Cincinnati Bengals News

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Trey Hendrickson  • DE  •  Bengals

Bengals Not Ruling Out Trey Hendrickson Extension

Cincinnati Bengals defensive end Trey Hendrickson might not be headed out of town quite yet. The four-time All-Pro requested a trade after the two sides failed to come to terms on an extension. Hendrickson seemed ready to leave Cincinnati, but there has been communication between the two sides in recent days. The Bengals also need to worry about locking up Ja'Marr Chase and Tee Higgins, but they believe they can free up enough money to keep Hendrickson happy. Last season, Hendrickson recorded 46 tackles, 19 tackles for loss, and 17.5 sacks across 17 games with the Bengals. His departure would certainly be a significant blow to the Bengals defense.
2 days ago   
Tee Higgins  • WR  •  Bengals  |  Ja'Marr Chase  • WR  •  Bengals

Bengals Making Headway On Contracts For Tee Higgins, Ja'Marr Chase

According to Ian Rapoport of the NFL, the Cincinnati Bengals have made "significant progress on massive contract extensions" regarding wide receivers Ja'Marr Chase and Tee Higgins. Per Rapoport, both players could have new contracts over the coming days. Quarterback Joe Burrow has advocated not splitting up the star wideouts, and he could get his wish granted in short order. Cincinnati has already franchise-tagged Higgins twice, so their only option is to pay, trade, or let him walk. More so, they've put off signing Chase to the bank-breaking deal he's deservedly owed as the price tag continues to rise after his stellar triple-crown winning 2024. It'd be an excellent move for the Bengals. However, the trick lies in not financially handicapping themselves for years to come. Rapoport notes there is still work to be done, but the ramifications of this situation only stand to benefit the team for the time being.
2 days ago   
Trey Hendrickson  • DE  •  Bengals

Teams Finding Bengals' Asking Price On Trey Hendrickson To Be "Ridiculous"

The Athletic's Dianna Russini reports that teams are willing to pay Cincinnati Bengals All-Pro defensive end Trey Hendrickson what he desires on a new contract, but they have found the Bengals' current asking price for him in a trade to be "ridiculous," according to one general manager. As of right now, Cincy's asking price on the NFL's reigning sack leader is too high, but there is time for the Bengals to adjust as the offseason progresses. It's understandable that the Bengals are asking for a lot for Hendrickson, who has recorded 17.5 sacks in each of the last two seasons as one of the best pass-rushers in the league. But interested teams are not only going to have to give up a haul of draft picks but also pony up on a large contract that will likely make the 30-year-old one of the highest-paid non-quarterbacks in the league. Don't rule out the possibility of Cincy retaining Hendrickson.
3 days ago   
Oren Burks  • LB  •  Bengals

Bengals Giving Two-Year Deal To Oren Burks

The Cincinnati Bengals agreed to a two-year, $5 million deal with former Philadelphia Eagles linebacker Oren Burks on Monday, a source told NFL Network's Ian Rapoport. Burks will have an opportunity to start for a Bengals defense that was their weak spot in 2024. The 29-year-old stepped up for the injured Nakobe Dean in the playoffs and had 25 tackles (three for loss), a sack, two QB hits and a pass breakup to help the team eventually make it to the Super Bowl and beat the Kansas City Chiefs. The former third-rounder (88th overall) by the Green Bay Packers in 2018 out of Vanderbilt had 41 tackles (20 solo), a pass breakup and two forced fumbles for the Eagles in 17 regular-season games (two starts) in his lone season with the team in 2024. Burks has only 17 starts in his seven NFL seasons, but he is in line to step into an expanded role for the first time in his career in Cincinnati in 2025.
6 days ago   
Cody Ford  • G  •  Bengals

Cody Ford Returning To Cincinnati

The Cincinnati Bengals are re-signing offensive lineman Cody Ford to a two-year, $6 million deal. NFL Network's Mike Garafolo reported the news. The 28-year-old is fresh off his second season with the team and played a possible 33 of 34 games over the prior two seasons. Ford played the fourth-most snaps of any Bengals offensive lineman in 2024, registering 60.6% of the team's snaps while serving primarily as a guard for the team. However, he was not the most effective of the group. Still, Cincinnati trusts the former second-round pick, and he'll spend at least two more seasons protecting franchise quarterback Joe Burrow. Now, the Bengals have to find a way to hold onto triple-crown-winning wideout Ja'Marr Chase and reigning NFL sack leader Trey Hendrickson.
7 days ago   
Mike Gesicki  • TE  •  Bengals

