Locked On Bengals - Daily Podcast On The Cincinnati Bengals

The Cincinnati Bengals were so impressed with Joe Flacco, they're bringing him back for another year to back up Joe Burrow. Jake Liscow and James Rapien hope this is an insurance policy the Bengals don't need to cash, but Flacco proved last year that he's still got a little something left in the tank. The guys discuss why it's great news that the Bengals are bringing Flacco back, from his impact i...

The Cincinnati Bengals probably can't draft Jeremiyah Love, but what if they could? Jake Liscow and James Rapien debate the merits and drawbacks of using the #10 pick in the draft on the star Notre Dame running back, including what kind of impact Love would make in the Bengals' offense, and what unlikely scenarios could make the team consider picking him in the first round. Everydayer Club If you...

There are conflicting views on how the Bengals' offseason has gone so far. Is it a success, or is it a failure? It definitely feels incomplete, but the Bengals have made some good moves. More could be coming.  Alex Frank, Jake Liscow, and Coach Art Valero analyze the Bengals' offseason so far and the position it has the Bengals one month out from the NFL Draft.  Speaking of which, the NFL Draft is...

We drafted Caleb Downs, Caleb Banks, and Jake Golday in Mock Draft Monday earlier this week, but what if we could get a do-over to explore other paths through the draft? Jake Liscow and James Rapien explore a scenario where they more aggressively attack the linebacker position in the 2nd round in a review of Monday's mock draft. Everydayer Club If you never miss an episode, it’s time to make it of...

Mansoor Delane ran a 4.35 40-yard dash at his Pro Day and might be one of the most mocked players for the Cincinnati Bengals at pick #10 in the 2026 draft. Jake Liscow and James Rapien break down why the Bengals would consider drafting a cornerback in the first round, what their plan should be if they draft a guy like Delane, and how it would impact entrenched starters DJ Turner and Dax Hill. Plus...

The Cincinnati Bengals need major defensive help and they get it in the latest Locked On Bengals mock draft. Cincinnati lands three  playmakers with major upside on defense, as the NFL Draft board breaks the Bengals' way and they address key needs. James Rapien and Jake Liscow take you through all of the top players and explain each selection in their first post-free agency mock draft! Everydayer...

Tycen Anderson's departure means the Bengals have another need to fill on special teams. And while that's not as prominent as needs that fans and the coaching staff were hoping to see filled, it's yet another thing they'll have to think about this offseason. Jake Liscow and James Rapien break down Anderson's move to Denver, and why they believe the Bengals' coaching staff is probably disappointed...

The Cincinnati Bengals need a talent infusion at linebacker. With the lack of linebacker signings in free agency, the focus may be starting to shift to the NFL Draft. One name that stands out is Sonny Styles, a player who wowed at the NFL Combine in February. Is he the best pick for the Bengals with the 10th overall pick.  One thing the Bengals CANNOT do is fail to address linebacker the same way...

Every NFL team enters the draft with unfilled needs, and the Cincinnati Bengals' incomplete free agency makes them no exception to the rule. Jake Liscow and James Rapien break down how the failure to add a few more starters on defense may force the Bengals to draft for need (again), potentially leading to reaching down the draft board. Despite those holes, the guys discuss some ideal scenarios tha...

The Cincinnati Bengals signed three good players in free agency, but it's the things they didn't do that loom large when it's time for free agency report cards. Jake Liscow and James Rapien grade the Bengals free agency period that saw Bryan Cook, Boye Mafe, and Jonathan Allen added to the roster. And while the guys like each of those moves, the whiff at linebacker drags the Bengals' GPA down. Eve...

The Cincinnati Bengals have signed three starters in free agency so far. That's a good thing. What's not good is their lack of a signing at linebacker. It begs the question: What's the plan? Are they betting on hope with their young guys, or are they going to eventually sign a veteran to help with the development of Barrett Carter and Demetrius Knight Jr.?  Joe Burrow called the offseason of "para...

We've reached that point in free agency where we're getting reports that the Bengals are done with significant additions in free agency, and that's scary news. Jake Liscow and James Rapien break down why it's so disappointing - especially if Cincinnati doesn't get ANY more deals done in a free agency period Joe Burrow called "paramount". We take a look at some of the players they've signed around...

