Locked On Bengals

The Cincinnati Bengals have a tough decision to make when it comes to Chase Brown's future. Will they sign him an extension? Will he play out the final year of his contract? James Rapien and Jake Liscow discuss the dilemma with Brown, why an extension could make sense, but why they're hesitant to call Brown a "need" the same way Tee Higgins was last offseason. Speaking of Higgins, they react to the star receiver becoming a Pro Bowler and why he could go down as one of the best wide-outs in team history. 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/

The AFC North has filled out their coaching vacancies, so we have to ask if Zac Taylor is a better coach than Mike McCarthy, Jesse Minter, and Todd Monken. Jake Liscow and James Rapien break down the landscape of the AFC North with their new head coaches in place, and how Taylor stacks up with the rest of the division. The Bengals are selling a vision of continuity, but need to execute in a critical offseason to get back to contention and maximize every advantage they can in a year of change in their division. Everydayer Club If 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/everydayerclub Join the Locked On Bengals Insider Community! https://joinsubtext.com/lockedonbengals Find and follow Locked On Bengals on your favorite podcast platforms: Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.

Will the Cincinnati Bengals meet the standard set for them this offseason? If they do, it'll mean spending significant money toward top positions in free agency, including pass rusher. Jake Liscow and James Rapien wrap up how they see the big priorities for the Bengals to add talent, then dive into where they're concerned the Bengals might not see it the same way.We discuss whether they'll make a splash to try to find the next Trey Hendrickson at edge rusher, and fears that they may shy away from big numbers in free agency and big needs at linebacker due to how much they invested in Demetrius Knight Jr. and Barrett Carter. 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/lockedon

The Bengals have en elite quarterback and an elite wide receiver duo. In addition, regardless of how you view him, Zac Taylor played a large role in the Bengals going to Super Bowl LVI. With all of them in place going into 2026, can the Bengals recapture their 2021 magic and not only get to the Super Bow, but win the Super Bowl in 2026? Alex Frank, Jake Liscow, and Coach Art Valero discuss that poignant question. Believe it or not, next season may be one of their last chances to get to and win the Super Bowl. It's not just internally, it's also the landscape of the NFL. Alex dives into a key difference between the AFC and NFC and why it be a troublesome reality of the Bengals. Mike McCarthy is going to be the Pittsburgh Steelers head coach in 2026. Alex, Jake, and Art discuss if this is a good hire and what it means for the Bengals in rebuilding their defense this offseason. Finally, the guys break down their key takeaways from Conference Championship Sunday and give their initial thoughts on Super Bowl LX. S

The Bengals may feel like their offensive starters are mostly in place for 2026, but that doesn't mean they can't get better on that side of the ball in an offseason that will be focused on fixing the defense. Jake Liscow and James Rapien break down the priorities for the Bengals on offense, starting with right guard (Dalton Risner), and including key backup positions like quarterback and swing tackle.We discuss potential improvements at tight end, wide receiver to complement Tee Higgins and Ja'Marr Chase, and future needs as we piece together this year's offseason priority list on offense. 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

The Cincinnati Bengals face a make-or-break offseason as their defensive deficiencies threaten another season with Joe Burrow. Can the front office land a game-changing pass rusher or transform the secondary with a top safety? Upgrades are needed at defensive end, defensive tackle, safety, and linebacker as Trey Hendrickson’s departure looms and depth remains a concern.Jake Liscow and James Rapien break down positional needs, debate draft and free agency priorities, and weigh the value of identity players for revitalizing Al Golden's defense. Will Cincinnati’s strategy deliver the defensive facelift required to contend in the AFC North?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

Andrei Iosivas has flashed potential from his rookie season, but he hasn't put all of that potential together just yet. Can he finally do that in 2026? Over the last two seasons, we have seen the Bengals' tight ends have a larger role in the offense. It's been a key feature in Dan Pitcher's offense. With Pitcher increasingly likely to remain as the Bengals' offensive coordinator, could we see an even bigger role for the Bengals' tight ends in 2026? The Baltimore Ravens are hiring Jesse Minter to be their next head coach. Alex explains how this is similar to when they hired Mike Macdonald to be their defensive coordinator after the 2021 season, but why he thinks this hire won't do more than the intention behind the Ravens hiring him. Finally, the Bengals Squad guys give their picks for Championship Sunday and who they think will play in Super Bowl LX. 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

