Free Agent Cincinnati Bengals Must Re-Sign No Matter What
The Cincinnati Bengals face a pivotal offseason as Joe Flacco’s value as backup quarterback has gone up based on his performance in six starts 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, ideal contract structures, and potential alternatives like Marcus Mariota and Tyrod Taylor.
With Trey Hendrickson’s likely departure looming, the discussion shifts to defensive needs and franchise tag scenarios. Can Myles Murphy step up, or must Cincinnati make a splash to replace elite edge production? Get insight on the roster-building strategies shaping the Bengals’ future in the AFC North.
0:00 – Joe Flacco’s Bengals Value
James Rapien and Jake Liscow open with why Joe Flacco should be a top offseason priority for the Bengals, given the current quarterback market, backup needs, and Flacco’s performance/value compared to other available QBs.
10:02 – Joe Flacco’s Contract Value & Market
In-depth discussion on what Joe Flacco is actually worth, what contract terms make sense, how the Bengals could approach his deal, and how it affects their offseason plans. Also includes discussion of incentive structures and backup QB options.
23:13 – Trey Hendrickson’s Future / Bengals Defense
Breakdown of Trey Hendrickson’s likely departure, odds of a tag or trade, and what it means for the Bengals defense going forward. James Rapien and Jake Liscow discuss replacement options and how the team should adjust to losing a key edge rusher.
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
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
Support Us By Supporting Our Sponsors!
Ultimate QB
Ultimate QB is totally free to play, has no ads, and works 100% offline — perfect for when you want to sneak in a quick game or two on the go. Just head over to http://ULTIMATE-QB.COM.
FanDuel
Today’s episode is brought to you by FanDuel. FanDuel is officially in Playoff Mode. Every game day during the NFL playoffs, FanDuel is giving customers even more ways to get in on the action. Visit Fanduel.com to get started.
PrizePicks
Download the PrizePicks app today and use code LOCKEDONNFL to get $50 in lineups after you play your first $5 lineup.
Click Here: https://prizepicks.onelink.me/LME0/LOCKEDONNFL
Gametime
Download the Gametime app, create an account, and use code LOCKEDONNFL for $20 off your first purchase. Terms apply. Download Gametime today. What time is it? Gametime.
Robinhood
Trade Every Play with Robinhood. Now available across the U.S. Download the Robinhood app now to begin.
Futures and cleared swaps trading involves significant risk and is not appropriate for everyone. Event contracts are offered by Robinhood Derivatives, LLC., a registered futures commission merchant and swap firm
Quo
Make this the year where no opportunity — and no customer — slips away.
Try Quo for free plus get 20% off your first 6 months when you go to http://Quo.com/lockedonnfl.
Gusto
Try Gusto today at http://gusto.com/lockedonNFL and get three months free when you run your first payroll.
Home Chef
For a limited time, Home Chef is offering my listeners 50% off your first box, free shipping, and free dessert for life. Just go to http://HomeChef.com/LOCKEDON.
Indeed
Listeners of this show get a $75 Sponsored Job Credit to help give your job the premium placement it deserves at http://Indeed.com/lockedonnfl.
FANDUEL DISCLAIMER: 21+ in select states. First online real money wager only. Bonus issued as nonwithdrawable free bets that expires in 14 days. Restrictions apply. See terms at sportsbook.fanduel.com. Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER or visit FanDuel.com/RG (CO, IA, MD, MI, NJ, PA, IL, VA, WV), 1-800-NEXT-STEP or text NEXTSTEP to 53342 (AZ), 1-888-789-7777 or visit ccpg.org/chat (CT), 1-800-9-WITH-IT (IN), 1-800-522-4700 (WY, KS) or visit ksgamblinghelp.com (KS), 1-877-770-STOP (LA), 1-877-8-HOPENY or text HOPENY (467369) (NY), TN REDLINE 1-800-889-9789 (TN)
38 comments
Bring back Trey, Flacco, and Dalton must have them on this team
Flacco and Risner for sure
They should just offer Flacco a two year $10 million contract 8 million fully guaranteed and keep Jake Browning as the third string do not bring back Trey Hendrickson use that 30 million to pick up better pieces our defense was last when we had him and it was last without Trey He is a good player, but we could use that money to pick up multiple players.
I know Flacco wants to be a starter for sure, but dood I hope he stays with the Bengals.
Hey Guys Joe Falcco issue is wanting too become still a starter not really a backup for anyone!He can't improve his overall self sitting on anyone's bench period!JOE don't think he's a backup too ANY QB PERIOD GUYS!❤❤❤
The only convincing wins of the season for me was against the Steelers, Ravens, Dolphins, Cardinals. Bengals need to attack free agency hard for win now players. Bring back Rinser and Flacco
No on Trey
Flacco is so valuable, you’re telling me we can’t find a backup quarterback that could win more than one game?
If they release this guy another team gonna chant "thank you cincy!!!!"
