The Cincinnati Bengals make another big splash in Free Agency as they sign veteran Defensive Tackle Jonathan Allen. Reid and Craig discuss.

The Cincinnati Bengals made their first major move of the 2026 NFL free-agency cycle Monday, reportedly agreeing to terms with former Kansas City Chiefs safety Bryan Cook on a multi-year deal.

According to reports from NFL insiders, Cook is signing a three-year contract worth approximately $42.5 million to join Cincinnati’s secondary once the new league year officially begins. The agreement came shortly after the NFL’s legal tampering window opened, allowing teams to negotiate with pending unrestricted free agents before contracts can be formally signed later in the week.

Cook, 26, spent the first four seasons of his career in Kansas City after being selected in the second round of the 2022 NFL Draft. During his time with the Chiefs, he developed into a reliable starter and key contributor in the secondary. Over 62 regular-season games with 47 starts, Cook recorded 238 tackles, three interceptions, 15 passes defended and a sack.

His best statistical season came in 2025, when he posted a career-high 85 tackles and six pass breakups while starting every game for Kansas City. Cook also gained valuable postseason experience, appearing in multiple playoff games during his tenure with the Chiefs and helping anchor one of the AFC’s most consistent defenses.

The signing addresses a major need for Cincinnati heading into the offseason. The Bengals entered free agency with uncertainty at safety, particularly with veteran Geno Stone expected to depart and the team looking for more physical play and consistency on the back end of its defense.

Cook also brings strong local ties to the organization. A Cincinnati native who attended Mount Healthy High School and later starred for the Cincinnati Bearcats football program, he now returns home to play professionally in the city where he grew up.

For the Bengals, the move signals an early commitment to strengthening the defense around franchise quarterback Joe Burrow as the team looks to return to playoff contention in the AFC. With Cook expected to step into an immediate starting role, Cincinnati hopes the experienced safety can stabilize the secondary and provide leadership for a defense undergoing key offseason changes.

On today's show, Stone sits down with Joe Gooberry to break down all of the top realistic free agent targets for the Cincinnati Bengals before the NFL's legal tampering period opens on Monday.

OTHER CHATTERBOX PROGRAMMING:

The Stone Shields Show: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/west-4th-and-long/id1828384424

Chatterbox Reds: https://linktr.ee/chatterboxreds

Chatterbox Bearcats: https://chatterboxbearcats.podbean.com/

The Dalton Risner has agreed to return to the Cincinnati Bengals on a new contract, bringing continuity to one of the team’s most important offensive pieces. Official announcements from the Bengals this morning confirm that Risner has signed a one-year deal for the 2026 season, marking his second consecutive year in Cincinnati after joining as a free agent ahead of the 2025 campaign. The contract is reportedly worth up to $5 million, according to league sources.

Risner became a key contributor to the Bengals’ offensive line last season, playing in 14 games and making 11 starts throughout the 2025 schedule. His versatility—lining up at guard and providing reliable pass protection—helped stabilize a unit that had seen turnover and injuries. His return ensures that the protection in front of quarterback Joe Burrow remains anchored by experienced linemen as Cincinnati looks to improve on its offensive performance in 2026.

The re-signing was first made public on social media by Risner’s wife, Whitney, before the team confirmed the deal later in the morning. Fan reaction on community and team forums has been positive, with many supporters pleased that the Bengals prioritized locking him up before free agency officially begins.

For Cincinnati, Risner’s return is also a strategic move ahead of what figures to be a busy offseason. Securing a starting guard early allows the front office to focus on other roster needs—particularly on defense—without risking a key free agent slipping away. It’s the Bengals’ first noticeable move of the offseason, signaling their intention to build continuity around a core group while also addressing the wider team picture.

The Cincinnati Bengals face a pivotal decision with Trey Hendrickson as his contract has expired, making him a free agent unless tagged. The franchise tag for defensive ends hovers around $30 million, offering leverage but tying up significant cap space.

Arguments for tagging and trading him center on securing compensation rather than losing him for nothing. With strained relations—no long-term extension reached last offseason—and Hendrickson's age (turning 32 in 2026), a tag-and-trade could net a mid-round pick (likely 3rd or 4th, per reports). This avoids zero return if he walks, especially amid interest from teams like the Colts or Dolphins. Analysts like James Rapien argue it's the smartest play: tag to control rights, then deal to a suitor willing to sign him long-term, providing draft capital for roster rebuilding.