When Cordell Volson got a player performance escalator raise in 2025, the Bengals reworked his contract to save a little money. They're set to have four players qualify for PPE raises this year as 2023 draftees have carved out big roles on their rookie contracts. Jake Liscow and James Rapien break down how the Bengals should approach raises for DJ Turner, Chase Brown, Jordan Battle, and Andrei Iosivas this off season.Plus, Tampa Bay went with Zac Robinson for offensive coordinator. That ends the Bengals' OC drama for now - at least unless Dan Pitcher's name emerges for another offensive coordinator job.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 follo

With the Baltimore Ravens and Buffalo Bills both changing head coaches this offseason, and Patrick Mahomes already a three-time Super Bowl champion with Andy Reid in Kansas City, Joe Burrow and Zac Taylor, who went to the Super Bowl four seasons ago, will go into their seventh season together in 2026. Have they already peaked? Are they destined to decline this season? There's a five-year rule that states no quarterback/head coach tandem has won a Super Bowl past their fifth season together. How much does that apply to the Bengals with Joe Burrow with Zac Taylor as his head coach and offensive play-caller? Does it suggest that Joe Burrow's prime is being wasted? When the Bengals lost Super Bowl LVI to the Los Angeles Rams four years ago, many thought the Bengals were in a better position long-term than the Rams. Unfortunately, the opposite is now a reality. What lessons can the Bengals learn from the Rams, and how hard is that loss to stomach now knowing what the Rams have done since then? Support Us By Suppor

As Dan Pitcher has completed his first interview with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, the Bengals are risking the continuity they planned for 2026. Should Zac Taylor have considered giving up offensive play calling duties to keep Pitch in the building? Jake Liscow and James Rapien break down the arguments on both sides of the play calling discussion, and update the latest on Tampa's offensive coordinator search that will impact the Bengals' future.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-benga

A day after Dan Pitcher's return to Cincinnati looked full steam ahead, Zac Taylor has granted him permission to interview for a play calling OC job in Tampa Bay. Jake Liscow and James Rapien break down why Taylor and the Bengals aren't blocking the interview, and what it could mean for the future of Taylor's coaching staff (especially if Brian Callahan also gets a play calling job elsewhere).Plus, we react to Joe Burrow's sudden social media commentary on NFL catch rulings and Rueben Bain's standout performance in the national championship game.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:App

Bengals OC Dan Pitcher does not appear to be on the Cleveland Browns' shortlist for their head coaching job, so the guys break down the latest as the rest of the AFC North continues their head coaching searches and Buffalo fired Sean McDermott on Monday. The McDermott move opens the door to Joe Brady as a candidate in Cincinnati if Pitcher does depart.Jake Liscow and James Rapien discuss the Bengals offensive coordinator, plus they react to Tanner Hudson's extension and explain what to expect for other extensions this off season, including Dalton Risner's future.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 podc

The Cincinnati Bengals face a pivotal offseason as contract strategy and roster building are once again at the forefront. The Bengals must modernize front office practices, and return to 2021 and 2022's free agency aggression to fill out the roster. Jake Liscow and James Rapien spotlight how conservative salary cap management, inactive free agencies, and delayed extensions have cost the Bengals on the field. Discussions include restructuring Burrow’s deal, freeing cap space, and letting go of the fantasy of "sustainability."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://p

For years, the Cincinnati Bengals' offensive line was one of the biggest liabilities in the NFL. After a slow start this season, the offensive line seemingly got a lot better. Is it now a strength of this Bengals team going into 2026? Alex Frank, Mike Santagana, and Art Valero discuss how the Bengals' offensive line has shedded their liabilities and what makes them now a reliable unit going into 2026. A player who benefitted mightily from the offensive line improving was running back Chase Brown. While most of the focus is on DJ Turner and Dalton Risner when it comes to contract extensions, Alex ignites the conversation on Chase Brown and the importance of the Bengals to get him re-signed. This weekend, the NFL Divisional round of the Playoffs features four great games. The guys break down each of them and give their picks for the four games. Support Us By Supporting Our Sponsors! Rocket Money Let Rocket Money help you reach your financial goals faster. Join at http://RocketMoney.com/LOCKEDONBetterhelp This e

