Locked On Bengals

Al Golden made some big changes to simplify and transform the Bengals' approach in defense in the second half of the 2025 season, and a lot of that is exemplified in Demetrius Knight's changing role, blitzing more, and playing more man coverage. Jake Liscow and James Rapien are joined by Cody Alexander (@the_coach_a, MatchQuarters.com) to discuss his breakdown of how Golden's defense evolved, improved, and what that means for Cincinnati's quest for more defensive talent in 2026.Everydayer ClubIf you never miss an episode, it’s time to make it official. Join the Locked On Everydayer Club and get ad-free audio, access to our members-only Discord, and more — all built for our most loyal fans.Click here to learn more and join your team’s community: https://lockedonpodcasts.com/everydayerclubJoin the Locked On Bengals Insider Community! https://joinsubtext.com/lockedonbengalsFind and follow Locked On Bengals on your favorite podcast platforms:Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/locked-on-bengals-

Jalen Davis is back with the Cincinnati Bengals. His return is more significant than some fans realize. James Rapien and Jake Liscow break down why Davis’ return is important for the Bengals’ secondary, how he fits into Al Golden's defense, and what this move says about the team’s depth heading into 2026. They also discuss how Davis fits with Dax Hill, DJ Turner II, his leadership and more!Everydayer ClubIf you never miss an episode, it’s time to make it official. Join the Locked On Everydayer Club and get ad-free audio, access to our members-only Discord, and more — all built for our most loyal fans.Click here to learn more and join your team’s community: https://lockedonpodcasts.com/everydayerclubJoin the Locked On Bengals Insider Community! https://joinsubtext.com/lockedonbengalsFind and follow Locked On Bengals on your favorite podcast platforms:Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/locked-on-bengals-daily-podcast-on-the-cincinnati-bengals/id1159723162Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show

If Arvell Reese or Rueben Bain are available for the Bengals at pick #10, you might be doing backflips on your way to the podium. But Sonny Styles is also a great defensive prospect that should be in consideration for Cincinnati's first round pick. Jake Liscow and James Rapien are joined by Mike Santagata to break down 3 more defensive prospects who could be in consideration for Al Golden's defense in the 2026 NFL Draft, including how Reese, Bain, or Styles would fit the Bengals' scheme and make a much needed impact on defense.Everydayer ClubIf you never miss an episode, it’s time to make it official. Join the Locked On Everydayer Club and get ad-free audio, access to our members-only Discord, and more — all built for our most loyal fans.Click here to learn more and join your team’s community: https://lockedonpodcasts.com/everydayerclubJoin the Locked On Bengals Insider Community! https://joinsubtext.com/lockedonbengalsFind and follow Locked On Bengals on your favorite podcast platforms:Apple Podcasts: https:

The Cincinnati Bengals have plenty of intriguing options in the 2026 NFL Draft, including Texas Tech pass rusher David Bailey and Ohio State safety Caleb Downs. Jake Liscow and James Rapien are joined by Mike Santagata of BengalsTalk.com to discuss Bailey and Downs, what they'd add to the defense and which one he'd take if both players were available in the first round!Everydayer ClubIf you never miss an episode, it’s time to make it official. Join the Locked On Everydayer Club and get ad-free audio, access to our members-only Discord, and more — all built for our most loyal fans.Click here to learn more and join your team’s community: https://lockedonpodcasts.com/everydayerclubJoin the Locked On Bengals Insider Community! https://joinsubtext.com/lockedonbengalsFind and follow Locked On Bengals on your favorite podcast platforms:Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/locked-on-bengals-daily-podcast-on-the-cincinnati-bengals/id1159723162Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/7AObc0lh0WmQl5fJVgta

The Bengals' defense did have some positive steps in the second half of the 2025 season. They just may be hard to find. FOX19's Gabi Sorrentino joins Alex Frank and Coach Art Valero to discuss where the Bengals' defense improved in 2025 and what they can build on going into 2026. It's also not just the defense. The Bengals must be better in other key areas if they're going to return to the Playoffs in 2026, including not hading points to the other team. New York Giants head coach, and former Baltimore Ravens head coach, John Harbaugh recently gave how he approaches the first round of the NFL Draft. It makes sense, and it begs the question if the Bengals should draft in the first round for needs or best player available. Speaking of the draft, what if Jeremiyah Love is available at No. 10 when the Bengals are on the clock? Should they make a bold selection and draft him? Support Us By Supporting Our Sponsors! TurboTax For a limited time, you can have your taxes done by a local TurboTax expert for just $150 — a

