2026 FA Thread

[HoosierCat]

Your 2026 offseason calendar:

Feb 17: franchise/transition tag window opens at 4 pm

March 3: franchise/transition tag window closes at 4 pm

March 9: legal tampering period begins at noon

March 11: free agency begins at 4 pm (Bengals FO are sound asleep, might wake up in a week or two)

April 17: deadline for RFAs to sign offers

April 22: deadline to match any offers Bengals' RFAs got from other teams

April 23-25: draft (projected Bengals grade F-)

May 1: deadline to exercise Myles Murphy's fifth year option (approx. $13.6 million fully guaranteed)

July 15: deadline for franchise tagged players to sign a long-term deal, otherwise they play under the tag

July 22: deadline for transition tagged players to sign

[HoosierCat]

4 minutes ago, HoosierCat said:

May 1: deadline to exercise Myles Murphy's fifth year option (approx. $13.6 million fully guaranteed)

This has sort of dropped off the radar but will be an interesting call. 52 tackles and 5.5 sacks is decent production, and if you watched his play he showed clear improvement. PFF has him at 41 total pressures on the year, which ranked 46 out of 115 among edges, and at a 64.2 grade overall, good for 67 out of 115.

Bottom line, he looks right now like a roughly average defensive end. OTC puts his 2025 valuation at just under $11.5 million (versus his actual $1.9 million salary). So the fifth-year option number is not outrageous by any means.

I think they have to pick up the option, especially with Hendrickosn likely leaving.

[Stripes]

Murphy, after a few flashes, should be pretty solid.

As a backup behind Billy Free Agent and Michael Draft Pick.

[ArmyBengal]

Myles “Froot Loops” Murphy should have his option picked up for no other reasons than… we need his average ass and that’s not expensive.

Hes not good.

[Prophecy]

With overall DE salaries increasing  every year and the Salary Cap increasing $20+ million a year, $13.6 million will not be a lot of money by the 2027-2028 season. 5th year option on Myles Murphy is a no brainer.

[COB]

He took forever to develop.  It was startling how long it took him to develop.  
 

Standard Wisdom- He’s just that type of cat, needs to play a lot to get it going.  Once everyone’s favorite interview, our underpaid and under appreciated prima donna DE, tore his hip apart or whatever he did, Myles came alive!  
 

Pick up the option, await further development.  

[HoosierCat]

Bengalszone News Service (Feb. 13, 2026) -- BNS has exclusively learned that the Cincinnati Bengals will be deploying a proprietary artificial intelligence system to manage their off-season activities this year, including free agency, the draft and contract negotiations.

The new system, known as MikeAI, was developed by using decades of conversations, interviews, writings and other material from Bengals President and Owner Mike Brown to "teach" a Large Language Model (LLM) to manage the team in what is known internally as "the Bengals Way."

"This is a huge leap forward for our organization," said Katie Blackburn, Bengals executive vice-president. "In the past, we have only had the bandwidth to get into contract standoffs with two or three players at the most during the off-season. But with MikeAI, we will be able to issue lowball offers and conduct insulting negotiations with every single free agent on the market, as well as our own players, all at the same time."

Blackburn said the Bengals are further planning to completely reinvent the concept of a contract in the NFL. "We have always believed that contracts should be living documents that reflect performance on the field," she said. "Moving forward, all contracts will be subject to MikeAI renegotiation after every game, allowing us to reduce salaries and bonuses on an almost real-time basis." Asked about whether MikeAI would reward over performance, Blackburn said no, and if the players wanted that they could fund their own AI to negotiate with MikeAI.

Duke Tobin, fake general manager of the Bengals, is excited about the possibilities MikeAI in the draft. He declined to provide specifics, but did note that MikeAI loves to draft wide receivers, wide receivers, and more wide receivers. "People who think the next draft is going to be all about defense are in for a surprise," he said.

[ArmyBengal]

It would be interesting to feed the Bengals information into an AI system and ask it to work through best scenarios for the offseason.

Guessing final outcome…

Fire everybody.
Mike Brown Sucks.
Improve the Defense.
Gimme a lineman.
And something about a Rascal Freedom Power Chair.

Odd…
 

[Stripes]

Inspired. I asked ChatGPT myself. The prompt:

"Please provide me with a strong and plausible plan for the current offseason that will ensure the Cincinnati Bengals finish the 2026 NFL season as the Super Bowl champions."

