The 2024 season has just ended, and on March 12, the 2025 campaign will open its doors. Touchdown news therefore takes the opportunity to offer you an overview of different franchises during the offseason. Which players keep and cut? Which free agents extend? What recruits observe? Here are some ideas, franchise by franchise. In the spotlight, today, the Bengal Cincinnati.
In Cincinnati, the lack of balance weighs heavy on consciences. And for good reason, after an XXL season of the offensive squad, carried by a Joe Burrow and a sparkling Ja'mar Chase, the defense did not do the job to ensure a place in Playoffs.
However, the Bengals really did not go far from a qualification in extremis To play beyond January. If the men of Zac Taylor started timidly, with a record of 4 victories for 8 defeats after 12 weeks, they have on raising the bar. And with the way.
It's simple, the tigers finished the regular season on a series of five consecutive victories and a positive assessment of 9 victories for 8 defeats. Only, it was not enough. And it is entirely because of the defense. Cincinnati scored an average of 27.8 points per game but also cashed 25.5.
The result is a feeling of unfinished, even mess. And with the difficult choices that will have to be made during the offseason, nothing ensures that Bengals will have enough to be at the forefront next season.
Tauliers
- Joe Burrow (QB)
- Ja'mar Chase (WR)
- Trey Hendrickson (de)
No big surprise among tauliers. The top 3 remains the same as last year. And it is logically that Joe Burrow established himself as the pillar of the franchise. In good shape all season, the 28 -year -old quarterback has not gone away from the MVP title. League leader in the pass, he simply dominated this statistic. This is why this season is also frustrating: with such results, all the ingredients seemed to be gathered to go far in the playoffs.
Ditto for Ja'Marr Chase. Even if he was shunned for the title of offensive player of the year, the 24 -year -old receiver achieved a new feat in his young career already exceptional with a triple crown. It is first in all statistics and is undoubtedly the best receiver in the NFL in 2024. His alchemy with Burrow may continue to sparks in the coming years. But for that, it will finally be necessary to ensure a contract extension.
Always as monstrous, Trey Hendrickson gave the impression of being the only competent player in defense this year on the side of Cincinnati. Leader in the number of sacks with 17.5 achievements (like last year), he still stands out as one of the best rusher pass in the NFL. And he could well deserve an extension too.
The undesirable
- Sam Hubbard (de)
- Alex Cappa (G)
- Sheldon Rankins (DT)
Sam Hubbard is one of the faces of Bengals. But it is more than obvious that his days in Cincinnati are counted. Not far from being 30 years old, the defensive line player has too often been reduced. Victim of a tendon injury during the summer camps, he had a hard time recovering. And when everything seemed to be back to normal, he suffered from a break from the posterior cross ligament in week 15, ending his season prematurely. Even if the decision is difficult, its withdrawal could free up space in the payroll.
As usual, the offensive line has sometimes been fallible. But not necessarily incompetent, unlike previous seasons. Still, in the workforce, certain elements have not been up to par. Alex Cappa is one of them. He notably authorized 8 sacks on Joe Burrow this season. And at 30, he does not seem to be the solution to the guard station.
Sheldon Rankins may not last long. Bengals recruited it with a beautiful 2 -year and 24.5 million dollars contract during the last off -season. But it is clear that the great hopes placed in him have given nothing. He missed 10 games due to injuries. And when he was finally able to play, he was not particularly impressive. Putting an end to experience could also allocate more space in the wage bill.
The man of summer
Al Golden, defensive coordinator
Faced with disillusionment, Bengals are cleaning. After the end of the regular season, the franchise has chosen to dismiss Lou Anarumo, defensive coordinator since 2019. Artisan of the 2021 epic, the lack of consistency of the defense logically cost him his place. As a replacement, Cincinnati hired Al Golden. Freshly landed from Notre Dame University, he will have a lot to do to straighten the bar and give back to Joe Burrow.
However, Golden arrives in known ground. He was coach of the linebackers between 2020 and 2022, already under the leadership of Zac Taylor. But this time, he will have to sharpen the faces of the whole squad. A colossal work that will necessarily go through recruitments and a clever draft.
