News Bengals Team Notes

[Cincinnati Bengals]

Impending Seahawks free agents the Bengals should consider

SEATTLE, WASHINGTON - JANUARY 25: Matthew Stafford #9 of the Los Angeles Rams runs with the ball as Boye Mafe #53 of the Seattle Seahawks looks to make a tackle during the second quarter in the NFC Championship game at Lumen Field on January 25, 2026 in Seattle, Washington. (Photo by Steph Chambers/Getty Images) | Getty Images

The Seattle Seahawks will be facing off against the New England Patriots in Super Bowl LX. The Bengals could have interest in a few different upcoming free agents who will be playing in the game for Seattle.

Boye Mafe​

Mafe is a former second-round draft pick. He is still just 27 years old. His production is down in 2025, compared to the previous two seasons. He has just two sacks this season. He had six sacks in 2024 and another nine sacks in 2023. He still has 41 pressures on the year.

He was ranked 22nd on the recent PFF Top 250 Free Agent list. He is projected to get a 3-year, $49 million contract this year. If the Bengals lose both Joseph Ossai and Trey Hendrickson, they could show interest in Mafe.

Coby Bryant​

Bryant will be turning 27 soon, as well. The Bengals are not likely to bring back Geno Stone. Bryant is familiar with Cincinnati, having played his college ball for the Bearcats. He has an 80.9 run defense grade over the past two seasons. Additionally, he has seven interceptions over those two seasons. There is currently no salary projection for Bryant, but it would likely be at least $7 million per year.

Tariq Woolen​

Woolen is another upcoming free agent in the Seattle secondary. He has tremendous size for a corner, measuring in at 6’4” and 205 pounds. He may be a bit more unlikely for the Bengals, considering they plan to keep Dax Hill as an outside cornerback. His projection of $15 million per year is unlikely for the third outside corner on the team.

Rashid Shaheed​

The Seahawks pulled off a crucial trade for Shaheed prior to the NFL Trade Deadline this year. Shaheed is a deep threat as a receiver. Even more impactful has been what he has done as a returner. He has both a kickoff and a punt return touchdown since joining the Seahawks halfway through the season. He hasn’t dropped a single pass this season either. Shaheed may be too expensive for the Bengals, but every team in the league should have some interest in him this offseason.

Source: https://www.cincyjungle.com/cincinnati-bengals-free-agency/185490/seahawks-nfl-free-agents-2026

 

[Cincinnati Bengals]

Trey Hendrickson projected to land with AFC North rival

CINCINNATI, OHIO - OCTOBER 5: Trey Hendrickson #91 of the Cincinnati Bengals stands for the national anthem prior to the NFL 2025 game against the Detroit Lions at Paycor Stadium on October 5, 2025 in Cincinnati, Ohio. (Photo by Lauren Leigh Bacho/Getty Images) | Getty Images

The Cincinnati Bengals and defensive end Trey Hendrickson appear to be ready to part ways this offseason. After two contentious offseasons trying to negotiate a long-term contract extension, the two sides were never able to agree on anything beyond a raise for the 2025 season.

After missing most of the season with an injury, Hendrickson is set to hit the open market when the new league year begins in March, unless the Bengals were to franchise tag him. At this point, that seems unlikely, as both sides seem to be ready to make a clean break.

Hendrickson will have plenty of suitors on the market an Bleacher Report’s Alex Kay projects that Hendrickson will sign with the Bengals’ AFC North rivals, the Baltimore Ravens.

“The Ravens will be looking to make a splash in free agency to open the post-John Harbaugh era,” Kay wrote. “With Jesse Minter now at the helm, Baltimore could steal Hendrickson away from an AFC North rival and deploy him as the centerpiece of a pass-rushing unit that must improve in 2026. Baltimore’s 30 sacks this past season tied for the third-fewest in the league and marked a significant regression from the 54—the second-most in the NFL—the team amassed the prior year.

Hendrickson has been incredibly productive since signing with the Bengals in 2021, so watching him leave would be tough for fans, regardless, but to see him leave for a division rival would really sting. The Bengals aren’t likely to use the $34 million franchise tag on the 31-year-old, so that would leave him free to sign with any team.

Naturally, the thought of playing Hendrickson twice a year doesn’t sound great, but it could be a real possibility in about a month and a half…

Source: https://www.cincyjungle.com/cincinn...on-projected-afc-north-rival-baltimore-ravens

 

[Cincinnati Bengals]

Ja’Marr Chase is starting a show with Tee Higgins

MIAMI GARDENS, FL - DECEMBER 21: Cincinnati Bengals wide receiver Ja'Marr Chase (1) and Cincinnati Bengals wide receiver Tee Higgins (5) celebrate a touchdown together during the game between the Cincinnati Bengals and the Miami Dolphins on Sunday, December 21, 2025 at Hard Rock Stadium in Miami Gardens, FL (Photo by Peter Joneleit/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) | Icon Sportswire via Getty Images

Ja’Marr Chase and Tee Higgins are two of the best receivers the Cincinnati Bengals have ever had.

