ArmyBengal

Yep, I'm going to be turning 56 and trying to work out how to retire early. Not thinking it's going to happen, but I'm so finished with the rat race. Hate giving my time and energy to agencies and people that don't really care. You know... the government. I'd like to go back to complete a doctorate just for me. Just to learn. Not for a job or anyone else. On my time during the day. Not at night or the weekends. Oh yeah, the Bengals... they don't care about us either. Need to consider quitting them too.

The best available according to the smallest scouting staff in all of the NFL. Doesn't really inspire confidence in them getting that call right does it?

People hear about Katie taking over and since she's Mike's daughter, many think "young". Katie's going to be 61 this year as well. Not suggesting that 61 is super old, but that's retirement age. Her viewpoint is going to mirror that of Mike's in more ways than one and isn't changing at 60 years old. If you think youth is what's needed to change the philosophy of the organization, you better hope the granddaughters of Mike view things differently seeing as how they both work for the Bengals as well. If not, this shit show is a curse that looks to be passed on for many generations to come.

For those who are wondering (lets be honest, it might just be me) here's the full schedule: Today- Defensive linemen and linebackers Friday- Defensive backs and tight ends Saturday- QB's, WR's, RB's Sunday- Offensive linemen

Also, anyone really thinking Maxx Crosby was a feasible option, should cool their jets. The Raiders are apparently asking for 2 first rounders and a player. This is basically what the Cowboys got for Micah Parsons in trade. Thing is, Parsons is two years younger than Crosby. That difference you ask? Crosby will be 29 before the start of this season and we know how the Bengals feel about older guys. I cannot see in any universe where the Bengals would give up that kind of draft capital, a player and then turn around and pay Crosby a market rate contract with guarantees beyond a year or two due to his age. Honestly even for how much I like Crosby, I don't think I would be thrilled giving that up for him. If we were picking at the bottom of the 1st round, it may change my opinion, but top 10? I think I'm good with trying to find a guy in the draft or someone not so pricey.

Figured this would help provide a thread to discuss what happens and who the Bengals meet with in one place. Today begins the workout portion of the combine with Defensive Linemen and Linebackers doing drills. To this point, the Bengals have met with the following players: Peter Woods, DT, Clemson Rueben Bain, DE, Miami David Bailey, DE, Texas Tech Zxavian Harris, DT, Mississippi Kayden McDonald, DT, Ohio State Zane Durant, DT, Penn State Sonny Styles, LB, Ohio State Jake Golday, LB, Cincinnati Many players on that list to like and some to be had later in the draft. The Bengals have a history of drafting several players they meet with at the combine. Yes, I pay attention to the combine and seeing how these kids do as they come into the league. I also think it's the first time you get truly accurate numbers regarding their height and weight.

There is just zero reason to not have Risner done at this point. They've managed to find time to sign Jalen Davis and Kendric Pryor, so it's not like they are on vacation yet. By all accounts, the average salary for an average starting guard is between $2-$5 million per year. The Bengals paid him $1.3 million last year and is thought to be somewhere around that this year. He's going to be 31 years old this year. How about a 3 year deal worth $6-$7 million total. Guarantee half of it and give yourself an out after 2 years. During that time, draft your future RG and bring him along behind Risner. Just not that hard. If they want to up the dollar amount or guaranteed money or structure, fine, but this is a slam dunk easy one. Bengals always being the Bengals. At least they are consistent with that.

Just for awareness, Tobin says he's NEVER NOT been all in and for 2026 they are all in. Well Duke, seeing as how you have been with the Bengals since 1999 and you've never accomplished a damned thing, you are either full of shit or being "All In" must mean something completely different to you than it does to, you know, everyone else in the known world. Douchebag

So Risner, an about to be 31 year old OG, who everyone noted was instrumental in having the best line in Burrow's history (that isn't saying much) and has never made more than 4 million in any season he has played dating back to 2019 is going to be problematic? Let's not forget he actually WANTS to play for Cincinnati ok? In what fucking universe does any of that sound challenging? Let me guess.... the Bengals don't value offensive guards still, so they can't make a 2-3 year deal happen at that price. When anyone wants to try to take a guess at why the Bengals are the living embodiment of cheapness and failure, I give the above example. You simply cannot change the narrative about or the way people view you when you continue to make things this fucking challenging. People should get fired for shit like this. I hate the Bengals so much. Fuck you Duke Tobin, you Elmer Fudd looking motherfucker !!

