2025 Offseason, just the right time and not too early addition

[MichaelWeston]

Season is over and it's a frustrating one. I will role through some thoughts. 

 

Coaching

1-I doubt they get rid of Taylor but I wouldn't mind. Joe Brady or Ben Johnson would be some fresh faces to try to nab. 

2-I do think they replace the defensive staff. Anarumo has one good year as a DC and it's evident that his bend but don't break defense doesn't work. It's too complicated and guys are just running wide open. My short list of replacements would be Dennis Allen (we interviewed him when we hired Anarumo), Brandon Staley, Jim Leonhard, Robert Saleh, Mike Vrabel. 

3-I assume that Vance Joseph will be interviewing for head jobs and Allen might just end up in Denver with Sean Payton, if not I think he's the guy here. 

4-His staff for the Saints might just come over:https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2024_New_Orleans_Saints_season#Staff

5-That same staff includes John Benton who has coached for the Saints, Jets and 49ers and could replace Pollack. He also coached with Taylor in Miami. 

--replacement for OL coach and Defensive staff. 

 

Roster

1-I'd cut Cappa (8M), Moss (3.5M), Hubbard (9.6M), Stone (6.5M) and Rankins (10.5M). That saves almost 40M, and puts us over 100M. 

2-I'd prioritize bringing back Hill and Gesicki and probably Hilton

3-I'd welcome back Herbert, Williams, Ford, Bachie, Sample and Hudson

4-I'd Tag Tee and trade him for anything

 

We'd start the offseason with a new DC and OL coach and a roster that looked like this. 

 

RB	Brown 27		Herbert 25		Milton 25	Brightwell
WR	Chase 26	Iosivas 27	Burgess
WR		Burton 28	Pryor
WR	Gesicki 25	Jones 27	Williams 27
TE	All 28	Sample 27	McClachlan 28	Hudson 25	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		Sample 25
LT	Jenkins 28	Jackson 28	Rogers
RT	Hill 25
RE	Hendrickson 26		Johnson 28	Johnson
WLB	Pratt 26	Bachie 25	Heyward
MLB	Wilson 28	Njongmeta 27
S	Battle 27	Anderson 26	Jules
S		Anthony 28
CB	Hill 27	Taylor-Britt 26	Ivey 27	Brooks
CB	Turner 27		Robinson 28	Abraham
NB	Hilton 25	Newton 28	Davis

 

For the rest of this year I'd

1-Move Lee to start at C and Karras at LG

2-Start Murphy at end

3-Rotate in Newton as much as possible to see what you have. He might be starting if Turner is out. 

4-Rotate in Ced Johnson

 

 

 

[claptonrocks]

8 minutes ago, MichaelWeston said:

Season is over and it's a frustrating one. I will role through some thoughts. 

 

Coaching

1-I doubt they get rid of Taylor but I wouldn't mind. Joe Brady or Ben Johnson would be some fresh faces to try to nab. 

2-I do think they replace the defensive staff. Anarumo has one good year as a DC and it's evident that his bend but don't break defense doesn't work. It's too complicated and guys are just running wide open. My short list of replacements would be Dennis Allen (we interviewed him when we hired Anarumo), Brandon Staley, Jim Leonhard, Robert Saleh, Mike Vrabel. 

3-I assume that Vance Joseph will be interviewing for head jobs and Allen might just end up in Denver with Sean Payton, if not I think he's the guy here. 

4-His staff for the Saints might just come over:https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2024_New_Orleans_Saints_season#Staff

5-That same staff includes John Benton who has coached for the Saints, Jets and 49ers and could replace Pollack. He also coached with Taylor in Miami. 

--replacement for OL coach and Defensive staff. 

 

Roster

1-I'd cut Cappa (8M), Moss (3.5M), Hubbard (9.6M), Stone (6.5M) and Rankins (10.5M). That saves almost 40M, and puts us over 100M. 

2-I'd prioritize bringing back Hill and Gesicki and probably Hilton

3-I'd welcome back Herbert, Williams, Ford, Bachie, Sample and Hudson

4-I'd Tag Tee and trade him for anything

 

We'd start the offseason with a new DC and OL coach and a roster that looked like this. 

 

RB	Brown 27		Herbert 25		Milton 25	Brightwell
WR	Chase 26	Iosivas 27	Burgess
WR		Burton 28	Pryor
WR	Gesicki 25	Jones 27	Williams 27
TE	All 28	Sample 27	McClachlan 28	Hudson 25	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		Sample 25
LT	Jenkins 28	Jackson 28	Rogers
RT	Hill 25
RE	Hendrickson 26		Johnson 28	Johnson
WLB	Pratt 26	Bachie 25	Heyward
MLB	Wilson 28	Njongmeta 27
S	Battle 27	Anderson 26	Jules
S		Anthony 28
CB	Hill 27	Taylor-Britt 26	Ivey 27	Brooks
CB	Turner 27		Robinson 28	Abraham
NB	Hilton 25	Newton 28	Davis

 

For the rest of this year I'd

1-Move Lee to start at C and Karras at LG

2-Start Murphy at end

3-Rotate in Newton as much as possible to see what you have. He might be starting if Turner is out. 

