Locked On Bengals - Daily Podcast On The Cincinnati Bengals

The Cincinnati Bengals resumed communication with Trey Hendrickson about his contract and future, a sign for optimism that there will be a resolution. Jake Liscow and James Rapien break down potential good news on the Hendrickson front, then dive into Zac Taylor's updated training camp and preseason plan as the Bengals' head coach is making changes in pursuit of a fast start. Join the Locked On Be...

Joe Burrow is primed to light up the NFL after an MVP-worthy 2024 campaign. Jake Liscow and James Rapien dive into the Bengals' star quarterback's offseason that looks ahead of schedule thanks to continuity and trust with his receiving targets. Plus, we get into the state of the Bengals' offensive guard competition with Dylan Fairchild in pole position to start at LG after the offseason program, a...

Contract controversy rocks the Cincinnati Bengals as rookie Shemar Stewart's absence from minicamp steals the spotlight. What's behind this unexpected standoff between the first-round pick and the NFL franchise? Jake and James dissect the intricacies of Stewart's contract dispute, analyzing the language causing friction and its implications for future guarantees. They explore how both sides are na...

Contract drama is BACK for the Cincinnati Bengals as star players Shemar Stewart and Trey Hendrickson clash with management. Jake Liscow and James Rapien dissect Stewart's bold statements and Hendrickson's minicamp absence, exploring their potential impact on team chemistry. Joe Burrow acknowledged the distractions, but there's a silver lining: the team's engine on offense offense doesn't have tho...

The Cincinnati Bengals are 18th in Pro Football Focus' NFL roster rankings. Is it too low? What needs to happen for the Bengals to move up? James Rapien and Jake Liscow react to the rankings, discuss some of the major question marks on the roster and explain why it's too low, even after the Bengals finished 9-8 in each of the past two seasons. Join the Locked On Bengals Insider Community! https://...

Even with Aaron Rodgers reportedly joining the Pittsburgh Steelers, the AFC North pecking order feels unchanged. The Cincinnati Bengals have to get through the Baltimore Ravens and a generally annoying division, so Jake Liscow and James Rapien break down the rest of the division looking for how they've improved as they try to set the division's power rankings in early June.   Join the Locked On Be...

While Bengals fans are waiting to see what will happen with Jermaine Burton's second year in the NFL, Tee Higgins was effusive with his praise for Andrei Iosivas on Tuesday after an OTA practice. Jake Liscow and James Rapien break down why Yoshi should still be seen as a clear WR3 for the Bengals' prolific passing offense. Plus, we dive into the big takeaways from practice including the CB rotatio...

There's a hype train building for Jermaine Burton, but we're still waiting for some first-hand proof that he's going to take a leap in year 2. Jake Liscow and James Rapien break down their expectations for the Bengals' talented 2nd-year WR who could be one of the biggest X-Factors for the 2025 Bengals season. Plus, a long conversation about the Ring Of Honor, which will apparently be undergoing a...

Shemar Stewart still isn't practicing, and his dad disclosing details about the negation adds fuel to the fire as Bengals fans are enduring an offseason of dramatic reporting about Stewart and Trey Hendrickson after surviving the Tee Higgins and Ja'Marr Chase sagas. Jake Liscow and James Rapien break down why it's so ugly this year, the intrigue around Demetrius Knight Jr. and guaranteed money for...

We've said it once, we've said it a hundred times: Al Golden has his work cut out for him in getting the Cincinnati Bengals' defense to bounce back in 2025. Jake Liscow is joined by Joe Goodberry to discuss how exactly that could happen, including how scheme can help veterans like Cam Taylor-Britt and Geno Stone bounce back, and how development will be crucial in the front seven for players like M...

The Cincinnati Bengals had an elite offense in 2024, even if you want to nitpick, but it could get even better on the margins in 2025. Jake Liscow is joined by Joe Goodberry (Bengals On The Brain) to break down how Joe Burrow, Ja'Marr Chase, and the Bengals offense can find ways to improve on an already excellent unit and take another step forward in 2025. Join the Locked On Bengals Insider Commun...

With the Bengals' 2025 roster mostly set, it's hard to see too many positions where they clearly improved the room. Jake Liscow and James Rapien dive into each position group on the offense and defense to discuss how they got better at running back, and arguably several other positions including linebacker and defensive end, but are leaving a lot up to chance or development. We even discuss whethe...

