HoosierCat

Anyhow, Dehner has some thoughts in his latest mailbag. I don't really disagree with anything he writes here. Re FO/player communication: Re a possible Hendrickson trade: Re tagging Tee again: Re a Chase extension: Dehner also believes Cappa is a goner and that the team will likely look to replace him in FA.

The cap is a non-issue. They have plenty of room both this year and in future years. Imho, cash really isn't an issue, either, at least not directly. Even if the organization doesn't have all the requisite cash on hand, there are multiple avenues to get it. The issue is just that, last offseason the FO made it clear they had no plans to re-sign Tee or give Hendrickson more money. Tee was going to be replaced by Burton and if Trey wanted more money, he shouldn't have signed the July 2023 extension. As for Chase, well, he was going to get paid, but on their schedule, not his. Then Burton shit every bed in sight and Trey led the league in sacks and Chase nabbed a Triple Crown...and their whole plan, such as it was, went up in flames that Burrow is now gleefully pouring more fuel on (and to be clear, good for him). I honestly don't know how things are going to go. If I had to guess, my guess would be "poorly." We'll see.

DL/DE is really deep this year. OL very solid as well. If they just took BPA at one of those positions every round they would probably end up with three starters. Half the PFF sims I do are some variation of that.

I've been thinking LB is a legit option in the first 3 rounds all along (really, given how deep both DL and OL look this year, I'd be fine with LB at 17 if the right guy is there). So Pratt potentially leaving really doesn't change my draft calculus. I do like our young guys Njongmeta and Heyward.

Pratt wants a trade. https://www.cincyjungle.com/2025/2/12/24364366/germaine-pratt-trade-bengals-captain-nfl Based on last season I would say a bag of peanuts would be acceptable.

Joe loves him some James Pierce Jr. Iffy whether he lasts to 17 tho. https://youtu.be/5BbxWr-2dSQ?si=6Nx8DFiCkVtUqr21

My prediction: they won’t re-sign Tee and they won’t do anything worthwhile with the money, either. Prove me wrong, pumpkie.

Dates to keep in mind: Feb. 18 tag window opens March 4 tag window closes March 10 legal tampering starts March 12 free agency begins

Well shit we’re screwed…

TBF I think Jenkins and McKinley had pretty good rookie outings. The issue was more that Stone and Rankins were trash. Moral of the story is keep your own talent.

That was brutal. Total domination by Philly. If your a fan of the old adage about offense winning games, defenses winning championships (and I am) this one’s for you. Congrats Eagles. Enjoy the win. Championships are to be savored. As for the Bengals, tomorrow everyone is 0-0 again. Get the fuck to work.

Jebus Kay Rist this is a beat down AND I LOVE EVERY BIT OF IT

I’m good with that!

Oh hi Jake Elliot I remember you..,

Aww there goes the shutout oh well they’re still cooked

He is great…AT THROWING INTERCEPTIONS!

HA HA HA SUCK IT CHIEFS

FLY EAGLES FLY

Patrick Mahinterceptions

Oh hi cooper dejean

I will be doing my part to make this the lowest rated SB ever. Just watching Tom Grossi’s stream. https://www.youtube.com/live/JQsXK1vqEx0?si=r5_QwVGnk0_8SB8T

Just in case anyone is bothering to watch and wants to chat. Fuck the Chiefs.

Last DT from Joe, Tyleik Williams. https://youtu.be/ZtnD4qnpYXE?si=ME9WlxsAByPpGtEj Joe’s a big fan but can’t recommend him at 17 due lack of pass rush chops. Everything else about his game is A+ tho so maybe in round 2?

Burrow wins AP comeback player of the year. Hendrickson comes in second for DPOY. Surtain wins. Chase receives 0 votes for OPOY. https://apnews.com/live/nfl-honors-mvp-2025-updates

FWIW the “buzz” in NO is that Tee staying is more likely than not. https://www.si.com/nfl/bengals/news/nfl-insider-shares-intriguing-update-tee-higgins-future-cincinnati-bengals