ArmyBengal

I agree with this. Hoping changes make the difference.

McPherson really needs to have a bounce back season this year. I think there was an injury concern last year, but I could be wrong. Thought I read that somewhere.

I'm good. Moving on. I'm really interested in seeing this defense and what Golden does with the scheme. I don't usually hit up training camp practices, but might do that this season.

Dude, chill out. This isn't an argument. I'm not trying to "win" anything here. Just discussing. Let me go through this. 1. What other players do has no bearing on Stewart. If they choose to take the risk, that's on them. Stewart isn't required to do so. Couple that with he's the only one (to this point) that is having this specific issue, which the BENGALS created. 2. Could a clause like that be necessary? Sure, but to what end? They want the ability to not pay out guarantees IF Stewart jacks something up. They want to extend that through the life of contract, as opposed to just the guarantees for the year he jacked up whatever he did. I can see that being a tool a team could want to use. HOWEVER AND AGAIN, we aren't talking about a $30m per year payout. This is LESS than $5m per season. They are going to get Stewart for 4 years for LESS than they are offering Trey for a single season. Why all the fuss over pocket change? It is pocket change as well. Even if it's multiple years, at $5m per, that's nothing in the NFL contract world. God knows the Bengals have pissed away far more than that in the past. 3. Of course players have been taken off the field by the league office, but what in the world has Stewart done which makes this sucj a foregone conclusion that they just have to get back their $5 million? Does he have a history or some criminal activity? Has he been banging 15 year olds? What is causing them to be sooooo concerned about him? If the answer is predicated on productivity on the field, then they shouldn't have drafted him. 4. I would be interested to see the exact language of the clause, but all we have is what has been reported. If teams want to include them, fine, but I suspect until that becomes a staple across the league players are going to push back. If any of us were in his position, we would probably be like, "Why are you doing this to me, when you have NEVER done this to any player before?". Fair is fair right? So unless there is some reason fans haven't been told about Stewart's background that hasn't been shared (like him liking little boys with big ears and no teeth). I still call BS. Not because there isn't a potential use for a clause of that nature. Communication is key and it sounds like the Bengals haven't done that very well. But then again, it's not like that's a strong suit of theirs.

My take as it appears? Defense = All on Golden, go to war with what you've got. O-line = All on Peters, go to war with what you've got. Fortunately for me, I happen to think the world of both Golden and Peters. I like to feel that both Knight and Carter will help the linebacking corps. I also like to feel that Fairchild will be better than Volson at LG. Then again, maybe he doesn't beat him out. But yeah... rookies. The free agent addition of Lucas Patrick should stabilize the RG position as well. Right? Maybe? I hate the thought of Ford at RG. My opinion of him = ass. As of right now, Ford is the only new starter on the offensive side of the ball. No other changes. The defensive side sees more changes with, as of right now, 6 new starters from last year. Ossai, Slaton, Knight, Burks, Battle, Hill (Subject to change).

Be safe boys. Healthy = good. Injuries = bad.

The injury waiver is another example of where one might fall in the pro owner, pro player debate. The injury waiver simply allows the team to place the player on IR and it ensures the players will get medical care. It does not guarantee pay or anything else from a contractual standpoint. I'm also not going to compare what other players are or have gone through regarding their stupid decisions. Tucker/Watson Stewart, regardless of my lukewarm thoughts on him, doesn't have those concerns. Again, we are talking relative pocket change in NFL money, as opposed to negotiating an extension for Trey. Stewart won't cost $5 million per season while he's here. That's why teams don't typically cut rookies. They don't count for much against the cap.