The Cincinnati Bengals need help on defense. They get it in our first mock draft of 2026! From David Bailey to Caleb Downs, the Bengals have plenty of juicy options to pick from. James Rapien and Jake Liscow make some tough decisions in their two-round mock draft.Everydayer ClubIf you never miss an episode, it’s time to make it official. Join the Locked On Everydayer Club and get ad-free audio, access to our members-only Discord, and more — all built for our most loyal fans.Click here to learn more and join your team’s community: https://lockedonpodcasts.com/everydayerclubJoin the Locked On Bengals Insider Community! https://joinsubtext.com/lockedonbengalsFind and follow Locked On Bengals on your favorite podcast platforms:Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/locked-on-bengals-daily-podcast-on-the-cincinnati-bengals/id1159723162Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/7AObc0lh0WmQl5fJVgtajsGoogle Podcasts: https://podcasts.google.com/feed/aHR0cHM6Ly9mZWVkcy5tZWdhcGhvbmUuZm0vbG9ja2Vkb25iZW5nYWxz

The Bengals didn't suddenly repair their relationship with Trey Hendrickson in the last few months, and their history unfortunately tells us that they're willing to play the comp pick game. Jake Liscow and James Rapien break down why they still expect Hendrickson to depart this offseason, even though there's a strong argument that he'd make them better, and how there's barely a path to receiving a compensatory pick for Hendrickson.Plus, we recap Zac Taylor's coaching staff shuffle, where tight ends coach James Casey interestingly picks up the run game coordinator title.Everydayer ClubIf you never miss an episode, it’s time to make it official. Join the Locked On Everydayer Club and get ad-free audio, access to our members-only Discord, and more — all built for our most loyal fans.Click here to learn more and join your team’s community: https://lockedonpodcasts.com/everydayerclubJoin the Locked On Bengals Insider Community! https://joinsubtext.com/lockedonbengalsFind and follow Locked On Bengals on your favori

Four years ago today, the Bengals played in Super Bowl LVI. It was an incredible high for the franchise, that has mostly been perceived as a losing franchise through their first nearly six decades of existence. Unfortunately, that losing reputation is still prevalent four years later. Alex Frank, Mike Santagana, and Coach Art Valero reminisce on Super Bowl LVI four years ago and today, and what it all means for the Bengals' franchise quarterback in Joe Burrow. There's one angle to the Trey Hendrickson situation that's not being discussed enough, and it could play a role in a potential resolution. One positive from last season is the Bengals won two division games in prime time on short weeks. Alex, Mike, and Coach discuss how much confidence that should give Bengals fans and the confidence level in Zac Taylor and the coaching staff in division games. Finally, a conversation about Super Bowl LX MVP Kenneth Walker III and Bengals running back Chase Brown. Support Us By Supporting Our Sponsors! TurboTax For a li

The Bengals have to make a decision about Myles Murphy's 5th year option this offseason after he started to show signs of development late in 2025. They've got a pressing need to improve their pass rush and a history of picking up 5th year options, so it wouldn't be surprising if Bengals to keep Murphy for an extra year and bank on continued progress. Jake Liscow and James Rapien break down how much Murphy's 5th year option will cost and how it fits into the broader NFL pass rusher landscape, and why the Bengals need to do more than just relying on Murphy and Shemar Stewart.Everydayer ClubIf you never miss an episode, it’s time to make it official. Join the Locked On Everydayer Club and get ad-free audio, access to our members-only Discord, and more — all built for our most loyal fans.Click here to learn more and join your team’s community: https://lockedonpodcasts.com/everydayerclubJoin the Locked On Bengals Insider Community! https://joinsubtext.com/lockedonbengalsFind and follow Locked On Bengals on your f

Restructuring Joe Burrow's contract could create more than $19 million of cap space for the Cincinnati Bengals in 2026 without affecting Burrow's bottom line. Jake Liscow and James Rapien break down exactly what a "restructure" means, how it creates cap space at minimal cost, why Burrow wouldn't be opposed, and why it could signal a more impactful offseason of talent acquisition for a front office that needs to display agility and creativity in free agency.Everydayer ClubIf you never miss an episode, it’s time to make it official. Join the Locked On Everydayer Club and get ad-free audio, access to our members-only Discord, and more — all built for our most loyal fans.Click here to learn more and join your team’s community: https://lockedonpodcasts.com/everydayerclubJoin the Locked On Bengals Insider Community! https://joinsubtext.com/lockedonbengalsFind and follow Locked On Bengals on your favorite podcast platforms:Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/locked-on-bengals-daily-podcast-on-the-c