4-Rotate in Ced Johnson

 

 

 

Agree.

What we have left is a bad team with 100 my l cap and around a 10-12 draft spot.

Take the money and acquire linenen on both sides

 

How long to we keep the same ole shit in free agency?

Allways looking for a Maybe bargain that's futile.

 

Bolster the fuckin lines!!!

 

[IKOTA]

Find a CB1, either via draft or FA. Find a DE, DT that can get pressure. Find OLine all 3 interior spots. Give Matt Lee a chance this year to show what he’s got once mathematically eliminated. 
 

 

[IKOTA]

Find Safeties, both spots need upgrade. Cut Stone today. He’s absolutely worthless. Did you see what he was doing on that Quentin Johnson TD? Zero sense on that play. Triple covered someone and let Johnson fly downfield wide open. Then the critical pass to McConkey he was super late to get to his spot. He has zero instincts and zero physical ability to make up for lack of instincts. 

[UncleEarl]

5 minutes ago, IKOTA said:

Find Safeties, both spots need upgrade. Cut Stone today. He’s absolutely worthless. Did you see what he was doing on that Quentin Johnson TD? Zero sense on that play. Triple covered someone and let Johnson fly downfield wide open. Then the critical pass to McConkey he was super late to get to his spot. He has zero instincts and zero physical ability to make up for lack of instincts. 

 

The coverage breakdowns happen way too often.  I thought experienced safeties were the answer?  Nope.  When I see it week after week the arrow points back to Lou.  It's his job to have his players knowing what to do.  It's not just rookies either.  Vets standing next to each other in zone coverage and gaping holes in other places.  Late in the game the Bengals rush only 3 and McConkey is wide the F open down the field.  Thankfully, the pass was overthrhown, but how does that happen with eight  men in coverage?  Guys don't know where to go. 

[Jamie_B]

Start here. 

 

2025 NFL Free Agents

 

I don't know what the Chargers cap space looks like and if they can afford to keep Samual Jr, if not I target him first, and DJ Reed who is slightly older but still on the under 30 side second.

 

There really isnt any DEs on the under 30 side I like, both Ossai and Cam Sample are UFAs. I'm not sure Ossai has earned a 2nd contract here, I think due to Sample getting hurt you will be able to keep him on a 1 year prove it deal. I think the Draft has to target a DE here with the first pick if we can, even if we have to move up to get a guy who can come in and do more than what Murphy has done so far. I also love Sam Hubbard but he is washed at this point. I think you have to move on.

 

We did try to get Azeez Ojulari so maybe hell be a target again?

 

They should target Tre Smith and pick from the Chiefs again to have a good guard, I have had enough of watching Volson end drives. 

 

Cut Rankins, go get Leki Fotu, I think BJ Hill is a solid player but his time here is likely done. Adding Fotu next to Jenkins is where I think I want to go, still want to add another 3 tech in the draft.

 

There really isnt a S I like in FA, you may have to add in the draft.

 

 

From there you will need DE, G, WR, S, and maybe RB

 

 

This mess isnt going to be fixed in one year to get us to be a championship level team again. However if they make the right moves and spend money on top FAs you can fix enough to get us back into the playoffs next year.

[Jamie_B]

5 minutes ago, UncleEarl said:

 

The coverage breakdowns happen way too often.  I thought experienced safeties were the answer?  Nope.  When I see it week after week the arrow points back to Lou.  It's his job to have his players knowing what to do.  It's not just rookies either.  Vets standing next to each other in zone coverage and gaping holes in other places.  Late in the game the Bengals rush only 3 and McConkey is wide the F open down the field.  Thankfully, the pass was overthrhown, but how does that happen with eight  men in coverage?  Guys don't know where to go. 

 

I think Vonn knows what to do, but can't respond like he used to due to age. I like Battle but he needs a good player next to him. 

[texbengal]

Lots of isht to fix. 

WR - need WR2. Personally, I'd love to have Tee back since he means so much to the team... maybe a sign and trade? At least get more value than a 3rd if he signs elsewhere. Don't see Andre being the #2, although he's a useful player. Burton may be a newer version of Chris Henry - great on some routes, but not a full-time, dependable, starting-caliber player. 

OL - All 3 interior spots need an upgrade. They are all below-average and unathletic and it's been pretty glaring this year. 