The Cincinnati Bengals have a chance this offseason to lock up foundational pieces to long-term deals—something we've asked them to do for years. James Rapien and Jake Liscow break down why DJ Turner II and Dax Hill should top the extension priority list after breakout campaigns and strong leadership on defense. The guys also dig into past mistakes the Bengals hope to avoid, the potential approach and timeline for new deals, why the front office may hesitate to extend Chase Brown given the running back market, and discuss additional players like Orlando Brown Jr. and Myles Murphy who could be in line for new deals. Plus, how getting ahead on contracts could save the team money and promote stability for years to come.  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

The Cincinnati Bengals have a big decision at backup quarterback as Joe Flacco’s value is clear based on his performance in 2025 and their need for a proven commodity behind Joe Burrow. Should Flacco be an offseason priority, and can the Bengals afford to let him walk with a weak backup QB market? James Rapien and Jake Liscow examine salary expectations and slim pickings for alternatives headlined by Marcus Mariota. With Trey Hendrickson’s likely departure looming, the guys also discuss the defense's direction this off season. Will the Bengals go the tag-and-trade route? Can Myles Murphy step up, or must Cincinnati make a splash to replace elite edge production? Will the Bengals have to find a different strength 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://lockedonpod

The Cincinnati Bengals have decisions to make on their internal free agents as Dalton Risner takes top priority. Can the Bengals keep their offensive line chemistry intact by retaining the guy Ted Karras, Amarius Mims, and Orlando Brown Jr. all want back? Who else do the Bengals need to prioritize bringing back and how does Joe Flacco fit?James Rapien and Jake Liscow break down the Risner situation and dive into the other internal free agent decisions as the Bengals begin their off season plans.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/l

Bengals head coach Zac Taylor, no question, has his flaws. However, he has gotten the Bengals to two AFC Championships and a Super Bowl. That proves he can coach when he has a full deck of cards. That begs the question: Is Zac Taylor being scapegoated by the Bengals' front office? Alex Frank, Jake Liscow and Art Valero discuss that topic. This past weekend in the Wild Card round of the Playoffs, we saw teams like the Patriots and Texans win with their ferocious pass rushes. It coincides with Bengals' Director of Player Personnel Duke Tobin saying the Bengals need to beef up the pass rush and the defensive line. How do the Bengals do that? Who are the players the Bengals should be targeting in free agency? Trey Hendrickson's time with the Bengals is up... right? The guys discuss his legacy in Cincinnati and who could be his replacement. Finally, Alex, Jake, and Art discuss what else they saw this weekend in the Playoffs and how they relate to the Bengals. Are they in the best shape of any team in the AFC North

Duke Tobin made clear on Friday that closing games was one of his biggest issues with the Cincinnati Bengals 2025 season, and Wildcard Weekend games made him look prescient. Tobin has plenty of work to do if they're going to get to the playoffs next season. Jake Liscow and James Rapien reflect on the need to finish games, how it applies to the playoffs and why adding talent is just half of the equation. They need talent and execution to come together in critical moments. Will Bengals OC Dan Pitcher be the Browns next head coach? The guys share the latest on Pitcher as coaching watch in the AFC North continues.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 an

Duke Tobin’s press conference on Friday left many fans frustrated and wanting more clarity than they got. Can the front office fix glaring holes on defense and finally address pass rush and linebacker issues, or will familiar free agency limitations derail the team’s shot at resurgence with Joe Burrow, Ja'Marr Chase, and Tee Higgins anchoring the offense?Jake Liscow and James Rapien break down the takeaways from Tobin's comments, when he offered scant detail on improvements they can make, but was acutely aware of how much work he needs to do on the 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 pl