	Taylor-Britt 26	Newton 28
NB	Hilton 25	Anthony 28	Robinson 28

With all the other needs I assume they try to add a year to Hilton and don't add much more here. There is still meat on the bone with Newton, Ivey and Anthony. 

 

 

 

 

[Griever]

Excellently done per usual, Mr Weston. I enjoy reading these breakdowns.

[KA14_HOF]

Dumb question: what do the numbers after each players' name represent?

[MichaelWeston]

28 minutes ago, KA14_HOF said:

Dumb question: what do the numbers after each players' name represent?

Year they hit free agency

[KA14_HOF]

1 hour ago, MichaelWeston said:

Year they hit free agency

Ah, thanks.

 

I'll go back to my Fisher Price blocks now.

[MichaelWeston]

I would probably extend, re-sign Hill, Gesicki, and Hilton, and cut Cappa, Rankins, and Stone. 

 

Cutting 

Cappa saves 8M 2.25M Dead

Stone saves 6.5M 1.5M Dead

Rankins saves 10.5M 2M Dead

 

 

 

[MichaelWeston]

if you include possibly cutting guys like Moss and Hubbard.....And our lack of development....how do you not come to the conclusion that Tobin needs fired?

[|High School Harry|]

18 hours ago, MichaelWeston said:

I would probably extend, re-sign Hill, Gesicki, and Hilton, and cut Cappa, Rankins, and Stone. 

 

Cutting 

Cappa saves 8M 2.25M Dead

Stone saves 6.5M 1.5M Dead

Rankins saves 10.5M 2M Dead

 

 

 

 

16 hours ago, MichaelWeston said:

if you include possibly cutting guys like Moss and Hubbard.....And our lack of development....how do you not come to the conclusion that Tobin needs fired?

 I agree right down the line Dr Weston.

Stone was wasted money, and Rankins makes the All Meh team.

Not sure of cap impact but its safe to say Irwin and T Williams are on the way out.

I would like to see Sam Hubbard retire and open a sports bar in Montgomery.

[T-Dub]

18 hours ago, MichaelWeston said:

I would probably extend, re-sign Hill, Gesicki, and Hilton, and cut Cappa, Rankins, and Stone. 

 

Cutting 

Cappa saves 8M 2.25M Dead

Stone saves 6.5M 1.5M Dead

Rankins saves 10.5M 2M Dead

 

 

 

 

Good lord. Really gives the impression that the Bengals were bidding against themselves for some of these guys.. and that Tobin is still around because he plays Santa at the family Christmas party every year or some shit vs. anything to do with football.

[MichaelWeston]

Bears waived Velus Jones JR. Without knowing much I'd add him. Seems like an ideal slot. 

 

 

[KA14_HOF]

5 hours ago, MichaelWeston said:

Bears waived Velus Jones JR. Without knowing much I'd add him. Seems like an ideal slot. 

 

 

Didn't the Jags sign Jones?

[MichaelWeston]

3 hours ago, KA14_HOF said:

Didn't the Jags sign Jones?

I assumed he was scooped up but than didn't see anything....then I googled his names and Jags and it jumps right away. 

[sparky151]

After the trade deadline, veterans who are cut have to clear waivers. The Ravens waived Yannick Ngakoue last week and the Bengals put in a claim for him but the other team who submitted a claim was the Patriots who were higher in the waiver order. 

[MichaelWeston]

Ive gone from wanting to fire Lou....to wanting to fire Zac....to wanting to fire Tobin. 

 

I say tear it all up. As I look toward the Chargers game I don't think we really have a chance. They are too well coached and their D is too good. This season is done. 

 

Lets to a hard reset. Hand the keys to the roster to Trey Brown, let him hire Joe Brady or Ben Johnson. Lets get creative on offense. 

 

Cut: Cappa-Rankins-Stone-Moss-Hubbard. You save 38 Million and have a total of 103M in cap space. 

 

Your roster looks like this.....

 

QB	Burrow 29	Browning 26	Woodside
RB	Brown 27				Milton 25	Brightwell
WR	Chase 26	Iosivas 27	Burgess
WR		Burton 28	Pryor
WR		Jones 27	Williams 27
TE	All 28	Sample 27	McClachlan 28		Grandy
LT	Brown 27		Coker
LG		Volson 26
C	Karras 26	Lee 28	Hill
RG		Kirkland 25	Manning
RT	Mims 29		Steuber 25	Cochran
K	McPherson 28
P	Rehkow 25
LS	Adomitis 25
LE	Murphy 27		Johnson 28
LT		Jenkins 28	Rogers
RT		Jackson 28
RE	Hendrickson 26		Johnson
WLB	Pratt 26		Heyward
MLB	Wilson 28	Njongmeta 27
S	Battle 27	Anderson 26	Jules
S		Anthony 28
CB	Hill 27	Taylor-Britt 26	Robinson 28	Brooks
CB	Turner 27	Ivey 27	Abraham
NB		Newton 28	Davis

[sparky151]

Tobin should be fired but won't be. The Bengals claim that draft-and-develop is their model. But we aren't very good at drafting and have a relative disadvantage at it compared to Baltimore or Pittsburgh or maybe even Cleveland. If not for the latter's owner forcing a terrible trade, they would probably have a better roster and cap situation than us. 

 

Tobin might point the finger at the coaches who can't get production from the players he drafts. But roster thin spots fall on the GM.

[T-Dub]

7 minutes ago, sparky151 said:

Tobin should be fired but won't be. The Bengals claim that draft-and-develop is their model.

 

 

Seems more like "receive NFL matching funds-go on vacation" but yes, that is what they claim.

 

Quote

Tobin might point the finger at the coaches

 

No one is actually pointing fingers at anyone, to get at the root of the problem.  This is typical of organizations built on nepotism where people occupy top positions based not on aptitude or even competence, but rather genetics.  To question the coaches would mean to question the GM, which would lead to questioning ownership.  That's obviously a dead end, so CYA and don't rock the boat become the order of the day.