The Cincinnati Bengals haven’t done themselves many favors this offseason. Kicking the tires on extensions for receiver Ja’Marr Chase and Tee Higgins on offense and edge rusher Trey Hendrickson on the other side of the ball has resulted in a bill that’s only growing more expensive.
The Bengals were never going to enter free agency throwing money around like quarterback Joe Burrow buying his offensive line katanas. But their process, both on and off the open market, hasn’t been ideal, either.
Cincinnati’s most notable signings have been a matter of keeping players in the building. Tight ends Mike Gesicki and Tanner Hudson, defensive tackle B.J. Hill, and edge rusher Joseph Ossai were all welcomed back.
However, it’s easy to argue that some of these moves weren’t in the team’s best interest, especially given the extensions hanging over the organization. The Bengals signing Burrow’s preferred tight end, for example, earned ESPN criticism in its free agency recap.
“Needing to squeeze every dollar out of their budget, the Bengals somewhat inexplicably decided to bring him back on a three-year, $25.5 million contract, paying him $12 million in 2025 in the process,” Bill Barnwell wrote. “Gesicki hasn't been that caliber of player for the vast majority of his career. As something much closer to a wideout than a tight end, he plays a position that is well-stocked in free agency with veteran options.”
There is value in continuity, but if Gesicki’s production wavers – which it has, mightily, throughout his career – it could quickly become regrettable. He posted 665 yards in 2024, but just 606 combined from the two seasons prior. At $8.5 million, his deal isn’t an albatross, but it could provide negative surplus value with any backsliding.
In essence, Cincinnati didn’t lose the first day of the legal tampering period because the players acquired were bad. The Bengals lost because they need to win on the margins if they are going to operate with this cap strategy, and Gesicki’s deal, among others, isn’t a safe bet to accomplish that.
“And the Bengals are already attempting to re-sign both Chase and Higgins, which would keep Gesicki in his role as the team's third option in the passing game,” Barnwell added. “… Using the money it has budgeted outside of its big three/four to shore up the weak spots on its roster makes sense. Retaining a third wide receiver does not. Adding running back Samaje Perine on a one-year deal for $3.6 million is another example of where the Bengals need to trust their ability to find cheaper solutions so they can divert those resources to their irreplaceable stars.”
There’s still plenty of time for Cincinnati to right the ship. But given the front office’s collective apprehension to handing out long-term deals, the Bengals still run the risk of capsizing in an ever-competitive AFC.
-1741145764-q80.webp "5 Flyers who could be moved at NHL trade deadline")