See the response in the spoiler.

Spoiler

Here’s a comprehensive, strategic, and plausible 2026 offseason plan tailored to give the Cincinnati Bengals the best chance to return to contention and win the Super Bowl next season. This roadmap uses current offseason context — including cap space projections, roster situation, free agent landscape, draft slot, and coaching staff continuity — to address weaknesses and maximize strengths.

---

Cincinnati Bengals 2026 Super Bowl Blueprint

1. Maximize Cap Flexibility & Contract Engineering

Before free agency opens:

• Restructure key contracts (e.g., Joe Burrow) to create significant cap space — possibly $15M–$20M+ — without weakening overall roster structure. (common NFL strategy)

• Use void years and signing-bonus conversions to push future cap hits, giving Cincy the firepower to make major additions at multiple positions.

Goal: Enter free agency with $60M+ in effective cap space to compete for elite talent.

---

2. Invest Heavily in Defensive Star Power

Cincinnati’s biggest deficiencies in 2025 were on defense — particularly the defensive line and pass rush — and that must be remediated:

Target Elite Pass Rushers

• Go after top free agents like Khalil Mack or Odafe Oweh (if available) to replace or complement the likely departure of Trey Hendrickson.

• Alternatively, pursue a sign-and-trade or premium draft capital trade if it becomes available mid-free agency.

Impact: Generating consistent pressure will be crucial to slowing down elite AFC and NFC quarterbacks in the postseason.

---

Upgrade Defensive Line Depth

• Re-sign or pursue veteran interior D-linemen (e.g., D.J. Reader reunion could anchor the run defense) — a need highlighted by analysts this offseason.

• Add disruptive DT or 3-techniques to complete a rotation that complements both pass rush and run-stopping.

Impact: Better run defense and increased interior pressure frees up scheme flexibility.

---

3. Rebuild the Front Seven

This means adding play-makers in both LB and Secondary:

Linebacker Upgrade

• Target a top sideline-to-sideline LB in free agency or via trade to mentor younger players; prioritize tackling and coverage ability.

Secondary Enhancements

• Add veteran CB/S play-makers (e.g., Tariq Woolen or similar) to stabilize a unit that struggled in coverage.

• Use draft capital on athletic, versatile defenders if available at pick #10.

Impact: Elite second-level defense generates turnovers and fewer big plays allowed.

---

4. Protect Joe Burrow at All Costs

Joe Burrow remains the franchise centerpiece, and the plan should revolve around giving him maximum support.

Reinforce Offensive Line

• Prioritize interior OL upgrades in free agency.

• Retain emerging starters like Dalton Risner or add proven veterans if available.

Maintain WR Corps

• Ja’Marr Chase and Tee Higgins are foundational — keep them locked in via long-term extensions or restructure as needed.

• Depth receivers should remain capable of producing if injuries strike.

Impact: Burrow thrives with protection and elite weapons — essential for postseason success.

---

5. Aggressive Draft Strategy

With the 10th overall pick, Cincinnati should target impact talent — not just depth:

Priority Draft Targets (Ideal Usage):

1. Cornerback or safety with high upside (even if coming off injury) — potential CB1.

2. Edge rusher or interior disruptor — to fortify what free agency didn’t completely fix.

3. Big, physical linebacker — to improve the second level.

4. OL reinforcement later in draft if still a need.

Impact: Drafting starters or high-upside rotational players can help sustain depth for the long playoff push.

---

6. Adjust Coaching & Scheme for Maximum Efficiency

The Bengals have largely kept their coaching staff intact with some promotion tweaks — continuity is good, but must also adapt to roster changes.

Actions:

• Emphasize defensive scheme versatility to maximize new and existing defender strengths.

• Innovate offensive game planning to leverage Burrow’s skill set with elite weapons and enhanced OL.

Impact: Strong coaching — particularly in adjustments — is essential in late-season and playoff games.

---

Core Principles for Winning the Super Bowl

Principle	Why It Matters
Defense First	Most champions have elite pass rush and secondary play.
Protect the Franchise QB	Burrow must stay upright and efficient deep into January.
Win the Turnover Battle	Postseason success often comes down to takeaways.
Roster Depth Matters	Injuries are inevitable — depth keeps championship runs alive.