Bengals Re-Sign Mike Gesicki To Three-Year Deal

The Cincinnati Bengals re-signed tight end Mike Gesicki to a three-year deal worth $25.5 million on Saturday, a source tells NFL Network's Mike Garafolo. Gesicki will make $12 million in the first year of the deal and will return to Cincy as their top pass-catching tight end. The 29-year-old broke out in his first year with the Bengals in 2024 with 65 receptions for 665 yards in 17 games, although he only found the end zone twice. The Bengals also have Tanner Hudson that they just re-signed this week, too, but Gesicki should once again function as the team's primary pass-catching TE after he was the third leading receiver last year behind receivers Ja'Marr Chase and Tee Higgins. Gesicki should at least be in consideration as a low-end TE1 in fantasy in 2025, and he'd see an even bigger boost if the Bengals end up trading Higgins this offseason.
Mar 8   
Tanner Hudson  • TE  •  Bengals

Bengals Re-Sign Tanner Hudson To One-Year Deal

The Cincinnati Bengals re-signed tight end Tanner Hudson to an undisclosed one-year deal on Friday, according to The 33rd Team's Ari Meirov. In his second year with the Bengals in 2024, Hudson regressed and had only 19 receptions on 23 targets for 154 yards and one touchdown in 11 games while Mike Gesicki was the team's third leading receiver behind wideouts Ja'Marr Chase and Tee Higgins. The 30-year-old missed six weeks with two knee injuries last year, which also didn't help his cause. However, if the Bengals fail to re-sign Mike Gesicki this offseason, Hudson could be primed to be the team's top pass-catching tight end in 2025. Without Gesicki around in 2023, Hudson had the best season of his career, but it only yielded 39 catches for 352 yards and one touchdown on 50 targets in 12 games (one start).
Mar 7   
Trey Hendrickson  • DE  •  Bengals

Bengals Grant Trey Hendrickson Permission To Seek A Trade

The Cincinnati Bengals have granted All-Pro defensive end Trey Hendrickson permission to seek a trade this offseason, according to ESPN's Adam Schefter. "It's been an honor and privilege to represent Cincinnati over the last four years," said Hendrickson, the NFL's sack leader. "I love this city and organization. I appreciate the privilege of now being allowed to explore my options." The Bengals are trying to sign Hendrickson and receivers Ja'Marr Chase and Tee Higgins to contract extensions this offseason, but that was always going to be a tall task. The 30-year-old Hendrickson is heading into the final year of his deal in 2025 but wants a new contract after leading the league with 17.5 sacks in 2024. Of the trio of stars that the Bengals hope to keep, Hendrickson was always viewed as the least likely to stay. He has 35 sacks the last two years and will be a high-end defensive lineman in IDP leagues, regardless of where he's playing.
Mar 6   
Tee Higgins  • WR  •  Bengals

Bengals Telling Teams Tee Higgins Isn't Available Via Trade

The Athletic's Dianna Russini reports that multiple NFL teams have contacted the Cincinnati Bengals about the availability of wide receiver Tee Higgins after the Bengals placed the franchise tag on him on Monday, according to sources. Those teams have been told that Higgins remains unavailable as the Bengals work on giving him a long-term deal. Had the 26-year-old been allowed to reach the free-agent market next week, he would have been the top pass-catcher on the open market. But instead, it looks like the Bengals are going to keep him, at least for the 2025 season. If Cincy doesn't change their stance if contract talks break down, Chris Godwin would be the best free-agent wideout this offseason. Despite playing in only 12 regular-season games in 2024 due to injury, Higgins was the WR17 in half-PPR scoring with 73 receptions, 911 yards and 10 touchdowns. He'll be a strong WR2 if he stays in Cincy.
Mar 6   
Mike Gesicki  • TE  •  Bengals

Bengals Want To Bring Back Mike Gesicki

ESPN's Jeremy Fowler writes that the Cincinnati Bengals were happy with impending free-agent tight end Mike Gesicki last year and would like to re-sign him, even though they are also trying to keep all three star players in receivers Ja'Marr Chase, Tee Higgins and defensive end Trey Hendrickson on long-term deals. Teams are projecting that the tight end position could max out at $8 million per year on the free-agent market this offseason. Gesicki ended up being Cincy's third leading receiver in 2024 behind Chase and Higgins, catching 65 of his 83 targets for 665 receiving yards, although he only was able to find the end zone twice in 17 games played. Although the Bengals also have Drew Sample and Erick All Jr. -- Tanner Hudson is also a free agent -- re-signing in Cincy would be the most ideal situation for Gesicki's fantasy value in 2025.
Mar 6   
Sam Hubbard  • DE  •  Bengals