DL - I'd consider keeping Ossai and re-signing Sample. Re-up Trey and pay him! Hubbard may be done, although he's tough and may be just too limited with his injury. Murphy better show something soon. Cut Rankins. I'd keep BJ around but they need at least another guy inside. Like the two rookies though. 

DB - CTB is on thin ice for sure, he has been terrible. But Turner has had some positive moments and he played well yesterday (he may be gone for the season, given his injury). I like Fig and Dax was rounding into form pre-injury. Ivey - not sure, but he's damn sure better than Jalen Davis. 
S I would blow it up. Bell and Stone suck. Battle needs to play better - maybe he's your 3rd safety. In the draft, I'd like Malaki Starks in round 1, if Mason Graham (DT) isn't available when they draft. 

ST - Mac is in his head - I think he'll come out of it, and they have a good (if inconsistent at times) punter. 

 

 

The isht that sticks in my craw about Duke and Co. - it's like they think they are smarter than everyone else. Day 1-early Day 2 guys like Ogbuehi, Fisher, Murphy, CTB, Zach Carter, Carman, Jefferson... all "traits" guys who really weren't very productive college players. And all were pretty much washouts. 

And then in FA, the two prized defensive FAs this year both made big plays against the Bengals last year... so that's the criteria? Well, a lot of guys have owned Alex Cappa lately. Just... frustrating. 

[texbengal]

One other thing... in the past several years, they *have* addressed the D in the draft on day 1 and 2... Murphy, Jenkins, Ossai, Jackson up front, and Turner, Dax, CTB, and Battle. I may be missing some. 

So, were the evaluations wrong on all of these guys? I mean, you see flashes from most of them, but where's the consistency? Isn't that coaching? 

[claptonrocks]

47 minutes ago, Jamie_B said:

Start here. 

 

2025 NFL Free Agents

 

I don't know what the Chargers cap space looks like and if they can afford to keep Samual Jr, if not I target him first, and DJ Reed who is slightly older but still on the under 30 side second.

 

There really isnt any DEs on the under 30 side I like, both Ossai and Cam Sample are UFAs. I'm not sure Ossai has earned a 2nd contract here, I think due to Sample getting hurt you will be able to keep him on a 1 year prove it deal. I think the Draft has to target a DE here with the first pick if we can, even if we have to move up to get a guy who can come in and do more than what Murphy has done so far. I also love Sam Hubbard but he is washed at this point. I think you have to move on.

 

We did try to get Azeez Ojulari so maybe hell be a target again?

 

They should target Tre Smith and pick from the Chiefs again to have a good guard, I have had enough of watching Volson end drives. 

 

Cut Rankins, go get Leki Fotu, I think BJ Hill is a solid player but his time here is likely done. Adding Fotu next to Jenkins is where I think I want to go, still want to add another 3 tech in the draft.

 

There really isnt a S I like in FA, you may have to add in the draft.

 

 

From there you will need DE, G, WR, S, and maybe RB

 

 

This mess isnt going to be fixed in one year to get us to be a championship level team again. However if they make the right moves and spend money on top FAs you can fix enough to get us back into the playoffs next year.

Good stuff.

 

[claptonrocks]

32 minutes ago, texbengal said:

One other thing... in the past several years, they *have* addressed the D in the draft on day 1 and 2... Murphy, Jenkins, Ossai, Jackson up front, and Turner, Dax, CTB, and Battle. I may be missing some. 

So, were the evaluations wrong on all of these guys? I mean, you see flashes from most of them, but where's the consistency? Isn't that coaching? 

Yes it's the coaches responsibility to life their games.

Haven't seen much.

 

Tobin and his crew of 3 or so haven't planned out in their draft selections.

Does Dan Pitcher really calling plays or is he a spotter for Zach?

[New Jersey Bengal]

Hire mike vrabel

[MichaelWeston]

I highly doubt they extend Karras for a year and then replace him. 

[UncleEarl]

If you wonder why the Bengals are struggling one reason is, again, drafting.  Take a look at 2021 & 2022.

 

Outside of Chase anyone to really be proud of?

 

https://www.pro-football-reference.com/teams/cin/draft.htm

[Jamie_B]

3 minutes ago, UncleEarl said:

If you wonder why the Bengals are struggling one reason is, again, drafting.  Take a look at 2021 & 2022.

 

Outside of Chase anyone to really be proud of?

 

https://www.pro-football-reference.com/teams/cin/draft.htm

 

They've missed in the draft and FA.

 

Is this Duke? Scouts? Coaches? Some combination?

 

That needs to be addressed. They can't afford to miss while Joe is in his prime. It's a disservice to him.