---

Timeline to Execute Successfully

1. March: Restructure and sign priority free agents.

2. April: Use draft capital wisely — pick impact players at top and depth later.

3. May – August: Training camp evaluation and scheme refinements.

4. September – Playoffs: Execute game plans with emphasis on fundamentals and match-up advantages.

---

By combining smart cap strategy, aggressive defense upgrades, protecting Burrow, and maximizing draft value, the Bengals can build a balanced championship roster poised to compete deep into the postseason and challenge for the NFL title.

 

[COB]

I hacked into MikeAI and the latest search was: “How completely unfair was it that Percival Rothschild was named ‘Sock Garter Collector of the Millennium’ by Sock Garter Collector Digest when everyone knows there’s a prolific sock garter collector in Indian Hill, Ohio, who has a great collection and has an incredible eye for a bargain.?”

[ArmyBengal]

Ok Stripes just forward that to the front office and we are in business !!

[Prophecy]

Too bad Ole Mikey still has a flip phone and refuses to learn how to use a "puter"

[ArmyBengal]

I would give COB’s left nut to be in the draft war room just to see how that all goes down. 

[Stripes]

I would give COB's right nut to watch ArmyB in the draft room struggling to refrain from yelling F-Us at every person running the operation.

[TJJackson]

Poor nutless COB

[HoosierCat]

Good news for the Bengals' FO as they prepare for their annual month-long vacation in March: the NFL has prevailed in its grievance against the players' union, so there will be no more talk of the crappy food in the Paycor Stadium cafeteria.

Quote

The NFL won its grievance against the NFL Players Association, effectively banning the union from publishing future player report cards, according to a memo distributed to all 32 NFL teams and obtained by ESPN on Friday morning. The NFLPA, however, said it will continue collecting the report card responses even if it can't make them public.

An arbitrator found that the report cards violated the collective bargaining agreement by "disparaging NFL clubs and individuals."

That's right, fellas, you'll eat your Kraft mac & cheese and Kahn's hot dogs and like it!

[Prophecy]

Dolphins are planning to release DE Bradley Chubb. Dipshit Duke and Co. better jump on that !

[HoosierCat]

1 hour ago, Prophecy said:

Dolphins are planning to release DE Bradley Chubb. Dipshit Duke and Co. better jump on that !

*Brrrrrrt*

*Brrrrrrt*

*Brrrrrrt*

(pickup, recorded message begins, backed by sfx of seagulls calling, waves gently brushing a shoreline)

"Hi, you've reached the voicemail of Duke Tobin, fake GM of the Cincinnati Bengals. I'm out of the office enjoying a well-deserved beach break in the Bahamas and won't be returning or checking voicemail until late April. Leave a message at the beep and I'll be happy to return your call when I get back. Bye!"

ROBOTIC VOICE: "This mailbox is full."

Line disconnects.

[COB]

21 hours ago, TJJackson said:

Poor nutless COB

Not even using them anymore anyway.

[ArmyBengal]

1 hour ago, COB said:

Not even using them anymore anyway.

Ok, then I up my ante to both your nuts.

[TJJackson]

10 hours ago, HoosierCat said:

That's right, fellas, you'll eat your Kraft mac & cheese and Kahn's hot dogs and like it!

come on now, thats just a ridiculous statement

you know those are brand name products.........they'd go generic all the way

BAR-S hot dogs for the win 

[Stripes]

I’d give COB’s center nut for a trade up in pursuit of a major game changer like Downs.

[COB]

They won’t trade up because it’s too much work.  They seriously don’t know what they’re doing anymore.  The league has passed them by.  Remember the tackled debacle?  Two in one year.  The useless local idiot from Clemson.   First rounder Murphy who took 4 years to develop into anything.  Now our most recent first rounder, from A&M?  Dude got hurt and could barely contribute.  The rest of the league has focused heavily on scouting and evaluating talent, both draft and FA.  The Bengals still do it the old way, and they do it with the fewest people and resources.  
 

Mike can’t fall out of the Rascal and break his hip fast enough.  

[HoosierCat]

Yeah, another year in which they sit on their hands and draft another underwhelming edge player like Faulk at 10 after losing Hendrickson and failing to sign anyone better than Ossai in FA is all too likely.

Maybe they surprise us. Maybe they throw a Brinks truck at a good pass rusher. I would applaud. But I'm not expecting it.

[ArmyBengal]

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.