However, strong counterarguments exist. Hendrickson's 2025 production dipped sharply to just 4 sacks in 7 games (possibly injury-related), down from 17.5 sacks in prior elite seasons. At $30+ million guaranteed if no trade materializes, the Bengals risk massive financial commitment to a declining player, limiting flexibility elsewhere. Tag-and-trade scenarios are tricky—finding a partner isn't guaranteed—and the Bengals historically avoid such drama. Many analysts suggest letting him walk for potential compensatory picks outweighs the hassle.

Overall, the Bengals should not tag and trade Hendrickson. The risks (cap hit without a deal) and his recent form make walking away cleaner, preserving resources for younger talent or other needs in a cap-strapped offseason.

The NFL season is over, the Seahawks are champions, and the Bengals now turn their focus to Super Bowl 61 at SoFi Stadium — the site of their last heartbreak. Could 2026 bring redemption in Los Angeles?

Stone Shields breaks down Paul Dehner Jr.’s “10 things that need to go right” for Cincinnati to get back to the big game, adding his own strong opinions along the way. From a potential Maxx Crosby swing to fixing edge, linebacker, and safety the right way, Stone outlines what the Bengals must prioritize this offseason.

He also dives into a possible Trey Hendrickson tag-and-trade, protecting Joe Burrow, valuing the backup QB spot, and which extensions (Dax Hill, DJ Turner, Chase Brown) should come first.

If the Bengals are serious about contending again, this offseason will define it.

OTHER CHATTERBOX PROGRAMING:

Chatterbox Reds: https://linktr.ee/chatterboxreds

Chatterbox Bearcats: https://chatterboxbearcats.podbean.com/

The Stone Shields Show: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/west-4th-and-long/id1828384424

Off The Bench: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/off-the-bench-by-chatterbox-sports/id1643010062

The Flyin Lion (FC Cincinnati): https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-flyin-lion-fc-cincinnati-podcast/id1701368522

513 Golf: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLjPJjEFaBD7VUSfdVvGjbr1_CmCepLWpr

Stone Shields breaks down the Super Bowl week buzz surrounding Maxx Crosby and whether the Bengals should make a rare, all-in trade for the Raiders’ star pass rusher. He reacts to comments from Ja’Marr Chase and Tee Higgins, explains why Crosby would be an ideal fit in Cincinnati, and evaluates how realistic a deal actually is.

The episode also takes a hard look at the Bengals’ defensive tackle situation, why standing pat would be a mistake, and what realistic options exist through free agency, trades, or a potential DJ Reader reunion as Cincinnati tries to fix a long-standing defensive weakness.

OTHER CHATTERBOX PROGRAMING:

Chatterbox Reds: https://linktr.ee/chatterboxreds

Chatterbox Bearcats: https://chatterboxbearcats.podbean.com/

The Stone Shields Show: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/west-4th-and-long/id1828384424

Off The Bench: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/off-the-bench-by-chatterbox-sports/id1643010062

The Flyin Lion (FC Cincinnati): https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-flyin-lion-fc-cincinnati-podcast/id1701368522

513 Golf: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLjPJjEFaBD7VUSfdVvGjbr1_CmCepLWpr

Stone Shields breaks down a full mock offseason plan for the Cincinnati Bengals using Paul Dehner Jr.’s cap projections, with roughly $35 million in realistic spending power. He dives into key decisions on offense, including the backup quarterback debate, why Joe Flacco makes sense, and which young Bengals deserve extensions.

Stone explains why Cincinnati should largely run it back on offense, avoid overspending at wide receiver, and keep continuity along the offensive line—while still planning for the future. The episode then shifts to cut candidates, cap flexibility, and the tough choices facing the defensive line.

The most under-discussed topic of the offseason takes center stage: a potential Joe Burrow contract restructure and how it could unlock major spending power. Stone wraps with a deep dive into defensive upgrades, draft priorities, and why linebacker may be the best place for the Bengals to spend big in a critical win-now offseason.

OTHER CHATTERBOX PROGRAMING:

Chatterbox Reds: https://linktr.ee/chatterboxreds

Chatterbox Bearcats: https://chatterboxbearcats.podbean.com/

The Stone Shields Show: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/west-4th-and-long/id1828384424

Off The Bench: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/off-the-bench-by-chatterbox-sports/id1643010062

The Flyin Lion (FC Cincinnati): https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-flyin-lion-fc-cincinnati-podcast/id1701368522

513 Golf: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLjPJjEFaBD7VUSfdVvGjbr1_CmCepLWpr