Locked on Bengals with James Rapien

The guys break down Mike Gesicki's fit as the Cincinnati Bengals' 2024 one-year rental tight end, and how Gesicki is a different kind of player than Hayden Hurst, Irv Smith Jr, and CJ Uzomah. Plus, it turns out Joe Mixon was actually traded to the Texans Tuesday after initial reports of his release surfaced Monday night, and the Bengals are still waiting for the DJ Reader domino to fall so they ca...

The Cincinnati Bengals made a big change at running back, releasing long-time veteran Joe Mixon after adding former Colts and Bills running back Zack Moss. The guys break down how Moss may improve the running game in lieu of Mixon on the 2024 roster, reminisce on Mixon's time in Cincinnati, and catch up on Akeem Davis-Gaither and other late NFL news from Monday night. Join the Locked On Bengals In...

Tee Higgins went public with a trade request early on Monday, then with the open of free agency negotations the Cincinnati Bengals agreed to terms with Geno Stone on a 2-year deal to play free safety, and one of their 6th round compensatory picks was upgraded to a 3rd rounder. The guys break down what the trade request means, how Geno Stone fits with Dax Hill, and the significant comp pick news fr...

The guys try to read the tea leaves and predict what the Cincinnati Bengals will do in 2024's free agency period. They've got a number of clear needs and the guys expect the Bengals to spend starting money on nose tackle, safety, and right tackle. We're expecting the running back room to turn over, and a bunch of familiar faces at tight end. But the Bengals have had surprises up their sleeve the l...

With free agency around the corner, the guys put their GM hats on and try to come up with some free agency "shoulds" for the Cincinnati Bengals, including a plan at right tackle and the defensive interior. The Bengals also need to rebuild the tight end room as they're looking to use their salary cap space next week, and will could stand to improve on depth at corner and safety. So, let's run throu...

Will the Cincinnati Bengals fix the trenches in free agency? What's going on with Tee Higgins? What about the safety, running back, and tight end free agency groups? James Rapien and Jake Liscow are joined by Pro Football Focus contract and salary cap expert Brad Spielberger (@PFF_Brad) to answer those questions, identify potential free agent fits and more! Join the Locked On Bengals Insider Commu...

The Cincinnati Bengals have a lot of cap space heading into the 2024 new league year. They could hypothetically fit Mike Onwenu and Christian Wilkins into their salary cap and have plenty of space left to fill out the roster. But should they go for the big fish? What about guaranteed money obstacles? The guys talk about some of the bigger names and the overall texture of the free agency class at p...

Joe Burrow expects to be cleared for contact in May and offered an update on his recovery at charity event on Sunday, so the guys break down the most significant comments from the Cincinnati Bengals' star QB. Plus, we wrap up the rest of the combine, with notes on standout offensive linemen and the defensive side of the ball. Join the Locked On Bengals Insider Community! https://joinsubtext.com/lo...

The guys dive into the standout performers from the skill position group at the NFL Combine, and how that may affect the Cincinnati Bengals' offseason plans. Between a deep FA class at RB and some intriguing prospects in a draft that's said to be shallow, their decisionmaking at running back remains interesting. Plus, if you were hoping for a second round WR, the Bengals may be picking a bit too l...

Dan Pitcher talked about getting more explosive on offense and the Cincinnati Bengals' self-scouting process with the media in Indy, and the guys break down the most interesting takeaways from the new offensive coordinator. That included thoughts on the offensive line from Pitcher and Frank Pollack, and Darrin Simmons frankly addressing the future of the punter position in Cincinnati involving at...

The guys break down the NFLPA's second annual report card, where Cincinnati Bengals players gave feedback about the organization including praise for the training facilities, Zac Taylor, and the training and strength staff, but bottom ranks for treatment of families, food, and nutrition categories. The Bengals have shown responsiveness on a number of topics but have more room to improve compared t...

Cincinnati Bengals Director of Player Personnel Duke Tobin discussed Joe Burrow, Tee Higgins, the offensive line, Joe Mixon and so much more on Tuesday at the NFL Combine in Indianapolis.   James Rapien reacts to Tobin's comments, plus hear from the Bengals executive on key offseason topics ahead of the 2024 NFL Draft and free agency! Join the Locked on Bengals Subtext Community: joinsubtext.com/l...