The Cincinnati Bengals have to add multiple key pieces to their roster this offseason, but should they cut some of their familiar faces to free up extra cap space? Jake Liscow and James Rapien break down the case to make cap-saving moves with Orlando Brown Jr, TJ Slaton and other veterans. Moving on from Brown would be wildly risky with minimal upside, there's and there's a good chance Slaton could return. Plus, we react to Willie Anderson and Ken Anderson not being voted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame.Everydayer ClubIf you never miss an episode, it’s time to make it official. Join the Locked On Everydayer Club and get ad-free audio, access to our members-only Discord, and more — all built for our most loyal fans.Click here to learn more and join your team’s community: https://lockedonpodcasts.com/everydayerclubJoin the Locked On Bengals Insider Community! https://joinsubtext.com/lockedonbengalsFind and follow Locked On Bengals on your favorite podcast platforms:Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/

Regardless of what the Bengals ultimately decide to do with Trey Hendrickson, it is paramount that there is no drama and it does not linger into any part of the offseason program. Mike Petraglia of CLNS Media joins Alex Frank, Jake Liscow, and Coach Art Valero to break down where things stand between the Bengals and their All-Pro edge rusher. What should the Bengals do with Hendrickson? It was reported over the weekend that the Bengals plan to "really spend" around Joe Burrow this offseason. But what does that actually look like? What "could" it look like? Super Bowl LX saw the Seattle Seahawks dominate the New England Patriots. What does it mean for the Bengals? For one, there's a startling reality that the Bengals, and the other AFC teams with elite quarterbacks, need to wake up to. Support Us By Supporting Our Sponsors! TurboTax For a limited time, you can have your taxes done by a local TurboTax expert for just $150 — all in, if a TurboTax expert didn’t file for you last year. Just file by February 28. Vi

Will the Cincinnati Bengals "REALLY SPEND" this offseason? The latest report from Ian Rapoport indicates that the front office knows they have to build around Joe Burrow and give him more support. Jake Liscow and James Rapien react to the news from Rapoport, what it could mean for the Bengals' offseason plans, plus they react to Super Bowl LX and what we can learn from the Seattle Seahawks!Everydayer ClubIf you never miss an episode, it’s time to make it official. Join the Locked On Everydayer Club and get ad-free audio, access to our members-only Discord, and more — all built for our most loyal fans.Click here to learn more and join your team’s community: https://lockedonpodcasts.com/everydayerclubJoin the Locked On Bengals Insider Community! https://joinsubtext.com/lockedonbengalsFind and follow Locked On Bengals on your favorite podcast platforms:Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/locked-on-bengals-daily-podcast-on-the-cincinnati-bengals/id1159723162Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show

Wait, the Cincinnati Bengals are considering the franchise tag for Trey Hendrickson after all? We assume that'd be for a tag-and-trade, but it's encouraging to hear that they're at least considering the option. Jake Liscow and James Rapien break down why that's good news and would make sense for the Bengals to try to recoup an asset for Hendrickson instead of just letting him walk.Plus, we take a look at the Seahawks-Patriots Super Bowl matchup for team-building lessons as they've taken different paths to the big game and the Bengals need to take big swings and build a better roster.Everydayer ClubIf you never miss an episode, it’s time to make it official. Join the Locked On Everydayer Club and get ad-free audio, access to our members-only Discord, and more — all built for our most loyal fans.Click here to learn more and join your team’s community: https://lockedonpodcasts.com/everydayerclubJoin the Locked On Bengals Insider Community! https://joinsubtext.com/lockedonbengalsFind and follow Locked On Bengals

All signs point to the Bengals and Trey Hendrickson moving on this offseason. But is there any way, any situation in which he could be back in 2026? Alex Frank, Mike Santagana, and Coach Art Valero discuss if it is a foregone conclusion that Hendrickson will not be a Bengal in 2026 and who the Bengals could replace him with. Speaking of the Bengals' defense, what is the confidence level in defensive coordinator Al Golden? Can he turn the Bengals' defense around in 2026? On the other side, wide receivers coach Troy Walters is one of the most underrated successful position coaches in the NFL. Alex has a an idea that would keep Walters in the building... and help Zac Taylor. Finally, the guys make their predictions for Super Bowl LX and discuss this year's Pro Football Hall of Fame class and how Ken and Willie Anderson were left on the outside looking in. Support Us By Supporting Our Sponsors! TurboTax For a limited time, you can have your taxes done by a local TurboTax expert for just $150 — all in, if a TurboT

