Anyone interested in Sexy Dexy?  Heard he could be had for a 2nd and 5th.  Extend him 2/3 years at 32-mil.  He immediately improves the interior of the D line (a major gap) and starts.  I am assuming our first round pick starts.  This gives us two more starters to go with the three free agents.  Not sure it’s enough, but it would be a big improvement.  Cap space will be there and it removes the risk of the draft.  It also keeps all picks intact for the 2027 draft which is projected to be a much better group.

23 minutes ago, FatNate said:

I know McCoy blew out his knee but based on his pro day he posted some pretty impressive measurable and his tape from 2024 is the best in the draft.  I haven’t done a deep dive on his health history.  He was injured in January 2025.  I just assumed it was a business decision to not play last year so that he was fully healthy and ready for the draft.  Assuming the team’s medical staff clear him, I have no problem with him at ten.  But, again I don’t know the details that I am sure the NFL teams have.  I also put no stock in the idea that some NFL teams have him off the board.  Is he off the board because they don’t really need a CB so why risk it?  Is he off the board because it’s a crappy franchise that struggles to evaluate talent (you know like the Bengals)?  Is he off the board as a total smoke screen hoping he slides?   Lastly, I am concerned about training down because everything I have read says this isn’t a great draft but the real talent is in top 15 picks.  

I am not saying he is off the Bengals draft board. I am saying it has been reported McCoy is off the draft board of several NFL teams. I don't know if the Bengals are one of those teams.

19 minutes ago, FatNate said:

Anyone interested in Sexy Dexy?  Heard he could be had for a 2nd and 5th.  Extend him 2/3 years at 32-mil.  He immediately improves the interior of the D line (a major gap) and starts.  I am assuming our first round pick starts.  This gives us two more starters to go with the three free agents.  Not sure it’s enough, but it would be a big improvement.  Cap space will be there and it removes the risk of the draft.  It also keeps all picks intact for the 2027 draft which is projected to be a much better group.

For the Bengals to go for Lawrence would be a all in this year move IMO. He would be a huge addition to this defense but the cost would hurt.

12 minutes ago, Voice of Reason said:

For the Bengals to go for Lawrence would be a all in this year move IMO. He would be a huge addition to this defense but the cost would hurt.

I feel like the Bengals should go "all in" while Burrow is in his prime. 

12 minutes ago, Voice of Reason said:

For the Bengals to go for Lawrence would be a all in this year move IMO. He would be a huge addition to this defense but the cost would hurt.

I don't think they could afford his contract he wants.

52 minutes ago, MaddenCurse44 said:

I don't think they could afford his contract he wants.

They would have to get creative. Maybe do a back loaded contract. Probably would need to cut Slaton before June 1  - that saves $6.7M against the cap. Cutting Iosivas saves $3.67M against the cap. Bengals only have $20M of cap space left and Lawrence reportedly wants $32M. I would make that move. Cut Slaton and Iosivas and sign Lawrence at $32M per.

Lawrence is at $20M next year on his current deal. The Giants are supposedly wanting a top 10 pick. So the Bengals would have to trade pick #10 and make some existing player contract moves, The Bengals need an interior DL big time and it is a weak draft for interior DL. I think the Bengals might wait to see who is available as the draft is rolling and have this trade in their pocket if they don't like who is left for them.

Edited April 18Apr 18 by Voice of Reason

54 minutes ago, Voice of Reason said:

They would have to get creative. Maybe do a back loaded contract. Probably would need to cut Slaton before June 1  - that saves $6.7M against the cap. Cutting Iosivas saves $3.67M against the cap. Bengals only have $20M of cap space left and Lawrence reportedly wants $32M. I would make that move. Cut Slaton and Iosivas and sign Lawrence at $32M per.

Lawrence is at $20M next year on his current deal. The Giants are supposedly wanting a top 10 pick. So the Bengals would have to trade pick #10 and make some existing player contract moves, The Bengals need an interior DL big time and it is a weak draft for interior DL. I think the Bengals might wait to see who is available as the draft is rolling and have this trade in their pocket if they don't like who is left for them.

No where have I seen that anyone thinks the NYG are getting a first round pick.  Because of the pending contract and future money involved, along with being 28 and a contract that won’t end until he is 31/33, plus coming off a down year the best I have heard is they could get a second and fourth round picks.  Perhaps a token throw in guy included.  I am not a capoligist but I believe money upfront wouldn’t count towards this year’s cap, and the team is usually in the top ten with cap space every year, so I am assuming that means they will have room for the contract in the future seasons.  Might mean they can’t re-up guys (Hill and/or Turner).  
 

With all that said.  I know the Bengals will do Bengals things.  Stick and Pick. Not be creative.  Not pay big money upfront.  Same old, same old in Bengal land is what I expect. 

Per Adam Scheffter and ESPN

Who Dey!!!

I couldn’t have been more wrong.  And I am glad I am.  Curious to see the final details.  

Well, that changes things. Now that they get Lawrence, who do they go for in round 2 or do they try to trade back into round 1 with a later pick?

I did a quick google check.  Bengals are still $20-mil under the 2026 cap but need $7-mil for draft picks.  That number will be less now that they don’t have the ten pick. 

2 hours ago, MaddenCurse44 said:

I don't think they could afford his contract he wants.

Wrong! ?WHO DEY!!

While it sucks giving up pick 10. You have to love the Bengals going for it and actually being aggressive. Rather than wait back and hope one of the top defensive players falls them. They went out and got a top proven guy. That is a win now type of move, instead of waiting and hoping. So I love to see it! 

A good DT but they still have the worst linebackers in the league.