The Cincinnati Bengals need to bolster their defensive line room this offseason. Which prospects make the most sense in the 2024 NFL Draft? Jake Liscow is joined by Mike Santagata of AllBengals.com to break down the 2024 draft's early-round top names on the defensive interior: Johnny Newton, T'Vondre Sweat, and Byron Murphy. Join the Locked On Bengals Insider Community! https://joinsubtext.com/loc...

In an apparent leak, news broke that the Cincinnati Bengals will be placing the Franchise Tag on Tee Higgins earlier than we expected. We break down the possibilities, including trade talks, remaining extension possibilities, and why the news came out when it did. Plus, the NFL salary cap for 2024 is set at $255.4M. The Cincinnati Bengals had some rollover space, so their adjusted salary cap will...

Why can't the Cincinnati Bengals get a deal done with Tee Higgins? Is a tag-and-trade even a good idea, and if so, what kind of return would they get? We break down all of your Tee Higgins questions, some salary cap questions, and a fun "either-or" combination of potential first round picks and free agents. Join the Locked On Bengals Insider Community! https://joinsubtext.com/lockedonbengals Find...

Why can't the Cincinnati Bengals get a deal done with Tee Higgins? Is a tag-and-trade even a good idea, and if so, what kind of return would they get? We break down all of your Tee Higgins questions, some salary cap questions, and a fun "either-or" combination of potential first round picks and free agents. Join the Locked On Bengals Insider Community! https://joinsubtext.com/lockedonbengals Find...

The Cincinnati Bengals were dubbed "teetering contenders" by ESPN's Jeremy Fowler, so the guys dive into what that means and whether it's a fair label, and break down Daniel Jeremiah's evaluation of the Bengals in his "championship foundation" series. Join the Locked On Bengals Insider Community! https://joinsubtext.com/lockedonbengals Find and follow Locked On Bengals on your favorite podcast pla...

The Cincinnati Bengals were dubbed "teetering contenders" by ESPN's Jeremy Fowler, so the guys dive into what that means and whether it's a fair label, and break down Daniel Jeremiah's evaluation of the Bengals in his "championship foundation" series. Join the Locked On Bengals Insider Community! https://joinsubtext.com/lockedonbengals Find and follow Locked On Bengals on your favorite podcast pla...

The Cincinnati Bengals have clear needs for starters at defensive tackle, right tackle, tight end, and have potential needs at running back, cornerback, safety, and wide receiver. The guys break down how the Bengals could be expected to attack those needs with free agents like Michael Onwenu, Noah Fant, and Justin Madubuike available at positions of need. Join the Locked On Bengals Insider Communi...

The Cincinnati Bengals have clear needs for starters at defensive tackle, right tackle, tight end, and have potential needs at running back, cornerback, safety, and wide receiver. The guys break down how the Bengals could be expected to attack those needs with free agents like Michael Onwenu, Noah Fant, and Justin Madubuike available at positions of need. Join the Locked On Bengals Insider Communi...

Daniel Jeremiah tweeted on Monday night that the Cincinnati Bengals could be targeting Brock Bowers in the first round of the 2024 NFL draft. But with obvious needs in the trenches, how can they make sure they're prepared for any scenario that could happen on draft day and be ready for a potential Brock Bowers fit? Plus, the guys discuss the franchise tag dates that surround the Bengals' decision...

Daniel Jeremiah tweeted on Monday night that the Cincinnati Bengals could be targeting Brock Bowers in the first round of the 2024 NFL draft. But with obvious needs in the trenches, how can they make sure they're prepared for any scenario that could happen on draft day and be ready for a potential Brock Bowers fit? Plus, the guys discuss the franchise tag dates that surround the Bengals' decision...

Cincinnati Bengals RB Joe Mixon reacted to a report suggesting the team is expected to move on, so the guys reset the conversation and break down why the Bengals may move on or keep Mixon on the roster for 2024. Plus, a skill-position-led Mock Draft Monday scenario that shows why it's so important to be open to take the best player available. Join the Locked On Bengals Insider Community! https://j...

Cincinnati Bengals RB Joe Mixon reacted to a report suggesting the team is expected to move on, so the guys reset the conversation and break down why the Bengals may move on or keep Mixon on the roster for 2024. Plus, a skill-position-led Mock Draft Monday scenario that shows why it's so important to be open to take the best player available. Join the Locked On Bengals Insider Community! https://j...

The guys break down some offseason roster building mailbag topics including how the Bengals should attack the Tight End position between the draft and free agency, ideal positions in each round for the first two days of the 2024 NFL draft, some players they're excited to see at the combine, and how the Tee Higgins decision provides an interesting lens to discuss roster building philosophies. Join...