Ja'Marr Chase and Tee Higgins toured Super Bowl LX Radio Row on Wednesday, and were in sync when various media members asked what the Bengals need to do to get back to contention - it starts with the defense! James Rapien and Jake Liscow dive into Chase and Higgins' big fish hunting mentality chasing Maxx Crosby or Jeffery Simmons and how realistic it is for the Bengals to pull off one of the moves their star wide receivers are thinking about.Everydayer ClubIf you never miss an episode, it’s time to make it official. Join the Locked On Everydayer Club and get ad-free audio, access to our members-only Discord, and more — all built for our most loyal fans.Click here to learn more and join your team’s community: https://lockedonpodcasts.com/everydayerclubJoin the Locked On Bengals Insider Community! https://joinsubtext.com/lockedonbengalsFind and follow Locked On Bengals on your favorite podcast platforms:Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/locked-on-bengals-daily-podcast-on-the-cincinnati-beng

Joe Burrow’s happiness has become a national talking point as the Cincinnati Bengals face scrutiny after missing the playoffs for a third-straight year. Jake Liscow and James Rapien break down Burrow’s Pro Bowl comments about being happy and what the future could hold for the star quarterback and the Bengals. The guys also explain why Zac Taylor’s eighth year is playoffs-or-bust as they look back at the day Taylor was hired.Everydayer ClubIf you never miss an episode, it’s time to make it official. Join the Locked On Everydayer Club and get ad-free audio, access to our members-only Discord, and more — all built for our most loyal fans.Click here to learn more and join your team’s community: https://lockedonpodcasts.com/everydayerclubJoin the Locked On Bengals Insider Community! https://joinsubtext.com/lockedonbengalsFind and follow Locked On Bengals on your favorite podcast platforms:Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/locked-on-bengals-daily-podcast-on-the-cincinnati-bengals/id1159723162Spo

Dan Pitcher was quietly drawing interest from NFL teams after Tampa Bay hired Zac Robinson, and Troy Walters turned down the Bears for an offensive coordinator interview, so it looks like the key players on the Bengals' offense staff will return for 2026. Jake Liscow and James Rapien break down the ramifications as the Bengals also added Davis Koetter to the offensive staff, signaling small changes for the Bengals' position coaches. Will they make any additional hires on the defensive side of the ball?Plus, a small rant about the broken Pro Bowl process that saw Joe Flacco and Joe Burrow added late in the process.Everydayer ClubIf you never miss an episode, it’s time to make it official. Join the Locked On Everydayer Club and get ad-free audio, access to our members-only Discord, and more — all built for our most loyal fans.Click here to learn more and join your team’s community: https://lockedonpodcasts.com/everydayerclubJoin the Locked On Bengals Insider Community! https://joinsubtext.com/lockedonbengalsFin

Joe Flacco will always be fondly remembered by Bengals fans for coming over in a mid-season trade and far exceeding expectations with his on-field performance. Given that, and Joe Burrow's history, it would be wise for the Bengals to resign him for the 2026 season. The Bengals have plenty of talent on offense, but depth is still important. Which position, on that side of the ball, should the Bengals focus on the most this offseason to insure that side of the ball can best withstand the war of attrition the NFL season is. A big reason the Bengals have lost 12 one-score games over the last two seasons is the lack of a closer on defense. Is there someone on the Bengals defense who can emerge as someone that can make a play in close games, or is going outside the organization the way to remedy all the close losses? Is this the year Ken Anderson and/or Willie Anderson finally get in the Pro Football Hall of Fame? Alex, Jake and Art discuss that and make their picks for the major awards at the NFL Honors.Support Us

Caleb Banks looked healthy at the Senior Bowl and suddenly is being discussed as the potential top defensive tackle in the 2026 NFL Draft Class. CBS Sports' lead draft analyst Mike Renner joins the guys to break down Banks and other Senior Bowl standouts including T.J. Parker, and we dive into a primer on the draft class. It's a good year to need a safety - and we get into the best role for Caleb Downs in the NFL - and linebacker, and the Bengals need both!Everydayer ClubIf you never miss an episode, it’s time to make it official. Join the Locked On Everydayer Club and get ad-free audio, access to our members-only Discord, and more — all built for our most loyal fans.Click here to learn more and join your team’s community: https://lockedonpodcasts.com/everydayerclubJoin the Locked On Bengals Insider Community! https://joinsubtext.com/lockedonbengalsFind and follow Locked On Bengals on your favorite podcast platforms:Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/locked-on-bengals-daily-podcast-on-the-c