"No trust" "No faith" "No hope" RESISTENCE IS FUTILE

Hoping against all hope that Downs somehow falls. Everything I hear seems to indicate he won't, but he's still my #1. Here's something to consider from a Buckeyes fan perspective... I think most would agree that if Reese fell to #10, it's a no brainer. However, I don't get why that isn't the case with Sonny Styles. I've watched that kid play for 4 years now and he's at LEAST Reese's equal. If your a stat person and covet production, you should be screaming for Styles. Lets take a closer look from that perspective... Arvell Reese, LB, 6'4, 243lbs Played in 36 games, 112 Combined Tackles, 13.5 TFL with 7 sacks Sonny Styles, LB, 6'4, 235lbs Played in 53 games, 244 Combined Tackles, 22.5 TFL with 9 sacks Bottomline is that they are both stellar players, but I don't get the consternation over Styles not being worthy of a top 10 pick. However, with that being said I think adding a veteran LB like Devin Lloyd or Leo Chenal would help the youth infusion we got at the position in last year's draft. Free agency will be telling the direction they travel.

Well they are banking on the assumption Trey will sign the tag. Nothing says he has to and without that, there’s no trade. This is why I’m betting on them letting him walk and then hoping a team is stupid enough to sign him to a high dollar deal which would result in a 3rd round comp pick. All that other tag and trade talk is too much like normal organization shit. Ain’t nobody got time for that.

Speaking of Logan Wilson, the Cowboys released him today. If he doesn’t end up in Indy with Lou for one last go round, he might be done. I always liked Logan Wilson, appreciate what he did here and wish him and his family the best.

Yeah, I saw that as well. Interesting and disturbing at the same time. Of course, that's all you've been hoping for in life as well so that works.

Sounds like he's headed for a reunion tour in KC.

Saw an interesting thought on trading for safety Minkah Fitzpatrick. Wouldn’t take much and is certainly better than anyone we’ve had these past few years.

Bengals resign WR Kendrick Pryor to a one year deal. Just a depth piece. Whatever I guess. What about Risner ?? Can we get that done please?

Did a quick 4 round mock with Lomu and here's what I came up with: 1st- Caleb Lomu, OT, Utah 2nd- A.J. Haulcy, S, LSU 3rd- Will Lee, CB, Texas A&M 4th- Dontay Corleone, DT, Cincinnati In all seriousness, I love the above. Corleone might be the most underrated DT in the draft.

Restructure?? What's that?? A new kind of toilet going in down at Paycor?

As always when mocks start appearing, I'm left to wonder what the coaches real take on players is. Meaning, do the coaches think that Dax Hill and DJ Turner are your starting outside corners? I'm guessing they do and don't have much concern with that. Based on the conversation with the extension of Jalen Davis yesterday, it sounds like the coaches view him like Mike Hilton where he will be the starting nickel back. However, I would guess (hope) they don't bring back CTB as a free agent, which will leave things a little bare. How bare and when to fill that opening is the question. There are CB's which can probably be had into the 3rd round and give you back up quality from day one with the thought of seeing them continue to develop. There are probably a handful of guys that I could see filling that role through the first three rounds. With that being the case, maybe they don't go CB in the first. I'm left thinking an OT might be the better way to go when considering the OT draft class. That's thinking that Downs and Bain are gone. There really isn't a DT I like at #10 as I think Woods is being overhyped. After Bain and Bailey at DE, I don't think there's another worth the #10 pick. While another linebacker in the draft won't bother me, I think I'd rather see a veteran brought in. That is unless the unbelievable happens and Reese drops to #10. Long story short, when looking at the players thought to be there, the depth of certain positions, along with how the coaches view the current players on the roster, OT is making more and more sense to me. It's not even my favorite direction to travel, but it's what I'm thinking in February. Lomu would be my guy because he's a pure LT who could handle the swing tackle role initially. That and Orlando Brown Jr. is an unrestricted free agent in 2027. Lomu could learn and fill in where needed in 2026, taking over LT in 2027. Again, would not be upset with Delane. He's the top rated CB in the draft, so there's worse things.