Sam Hubbard Announces Retirement At 29

Cincinnati Bengals defensive end Sam Hubbard announced his retirement via X on Wednesday. The 29-year-old spent his entire seven-year career with the Bengals after being selected in the third round of the 2018 NFL Draft out of Ohio State. Hubbard was a four-time captain and racked up 398 tackles (236 solo), 38.5 sacks, six forced fumbles, five fumble recoveries, one interception, and 16 pass deflections in 104 career games. With Pro Bowl edge rusher Trey Hendrickson's future uncertain in Cincinnati moving forward, the organization could have a glaring hole on the outside of its defensive line.
Mar 5   
Chase Brown  • RB  •  Bengals

Bengals Seeking A Big Complement To Chase Brown

Bengals beat writer Geoff Hobson gets the sense that the Cincinnati Bengals are looking to go bigger for a complement to lead back Chase Brown this offseason with Zack Moss' (neck) status unclear. Brown played big as a three-down back in 2024 after Moss' injury and racked up an impressive 1,350 scrimmage yards on 283 touches while also protecting quarterback Joe Burrow, but offensive coordinator Dan Pitcher wouldn't mind another big and physical back to help Brown out. "The easy answer is Chase isn't the biggest guy, so maybe if you have an opportunity to add a bigger back with a little more power repertoire to his game, that size helps you in protection," Pitcher said. The 24-year-old Brown finished as the RB12 in half-PPR scoring in 2024 thanks to his workhorse role, and although he should remain the lead back in a high-scoring offense, fantasy managers should expect some regression.
Mar 4   
Alex Cappa  • G  •  Bengals

Bengals Release Alex Cappa

The Cincinnati Bengals announced on Monday that they released offensive guard Alex Cappa. While Cappa has been solid for the Bengals, starting all 50 games at right guard that he appeared in since joining the team in 2022, the team simply has too many other free agents they are trying to retain this offseason. In addition to trying to spend big money to keep star receivers Ja'Marr Chase and Tee Higgins, Cincinnati has prioritized keeping offensive linemen B.J. Hill, Trent Brown and Mike Hilton. The 30-year-old was a third-round selection by the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in the 2018 NFL draft out of Humboldt State and spent the first four years of his career with the Bucs before joining the Bengals in 2022. With seven years of NFL experience while playing at a high level, Cappa should generate plenty of interest on the open market.
Mar 4   
Tee Higgins  • WR  •  Bengals

Bengals Officially Place Franchise Tag On Tee Higgins

Cincinnati Bengals wide receiver Tee Higgins announced on Monday that the team placed the franchise tag on him for the second straight year. This was the expectation all along as the Bengals keep Higgins from hitting the open market as they look to lock him into a long-term contract extension before the deadline on July 15. If Higgins and the Bengals cannot work out an extension, he'd make over $26 million in 2025. However, placing the franchise tag on the 26-year-old pass-catcher won't prevent the Bengals from trading Higgins, although their preference is to sign him to a long-term deal. Higgins' fantasy value for the 2025 season would most likely be higher if he went elsewhere, but he proved last year that he can still be a strong WR2 for fantasy managers despite being on the same team as All-Pro receiver Ja'Marr Chase. Despite missing five games due to injuries in 2024, Higgins finished as the WR17 in half-PPR scoring with a 73-911-10 line on 109 targets.
Mar 3   
Ja'Marr Chase  • WR  •  Bengals

Bengals, Ja'Marr Chase Remain Far Apart In Extension Talks

The Athletic's Dianna Russini reports that while the Cincinnati Bengals have made an offer to All-Pro wide receiver Ja'Marr Chase, the two sides remain far apart in extension talks for now. Chase is fully expected to reset the non-QB market after he and the Bengals were unable to agree on an extension before the start of the 2024 season, but Cincinnati appears to be prioritizing an extension with Tee Higgins first this offseason. Cincinnati is trying to keep all three of Chase, Higgins and defensive end Trey Hendrickson, but if they can't get deals done with all three, Hendrickson is most likely to be the odd man out. The 25-year-old Chase had the league's receiving Triple Crown in 2024 by leading the NFL in catches (127), receiving yards (1,708) and receiving touchdowns (17), making him deserving of being the highest-paid non-QB. He'll be the first receiver off the board in the first round in 2025 fantasy drafts.
Mar 2   
Tee Higgins  • WR  •  Bengals