The Bengals added 3 good players to their defense last week, but we said the standard for a successful free agency was 5 starters at all 3 levels of the defense. Jake Liscow and James Rapien break down why the Bengals can't be done in their pursuit to add another edge rusher and linebacker to the roster, and which veterans on the market  could still help.  Plus, we cover why the Josh Johnson addit...

The Cincinnati Bengals made another move late this week in free agency, signing former Minnesota Vikings and defensive tackle Jonathan Allen to a 2-year, $28 million deal. It's a good signing, but is that it for the Bengals in free agency?  Alex Frank, Coach Art Valero, and Mike Santagana discuss what Allen could bring to the Bengals interior defensive line and if they will make a move at lineback...

Jonathan Allen was a Pro Bowl defensive tackle in his prime, but what level of play will he bring to Cincinnati? Jake Liscow is joined by Locked On Vikings host and film grinder Luke Braun to break down what Allen put on tape last year, whether the pricetag made sense, and discuss everything Allen brings on the field and as a leader in the locker room for the Cincinnati Bengals. Everydayer Club If...

The Cincinnati Bengals got off the bench and back into the action with a big 2-year deal for defensive tackle Jonathan Allen and a 2-year extension for Orlando Brown Jr. Jake Liscow and James Rapien discuss expectations for Allen, who has shown signs of decline but just secured a $13 million per year contract from the Bengals, and break down the surprising timing for Brown Jr's extension that lock...

The Cincinnati Bengals had a strong start to free agency, but have missed opportunity after opportunity on deals in their wheelhouse to improve their roster. Jake Liscow and James Rapien discuss why trading for Osa Odighizuwa would have made sense, and lament missing out on mid-range deals over the last two days that could have patched holes before the pickins' got slim for remaining free agents....

Maxx Crosby is no longer heading to Baltimore, and SO MUCH has changed since the Ravens agreed to send the Raiders two 1st round picks a few days ago. Jake Liscow and James Rapien discuss whether the Bengals should call in case the asking price has changed, especially with the possibility that Trey Hendrickson lands with the Ravens. It could be one way to make up for what was a disappointing Tuesd...

The Cincinnati Bengals made splashes at two key positions on their defense in Day 1 of free agency.  Alex Frank, Coach Art Valero and Jake Liscow react to the Bengals signing safety Bryan Cook and edge rusher Boye Mafe to help rebuild their defense.  What makes these two signings great isn't even their play on the field. It's something else, and that something is even better than their production...

The Cincinnati Bengals made two huge moves on day one of the legal tampering period, agreeing with safety Bryan Cook and edge rusher Boye Mafe to 3-year deals to raise the floor of a defense that desperately needs talent. Jake Liscow and James Rapien break down why the moves make sense, what moves the Bengals didn't make that they could have considered, and what's left as they're still looking for...

The Cincinnati Bengals went fast and furious in the first day of free agency, landing Boye Mafe at edge rusher shortly after agreeing with Bryan Cook earlier in the day. James Rapien and Jake Liscow break down whether Mafe makes sense given the other edge rusher transactions on Monday, and how he'll fit in as the Bengals got two big deals done early in free agency, Everydayer Club If you never mis...

The Cincinnati Bengals hit the safety position hard in the opening hours of free agency, signing Bryan Cook to a 3-year deal to solidify their defensive backfield. Jake Liscow and James Rapien break down why Cook is such a great fit (TACKLING) with the Bengals as Cincinnati is starting their free agency with a bang to return a Bearcat to Cincinnati. Everydayer Club If you never miss an episode, it...

The Cincinnati Bengals could shake up the NFL free agency market like never before according to ESPN's Jeremy Fowler. Jake Liscow and James Rapien share their instant reaction to Fowler's report that the Bengals could be the "most aggressive" team in free agency, including what "aggressive" could mean for the Bengals before laying out their top priorities to fix the defense. From Odafe Oweh and Ja...

The legal tampering period for free agency starts Monday at 12:00 E.T., and the Bengals need to swing for the fences to build a championship-caliber roster.  Alex Frank and Mike Santagana preview what the Bengals could do in free agency and why they must go after big fish in the free agency class.  We know the Bengals are going to go after defense in free agency, but what about offensive line? Is...

The Cincinnati Bengals have A LOT of work to do in free agency, and we're setting high expectations this year more than ever. Jake Liscow and James Rapien discuss what would constitute a successful free agency for the Bengals. We get into a plethora of players - especially on the defensive side of the ball - and outline different scenarios on defense that could drastically improve that side of the...