If we need defense WHY wouldnt we resign Trey?? I mean at least try..
I also agree i want risner and flacco Dante Moore going back to Oregon makes it harder to get downs bain or woods
Just draft a Purdy in the 7th
Tycen Anderson and Risner… Trey will be hard I would personally but not sure if Bengals will do it
Zac Taylor should be made a 'free agent'. Of all the coaches that need to be shown the door Taylor is the one that needs to be broomed out the most and yet there he is….
If I was Burrow I'd demand to be traded before he ends up like Andrew Luck. Nearly all of the QBs in his generation are having productive careers… Herbert, Hurts, Purdy, Lawrence, prosper while Joe is stuck with stupid in Cincy. Even younger players like Stroud, Williams , Nix and Love have quickly established themselves if for no other reason they are able to spend most of the game remaining upright, and their defenses actually stop the other teams.
Flacco would have won more with a better defense!
Give him 10 and see if it gets done
Burrow gets hurt often. If he will do it for money, he want to play. He knows he has a chance here but he would rather start. He had fun and hes worth less than 20 % of what Burrow makes. Look at the difference he made.
Ravens owner was also very business savvy to not give Lamar any leverage because of his large cap hit. If he said anything ekse then Lamar has all the leverage
It's time for the front office to stop half-assing this roster. It's hard enough to win when the other top teams have better coaches, but them manipulating the cap to have $40m worth of better players is hard to overcome. Winning in the NFL is hard enough, but with Katie hamstringing the roster when we have a chance to contend is embarrassing
Flacco not so good after the shoulder injured during sack
I think Flacco would take a starter or bridge role over a straight backup role. I don’t think he’s motivated by money as much as play time.
Trey didn’t earn his money this year, he owes bengals a cheap year
If bengals keep Trey, he will get “injured” again, don’t want his attitude around
Trey “was” that caliber of player, he’s declined
Trey pulled a rankin
They could use the 10th overall pick on a QB 5m per year 4 years😁
They will 💯 let Trey walk. I watched Jessie Bates walk just like Trey is. It’s their model and Mike Brown doesn’t change
You guys have been covering the bengals long enough to know that they are not going to manipulate the cap. Whatever they have, they will spend and subtract from the total cap allowance period. Your frustration will only grow till you accept it
Besides still being able to play at a high level and be a starter in the NFL. Joe Flacco possesses many intangibles. He knows the game, won a Super Bowl, and teammates love him. You have to have high caliber human beings that make the people around them better! Everyone wants him back! If history has proven anything it's that your starting superstar could go be sidelined with a major, season ending injury on any given play. You don't want to have just anyone to fill a backup roster spot with anyone, Jake Browning. The money saved by not resigning Browning and releasing Cordell Volson would nearly pay Flacco top $ salary to be the best #2 option. Plus it's not a humongous drop off in your chances to stay competitive and win ballgames. It's a no-brainer if you ask any Bengals fan with half a brain. However, it always comes down to the most disliked, most incompetent businessman, and greedy creep in the Queen City… Mike "you'd never know Paul Brown was my dad" Brown!! He's not just a laughingstock in Cincinnati but nationwide. When sports pundits abroad say "the Bengals are notoriously cheap", they're being extremely kind but no doubt referring to one person. This guy is a dictator and our fanbase and great city deserve better!!! "You're not from Cincinnati, you're from Cleveland". Tweaking and paraphrasing the late great Sam Wyche. It's like Clark Griswold working for his company for 25 years and for a Christmas bonus he gets enrolled in the jelly of the month club for a year. We literally gave you a brand new, state of the art, at the time, stadium. We're still waiting for our jelly of the month bonus Mike! Sorry, it just always comes down to the bottom line, him, and I love my city and my Bengals and tired of waiting for my jelly.
Flacco has to want to come here. DAH !
Flacco and Risner would finish any necessary offensive fa’s
No Defense, No Playoffs!
When it comes to Trey , we don't know what we don't know!
need to keep slayton and pair him with reader
Nobody's paying Trey $35 million a year.
Flacco didn’t get us many wins but either did Burrow. Flacco just wants to play he doesn’t really care about winning and losing.
Moving off Hendrickson is stupid move when Katie could of inked a 3 year deal for 30 million per season with 75 million in guaranteed money. They must tag and trade if they don't intend to keep him. But Ossia didn't show enough in 3 seasons to get a long term contract with Cincinnati. I think Stewart works better on the inside next too a better pass rusher than as a DE. So that leaves you with M Murphy who can start but is more a #2 DE at the moment. I much rather have Trey for 30M per year, than Ossia at 18-22 million per year. This team should move off BJ Hill, Cam Sample, CTB, Owen Burks, Noah Fant, and Jake Browning.
Chince out at backup QB. Try to lower the chances of a Burrow injury with that cap space imo. Trading for Flacco accomplished nothing.
D#mn! Tre