The Cincinnati Bengals have had some dramatic contract negotiations play out publicly in recent history, notably including Ja'Marr Chase, Trey Hendrickson, and now 2025 first round pick Shemar Stewart. Jake Liscow and James Rapien explain the latest as Pro Football Talk reported the details that Stewart's camp are looking to resolve in his rookie contract, and why the Bengals seem to find themselv...

Like most years, the Cincinnati Bengals will have interesting roster battles in training camp in 2025, and 3rd round pick Dylan Fairchild may be the X-Factor contestant for a starting job at left guard. Jake Liscow and James Rapien dive into the most interesting roster battles the team will work through in 2025 before discussing the precedented history of a third straight Thursday Night divisional...

The Cincinnati Bengals quietly renegotiated Cordell Volson's contract, likely retaining him for 2025 after speculation his salary would be unpalatable for a backup. Jake Liscow and James Rapien discuss why the Bengals renegotiated Volson's contract, the Bengals' addition of two scouts, and the best Olympic flag football fit after owners voted to allow NFL players to participate in the 2028 Summer...

The Cincinnati Bengals are in the news again because Shemar Stewart isn't practicing and Joe Burrow weighed in on Trey Hendrickson's contract situation. Jake Liscow and James Rapien break down the latest on Stewart's rookie contract dispute with the Bengals that is preventing valuable early learning for the rookie, the Bengals plans for starters to participate more in the preseason, and Burrow's s...

As the Bengals eye a potential solution to defensive tackle depth, the spotlight is on Montravius Adams' ability to be a DT5 for Cincinnati's defense. Jake Liscow and James Rapien break down the potential fit for Adams from a playstyle perspective to several key aspects of familiarity with the division and Jerry Montgomery. Then the guys get into which position might be the next most likely for th...

The latest in the Trey Hendrickson contract saga is a report that the Cincinnati Bengals made a $28 million offer. Jake Liscow and James Rapien break down where that number came from, why it's probably not quite enough - especially if it's only for one year - and where the middle ground needs to be. But Hendrickson really lacks for true leverage, and that will be his problem as he tries to exert m...

Shemar Stewart still isn't practicing for the Cincinnati Bengals, as far as we know, so he's missing potential development time. Jake Liscow and James Rapien discuss the importance of getting the Bengals' 2025 first round pick on the field as soon as possible, and what the hold-up is in contract negotiations. Plus, Cincinnati wants to host a draft before the end of the decade, and a few more thoug...

Another year, another road Thursday Night Football game in Baltimore. Hosts Jake Liscow and James Rapien break down the challenges of imbalanced home and away games, primetime slots, and a critical stretch of games against the Baltimore Ravens and Buffalo Bills. Recurring themes include the importance of a strong start, along with the TNF game in Baltimore and more primetime road games than home g...

The Trey Hendrickson drama just won't go away, and it escalated on Tuesday as he made a surprise appearance and clarified, vented, and aired grievances on the practice field. Jake Liscow and James Rapien break down what we learned, how we got here, and why this won't go away quietly as Hendrickson's public negotiation tactic escalated, again. Join the Locked On Bengals Insider Community! https://j...

The Cincinnati Bengals' offseason has been marked by contract drama. Whether it's Tee Higgins and Ja'Marr Chase, Trey Hendrickson and Shemar Stewart, or Hamilton County, negotiations have been aired out in public along the way. And given their recent history, the front office isn't getting the benefit of the doubt. Jake Liscow and James Rapien dive into the latest in a long saga of tiresome contra...

The Cincinnati Bengals are the only team in the NFL to use just one day for their rookie minicamp. Jake Liscow and James Rapien discuss why the Bengals take that approach and the standouts from the rookies' first day on the field and in the locker room in Cincinnati. Plus, we get into this year's UDFA class that's led by Rimington Trophy winner, center Seth McLaughlin, who hopes to be in the mix f...

In this week's NFL Squad, the crew reacts to the Locked On Network's latest 2025 NFL Power Rankings as put together by members of the Locked On NFL Channel. The Philadelphia Eagles come in at #1, but do the Kansas City Chiefs go to #2 after losing the Super Bowl? Our panel reacts to the Top 10, Bottom 10, and which teams in the middle of the pack could jump into the Top 10. Support Us By Supportin...

With the resources to make moves, the same handful of free agent options, and roster spots available for veterans, there are still ways for the Cincinnati Bengals to improve their roster in 2025. Jake Liscow and James Rapien discuss the options, the impetus for improvement, and whether or not the Bengals will actually make the moves they could make. If they don't, we finish with a preliminary expl...