What will make it wrong in waiting 2 weeks? If it's wrong in 2 weeks, it's wrong now. The defense is on the field now. I could understand it if there was something in Stewart's past which would concern the team, like was the case with Carman. However, that's not the case. There was a solution to that problem if there was a concern... Don't draft him. The team isn't wrong because Stewart says so. They are wrong for creating something out of thin air when it's not necessary. Because they want to void remaining guarantees "if" Stewart fucks something up? They are basing this on a "what if"? We are talking about a 4 year contract for less than $20m WITH a 5th year club option. Not a $30m per season deal. The other rookies on the field already either don't have that clause in their deal or won't. If they try to push it, I bet they push back. Am I losing sleep over it? Of course not. It makes no difference in my life in the least. That doesn't make it NOT stupid. Honestly, the team has continued to put themselves in this position by drafting guys like this they know have questions. How about you just don't do that if the questions are that damn concerning the guy you just drafted doesn't even get on the field? It's not like there weren't at least 5 other players available that could have had an equal impact on the roster than Stewart. Also, it's not like this precludes them from restructuring that players deal either. They just did that with Volson. They are concerned about "what if" they lose "some" money in the future "if" the player fucks up, but they can't manage another $5m per year to keep Trey? Again, make that make sense. We are talking about less than $5m per year for Stewart. What the hell are they so worried about losing? EDIT: This clause will keep money in their pocket. I'm not opposed to that, but to what end? I'm not exactly pro player or pro owner. I'm pro "not stupid". There is a little on both sides, but the team didn't have to do this. Yeah, pointing and laughing.

Perfect

The team, not the media, has noted their desire to develop Stewart’s immense athletic ability and see him not only get pressure, but get home. You cant do any of that when you are busy creating new rules to impose on someone that isn’t a part of the team yet. How fucking stupid is that? We aren’t talking about a veteran player under contract. It’s a rookie who still isn’t even employed by the team. This is making up shit as you go just for the sake of it. It’s already a rookie deal that favors ownership. They paid Chase like 4 million last year and they are worried about saving money for a rookie? Seriously, get the fuck out of here.

Anyone want to step to the plate to defend the front office? I just need to know who to point at and laugh....

Well, the Cardinals just signed their 1st round pick (Nolen) who was picked just before the Bengals took Stewart. It should be interesting to see his contract makeup and hear what the Bengals do at that point. Maybe the silly ass Tomfuckery can come to an end.

Yeah, when looking at how they have been compensated, it's tells the story. Trey's less than $70m in his career, where Watt is at like $110m.

$28m shouldn't be enough for Watt. His production throughout his career has been next level. Model of Pro Bowl and All Pro consistency, along with not only winning the DPoY, but always in the mix each season. His stats are ungodly and he is just a beast of a football player that regardless of the team, you have to appreciate from a pure fan perspective. If he played in Cincinnati, he would be everyone's favorite player. Much respect to his game. The fact outlets only have him projected to make only about $6-$7m more than Trey per year is crazy. If Trey is worthy of something between $30m and $35m, Watt is worthy of north of $40m. I hate that he plays for the Steelers, but he's an animal.

I don't disagree with this at all. I think it's part of the reason I'm not as concerned about the o-line as in years past. They (the coaches) seem to think the offense is going to be top end regardless. I've just always been of the line of thought that I wonder how much better they could be? If Joe is going to take the blame for last season's failure, when he turned in an MVP season, and thinks he could have done more, that more should be coming off the back of the offensive line. That is literally the only way he could have done more.

Have to say straight up releasing Pratt was the last thing I wanted to see. No trade compensation, lose (at a minimum) depth to a linebacker corps that needs it, and a guy that Golden drafted. I'm just saying that if this release doesn't result in a Trey extension, it's stupid. I wish Germaine the best of luck and thank him for his time here. I will never forget the game clinching INT against the Raiders in the playoffs breaking our playoff win drought. My son and I were there screaming, jumping up and down, going bat shit crazy. Thanks Germaine !! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=R0yoPAhj4Tk

I'm with you AMPHAR. I'm hopeful we see the improvement. That being said, I've spent most off seasons thinking, if the o-line could just hold up. This is the first time that has shifted to, if the defense could just get off the damn field. Honestly, I'm going into the season exceptionally hopeful Golden can make that happen. However, the talent they have really needs to step it up and produce. Speaking of Trey, has anyone seen some of the stupid ass trade scenarios posted out there? If any of those are remotely possible, better to wait Trey out. Sooner or later he's going to be the one to cave. No way he doesn't play even at the rumored $28m for the season. Take the bird in the hand Trey. The Bengals won't blink.