Patriots Not Planning To Pursue Tee Higgins

The New England Patriots are not expected to pursue pending free-agent Cincinnati Bengals wide receiver Tee Higgins. The Bengals are expected to use the franchise tag on Higgins in hopes of reaching a long-term extension, but the Patriots are out on Higgins either way, according to Chad Graff of The Athletic. Instead, New England is focused on building its offensive and defensive lines, something new head coach Mike Vrabel valued highly during his tenure with the Tennessee Titans. New England needs to get better at the wide receiver position, but it sounds like the team is not looking to spend big on a wideout this offseason.
Feb 27   
Ja'Marr Chase  • WR  •  Bengals

Bengals To Make Ja'Marr Chase The Highest-Paid Non-QB

Cincinnati Bengals lead executive Duke Tobin said on Tuesday that wide receiver Ja'Marr Chase will become the highest-paid non-quarterback in the NFL this offseason. "We're there, let's get it done signed contract that's what needs to happen," Tobin said. The Bengals couldn't get an extension done with the 24-year-old All-Pro pass-catcher before the start of the regular season, but that won't happen this year. Chase deserves a raise and should pass Vikings wideout Justin Jefferson ($35 million average salary per year) as the highest-paid non-QB in the league this offseason after he came away with the receiving Triple Crown in 2024 by leading the NFL in catches (127), receiving yards (1,708) and touchdowns (17) in 17 games played. The four-time Pro Bowler and former Offensive Rookie of the Year will be the top receiver off the board in the first round of fantasy drafts this fall.
Feb 25   
Tee Higgins  • WR  •  Bengals

Bengals "Optimistic" About Re-Signing Tee Higgins

Cincinnati Bengals director of personnel Duke Tobin said on Tuesday that he's "optimistic" about re-signing wide receiver Tee Higgins. "Our preference with Tee Higgins is to do a long-term extension," Tobin said. The Bengals are attempting to do some serious juggling to fit all their star players into the 2025 salary cap, but it is possible, even though they are fully expecting to make receiver Ja'Marr Chase the league's highest-paid non-quarterback in the NFL this offseason as well. To buy themselves some more time, Cincy is expected to place the franchise tag on Higgins for the second straight year. Although the 26-year-old played in just 12 games due to some injuries, he was money for fantasy managers when he was on the field by posting 73 receptions, 911 yards and a career-high 10 touchdowns on 109 targets. Higgins would probably have a higher fantasy ceiling elsewhere, but he'll be a solid WR2 if he stays in Cincy.
Feb 25   
Sheldon Rankins  • DT  •  Bengals

Sheldon Rankins Likely To Be Let Go

The Cincinnati Bengals have several veterans that are likely to be salary cap casualties this offseason, including defensive tackle Sheldon Rankins (illness), offensive lineman Alex Cappa, defensive lineman Sam Hubbard and linebacker Germaine Pratt, but The Athletic's Paul Dehner Jr. writes that Rankins is the most certain cut of the group. When healthy, Rankins only had one sack and four QB pressures and then missed the second half of the season with an illness. The Bengals signed the 30-year-old to a two-year, $24.5 million deal last offseason but will save $9.6 million against the 2025 cap if they cut him. Rankins isn't going to see a roster bonus that he's due on March 17. In addition to just his one sack recorded in 2024, Rankins had only 18 tackles (10 solo) over his seven games played.
Feb 21   
Ja'Marr Chase  • WR  •  Bengals

Ja'Marr Chase Could Be First $40 Million Wide Receiver

Cincinnati Bengals wide receiver Ja'Marr Chase is due for a contract extension after leading the NFL in receptions (127), receiving yards (1,708), and receiving touchdowns (17) in 2024. The former first-round pick out of LSU could command an average salary of $40 million, according to NFL insider Jordan Schultz. This would make Chase the highest-paid wideout in NFL history and $5 million ahead of former college teammate Justin Jefferson. Chase is off to one of the best starts for a wide receiver in NFL history, and the Bengals hope to lock him up long-term this offseason along with fellow wideout Tee Higgins.
Feb 19   
LEGEND
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