Bengals were 25th Defense of the League in 2024. A defense that collected an average of 328 yards per game, with difficulties against the race and the pass.
The main free agents
- Tee Higgins (WR)
- Mike Hilton (CB)
- J. Hill (DT)
- Joseph Ossai (de)
- Mike Gesicki (Te)
The others: Trent Brown (RT), Akeem Davis-Gare (LB), Marco Wilson (CB), Cody Ford (OL), Tanner Hudson (Te), Joe Bachie (LB), Vonn Bell (s), Trayveon Williams (RB), Jay Tufele (DT), Cam Sample (DL), Ante Smith (OL), Khalil Herbert (RB) and Chris Evans (RB).
Many unknowns and choices that are difficult to make during this offseason for Bengals. But they should have a good room for maneuver since they appear in tenth position in the classification of teams with the most space before reaching their salary ceiling. Cincinnati has another $ 44 million available.
The biggest question is certainly Tee Higgins. Already under a tag franchise last year, the recipient risks in all likelihood of being retained by the team, but without the exclusivity clause this time. This supposes that Cincinnati intends to put itself at the negotiation table to finally prolong it and maintain the devastating trio which it forms with Burrow and Chase. It remains to be seen if the two parties will finally be able to agree.
Some defense veterans also arrive at the end of the contract. Mike Hilton has always had a notable impact since his arrival in Cincinnati and was not ridiculous in 2024. BJ Hill embodies a certain stability, even if the departure of DJ Reader in the spring of 2024 is felt on the defensive line . But their advanced age could cost them their place.
Finally, Mike Gesicki brought a breath of fresh air to Cincinnati. Signed for only one season last year, the Tight End was a reliable target for Joe Burrow and could claim an extension.
The top 5 needs
- Defensive line
- Corner
- Linebacker
- Offensive line
- Recipient
Since the departure of DJ Reader, the defensive line has been suffering. Aside from Trey Hendrickson, the defense against the race is very complicated. It is essential to find solid players to support Hendrickson, knowing that Sam Hubbard and Bj Hill are likely to leave.
Whether in safeties or in cornerways, defense to the pass is particularly disaster. Mike Hilton may leave and young players find it difficult to perform. Despite some solid matches, Cam Taylor-Britt has still not reached the level of indisputable number one. A new weight recruit could completely change the face of this defense.
The same goes for linebackers. Especially since the veteran Germaine Pratt asked to be exchanged just after the end of the season. Which might need to quickly look for a replacement.
On the offensive line side, the two guard posts leave something to be desired. If Alex Cappa ever was dismissed, it will be essential to find him a decent replacement to strengthen the protection of Joe Burrow at least a minimum.
Finally concerning the recipients, everything will depend on the extension, or not, of Tee Higgins. If by chance he left Cincinnati, it will be necessary to find at all costs what to compensate for his absence. Andrei Iosivas has proven himself as the third target but still lacks regularity. And Jermaine Burton has multiplied the escapades and may not hold in rotation. Whatever happens, you will have to recruit at least one young player in this position.
The target
Byron Murphy Jr. (CB, Vikings)
Difficult to estimate a single target as defense needs are important. But if an observation can be made, it is because Bengals need change when they defend the pass. In 2024, Cincinnati was one of the worst league defenses on the third attempt.
Byron Murphy Jr. would therefore be an additional piece of choice to strengthen this squad and allow young players who come back from injuries like Dax Hill and DJ Turner to put the foot in the stirrup.
It remains to be seen only whether the Vikings will keep it or not with a tag franchise.
New blood
Walter Nolen (DT, Ole Miss)
Not sure it is still available at 17th Choice of draft. But if Walter Nolen is around, the Bengals would be wrong to miss it. Former big recruit at the end of high school, Walter Nolen is a real poison on the inside of the line, by its almost constant penetration capacity.
Associating it with Trey Hendrickson could wreak havoc, in addition to bringing new blood in the defense against the race. What is certain is that Bengals will focus on defense in the first round. And any good prospect still available will be good to take.
Other choices: James Pearce Jr. (Edge, Tennessee), Mike Green (Edge, Marshall), Jahdae Barron (CB, Texas).