Has been a problem of his for his entire career and continued after his playing time ended. What he has done for Chris Henry's family has been amazing, but really wish he could control the nonsense. Despite helping, has never been the "role model" type of guy. More of the, learn from my bad decisions way.

Saw that as well and was discussing with my oldest. He wasn't thrilled but don't see the issue with that add. Both Mixon and Pearce have missed time with injuries. Now all the Texans have to do is have them all miss time at different times and they are good. LOL... If he helps the team win, so be it. They have to find a way to get through the divisional round. They are still a fun team to watch play. Some real talent there as well.

I just saw where the Packers released Jaire Alexander. Yes, he's had injuries and hasn't played a full season in the last 4. I would be interested in bringing him in to evaluate the knee to start with. He had a PCL scope surgery at the end of December and should be close to healed up. If the knee isn't ready, it's an easy pass. However, if the knee is thought to be ready and he can take the field in camp he's an interesting thought. The Bengals were thought to be interested in bringing in a Veteran CB at some point, so he fits that bill. He's not going to be making anything near the $16m he was due to make in GB before the release. We have young CB's with talent and should he miss more time, it's not the end of the world for us. Again, if the knee isn't good. Pass. If it is, there are worse players they could add. Color me slightly interested at this point.

I’m confident in Golden’s abilities. Whether that pans out this year remains to be seen. I’m ever hopeful however.

Don’t get me wrong, I love the Bengals like most of these guys on this forum. Being on this site for over 20 years talking about them says enough. (Probably that we’re crazy) So when I shit in their Wheaties, it’s just being realistic. The secondary has talent, but it all comes with issues. Dax Hill was a first rounder. He has great talent but has been hurt. DJ Turner the same. CTB has talent with an overwhelming need to talk shit without backing it up. If we get the last half of last season Geno Stone, that’s awesome. If not, that sucks. Who’s the other safety? Battle I guess, but he’s had ups and downs as well. Newton is said to be taking over the nickel spot since Hilton isn’t coming back. Never thought much of him. Again, Golden has his hands full. I’m hoping all the stars align but it’s really going to take that to make this D get where it needs to be.

Well Stewart and the Bengals can’t figure out a first round contract for some stupid reason the Bengals created out of thin air. Murphy has been mostly unseen during his time here despite being a first round pick and is a complete unknown and maybe a bust. Trey is working on his third offseason of demanding more and seeing the Bengals get dragged through the media, despite them giving him everything he’s asked for in each occasion. Put me in the camp that even though this defense only needs to get to middle of the pack, they are going to have a hard time doing that. I like Al Golden, but he has his hands full.

If the Bengals season goes down the shitter but we get to watch this happen, the 2025 season will still be quite enjoyable to watch. Color me happy to see him finally sign.

Odd, I called the Bengals, but got transferred to the Rascal Freedom Power Chair company located in Nigeria. It was all bullshit though and it's really all a front to bring back the Lumina. The place is now managed by former Bengals safety Ifeanyi Ohalete. They have struggled with constant outbreaks of violence until they finally got the root cause of the issue. Their Arby's stopped carrying the potato pancake because they had no one that knew how to make them. 2025 saw a transfer of the teenager that worked the drive thru in Heath to that location and things normalized. The 2026 Lumina debuted at the Detroit Auto Show with rave reviews and noted trunk space for a new Power Chair. Bengals plan is to give the one-of-a-kind prototype 2026 Lumina to Trey and hope it smooths things over. Hope that helps...