[New Jersey Bengal]

He's the best qb in the nfk hands down

[Randle P McMurphy]

2 hours ago, claptonrocks said:

Yes it's the coaches responsibility to life their games.

Haven't seen much.

 

Tobin and his crew of 3 or so haven't planned out in their draft selections.

Does Dan Pitcher really calling plays or is he a spotter for Zach?

 

Pitcher is nothing more than Zac's puppet.  

 

1 hour ago, New Jersey Bengal said:

Hire mike vrabel

 

 

Vrabel isn't taking a coordinator job.  He'll be the next HC in Las Vegas.  I'd bet Brady has already been in "bowl cut's," head about it! 

[New Jersey Bengal]

I meant for hc

[Randle P McMurphy]

10 minutes ago, New Jersey Bengal said:

I meant for hc

 

My bad.  

 

 

[New Jersey Bengal]

I wasn't clear

[KA14_HOF]

5 hours ago, MichaelWeston said:

Season is over and it's a frustrating one. I will role through some thoughts. 

 

Coaching

1-I doubt they get rid of Taylor but I wouldn't mind. Joe Brady or Ben Johnson would be some fresh faces to try to nab. 

2-I do think they replace the defensive staff. Anarumo has one good year as a DC and it's evident that his bend but don't break defense doesn't work. It's too complicated and guys are just running wide open. My short list of replacements would be Dennis Allen (we interviewed him when we hired Anarumo), Brandon Staley, Jim Leonhard, Robert Saleh, Mike Vrabel. 

3-I assume that Vance Joseph will be interviewing for head jobs and Allen might just end up in Denver with Sean Payton, if not I think he's the guy here. 

4-His staff for the Saints might just come over:https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2024_New_Orleans_Saints_season#Staff

5-That same staff includes John Benton who has coached for the Saints, Jets and 49ers and could replace Pollack. He also coached with Taylor in Miami. 

--replacement for OL coach and Defensive staff. 

 

Roster

1-I'd cut Cappa (8M), Moss (3.5M), Hubbard (9.6M), Stone (6.5M) and Rankins (10.5M). That saves almost 40M, and puts us over 100M. 

2-I'd prioritize bringing back Hill and Gesicki and probably Hilton

3-I'd welcome back Herbert, Williams, Ford, Bachie, Sample and Hudson

4-I'd Tag Tee and trade him for anything

 

We'd start the offseason with a new DC and OL coach and a roster that looked like this. 

 

RB	Brown 27		Herbert 25		Milton 25	Brightwell
WR	Chase 26	Iosivas 27	Burgess
WR		Burton 28	Pryor
WR	Gesicki 25	Jones 27	Williams 27
TE	All 28	Sample 27	McClachlan 28	Hudson 25	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		Sample 25
LT	Jenkins 28	Jackson 28	Rogers
RT	Hill 25
RE	Hendrickson 26		Johnson 28	Johnson
WLB	Pratt 26	Bachie 25	Heyward
MLB	Wilson 28	Njongmeta 27
S	Battle 27	Anderson 26	Jules
S		Anthony 28
CB	Hill 27	Taylor-Britt 26	Ivey 27	Brooks
CB	Turner 27		Robinson 28	Abraham
NB	Hilton 25	Newton 28	Davis

 

For the rest of this year I'd

1-Move Lee to start at C and Karras at LG

2-Start Murphy at end

3-Rotate in Newton as much as possible to see what you have. He might be starting if Turner is out. 

4-Rotate in Ced Johnson

 

 

 

Did they end up re-signing Milton to the Practice Squad? (assuming he went unclaimed)

[|BlackJesus|]

To me the 5 biggest holes are LE, FS, SS, OG, DT. 

 

* I would extend Tee and Ja'Marr and keep both. 

 

Then target these spots in free agency and the draft. 

[|BlackJesus|]

I would be fine with trying Joe Brady as HC (LSU reunion). 

 

A wildcard coaching option I would also be ok with is Jon Gruden. 

[dex]

5 hours ago, texbengal said:

One other thing... in the past several years, they *have* addressed the D in the draft on day 1 and 2... Murphy, Jenkins, Ossai, Jackson up front, and Turner, Dax, CTB, and Battle. I may be missing some. 

So, were the evaluations wrong on all of these guys? I mean, you see flashes from most of them, but where's the consistency? Isn't that coaching? 

The defense has been prioritized in the last 3 drafts. A whopping 8 out of their 10 premium (1st-thru-3rd) round draft picks have been on the defensive side of the ball. Yet they somehow have almost nothing to show for all of that defensive investment. 

[gupps]

Fire Pollack

 

Fire Anarumo

 

Draft a Guard and DL EARLY next year (days 1 and 2). I'd even double dip on guard.

 

That's minimum, which is probably way too much for the Browns but one can hope.