It's been a minute since I have cared much about Trey. I loved what he has done while he has been here, but I simply think it's time to move on. He isn't happy with the way the Bengals front office handles contracts and they aren't changing. The only thing that leads to is what we saw last year with mudslinging and hold ins. Not saying his hold in led to his injury, but he wasn't himself. With slow starts being an issue for the team as a whole, that was less than helpful. Then there's still this thing about him that irritates me to no end in that he has always taken the money offered by the Bengals and then complained about it not being enough. At any point in time he could have bet on himself, turned down the money and hit free agency. He never once did that. I know it's a business and they are trying to maximize profits while they are in the window to do so, but we aren't talking about some guy who's only gotten paid on a rookie deal here. Trey has made nearly $100m in his 9 years in the league. With all due respect and appreciation, I will watch him walk away and move on.

Bengals apparently are extending CB Jalen Davis I saw a minute ago.

The Reds spring training starts this weekend and we are about a month away from opening day. Baseball means spring and the end of winter to me, so color me happy about that. The 2026 version of the Reds? I actually think they may be good this year and have a shot at the NL Central. Not sure they did enough, but it will be interesting to watch them play. Their starting rotation may be the best in the division and if not, it's really close. Same thing for the bullpen. This is nice to see from the Reds. The infield is pretty solid as well and they brought back Eugenio Suarez in free agency. The outfield is probably my biggest concern with the team and what they bring to the plate. That group needs to bring more in 2026 if they are going to contend. Overall I'm excited to see the season start. I will be catching the Sunday game of the opening series against the Red Sox. Let's go Reds !!

What would make the Bengals think they could pull off a tag and trade with Trey? Consider if you will the fact they have never once in their existence tagged and then traded a player. Like in forever. For ever ever. Here's another thought to consider... if no one would give up a 3rd or 4th last year AND pay Trey, what would make the Bengals think they would this year, while paying him more than last year and knowing he missed more than half the games last season with an injury? At this point, the Bengals should let him walk and hopes a team gets desperate and signs him to a big deal, which would result in a higher comp pick in 2027. Agree with Hoosier, just let him go and move on with improving the defense without the sheer stupidity that will surely ensue if they tag him again. The Cincinnati Bengals. The physical embodiment of not seeing the forest for the trees.

My true feelings are that I have no faith the organization does enough to consider all the options. Does anyone think they have a group of people that contemplates all variables for free agency and the draft? Burrow will turn 30 during the season. Can you believe that? Ja'Marr Chase will turn 26 before the season. Tee Higgins just turned 27 last month. Chase Brown will turn 26 before the season. I know people love to hear Burrow say his window is as long as he's playing, but that's not entirely true. While QB's tend to have a longer lifespan in the NFL, other players do not. That core of players I mentioned has about 3-4 seasons of a window together. What will it take the team to capitalize during that window? "Free agency costs too much"... Ok when won't it? Is it not worth it during this window? "We build through the draft"... Ok agree, but when it takes 4 years to realize talent, what good is it? "We have to watch the cap"... Ok but there's no time where you might consider kicking things down the road? At what point in time do you expect to have the offensive talent you do right now to make a run? Is this not a good time to consider making trades? Give up draft picks and players if need be? Have some flexibility how you handle the cap later down the road? Maybe devote a larger group of scouts to evaluate both free agent and college players? Just like last year when when it was reported teams had offered a 3rd rounder for Trey and the Bengals held onto him despite knowing he was not going to be enough to make up for how bad the defense was across the board. Hell knowing what they knew, a 4th rounder this year would be welcomed, but they will end up with nothing and out $30m from last year. The players know it, the fans know it, the analysts know it, everyone knows what this team needs to address for the defense. Apparently everyone except for the Bengals front office. I expect mid level, average players in free agency, being concerned about pushing cap dollars into the future they won't spend on anything big to help the team, an average at best draft and much of the same in 2026 regarding on field play. If they do nothing again, this is a 6-7 win team in 2026. Slowly wasting the talent this offense has and needing to start all over by 2030.