They’re also two of the most likable guys in the franchise’s history.

And now fans will get to learn more about their personalities and life outside of football.

Chase is starting a podcast that will give fans more insight into his off-the-field personality. It will be called “Chasing No. 1”.

Get to know who Ja'Marr Chase really is…

Chasing No. 1 drops this spring @Real10jayy__ pic.twitter.com/SP5DuFje99

— Overtime (@overtime) February 4, 2026

And he’s bringing Higgins with him.

Chasing No. 1 is coming THIS SPRING…

Ja'Marr Chase announces his VERY FIRST podcast in collaboration with @overtime and some help from @teehiggins5

STAY TUNED@Real10jayy__ | @heykayadams pic.twitter.com/xvXr4FmmfZ

— Up & Adams (@UpAndAdamsShow) February 4, 2026

It will not just cover football but also the interests the two have off the field.

The Bengals stars are eager to spend even more time together. Higgins called the bond between the two “second nature”. “Once we met, man, we just clicked like that,” he said.

The show premieres this spring on Overtime.

Cincy Jungle comes loaded with the best Cincinnati Bengals links, news, and analysis. Find us on Twitter and Facebook. And check out the #1 Bengals Podcast on YouTube,iTunes, Spotify, or on the Bleav channel.

Source: https://www.cincyjungle.com/cincinnati-bengals-news/185691/jamarr-chase-starting-show-tee-higgins

 

[Cincinnati Bengals]

Bengals Greats Snubbed from Hall of Fame Again: OBI podcast

A major part of wrapping up Media Week coverage for the Super Bowl is in the NFL Honors show on Thursday night. The program leading up to Super Bowl LX included the 2026 nominees for the Pro Football Hall of Fame, but two notable guys were absent from the celebration. Again.

The Andersons of the Cincinnati Bengals—Ken and Willie, respectively—weren’t elected again this year. It seems like baby steps continue to be made to inch them closer into Canton, but it hasn’t been enough.

John an Anthony discuss this, the clash between the Seahawks and Patriots, as well as other headlines with the team. Join the live show Friday at 4:15 p.m., or else catch it on your favorite platform afterward!

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Follow our Twitter page and ‘like’ our Facebook page for more Cincinnati Bengals stuff. And, check out our BLEAV in Cincy podcast channel. Who Dey!?

Source: https://www.cincyjungle.com/cincinn...s-snubbed-from-hall-of-fame-again-obi-podcast

 

[Cincinnati Bengals]

Bengals News (2/7): Ja’Marr Chase vs. Caleb Williams mini-feud

CINCINNATI, OHIO - NOVEMBER 02: Tee Higgins #5 and Ja'Marr Chase #1 of the Cincinnati Bengals celebrate after Higgins scored a touchdown during the third quarter against the Chicago Bears in the game at Paycor Stadium on November 02, 2025 in Cincinnati, Ohio. (Photo by Dylan Buell/Getty Images) | Getty Images

Bengals News​

Why Bears QB Caleb Williams took little shot at Bengals’ Ja’Marr Chase

Cincinnati Bengals wideout Ja’Marr Chase recently hit the interview circuit at the Super Bowl alongside Tee Higgins. Chase sent a little message to the Bengals front office in the process.

Why Bengals WR Coach Troy Walters Stayed Home: “I Feel Like We’re Going To Do Something Special’

Speaking of the Super Bowl, here’s a Super Bowl champion coach comparing Bengals wide receivers coach Troy Walters, the keeper of the keys, to one of the head coaches in Sunday’s Super Bowl.

Next for Willie Anderson? Ex-Bengal is 2027 Pro Football Hall finalist

Former Cincinnati Bengals offensive tackle Willie Anderson reacted with class by congratulating the Pro Football Hall of Fame class of 2026, despite the fact that he fell short again of the 80 percent of the vote required for election.

Pro Football Hall of Fame voter calls for what Bengals fans desire after Ken Anderson and Willie Anderson were snubbed once again

Cincinnati’s franchise legends were kept out of the Hall of Fame in 2026.

Why Jim Schwartz Resigning Could Have Major Impact on Joe Burrow and the Bengals

Schwartz resigned on Friday morning.

Bengals assistant GM emerges as candidate in Vikings GM search

Every breath you take and every move you make, the Vikings will be watching you, Bengals.

NFL News​

Seahawks vs. Patriots: Seven legacy-building NFL records/milestones at stake in Super Bowl LX

Legacy is a convoluted concept. In football, an entire career can be defined by a single moment in a single game — especially when that game is the Super Bowl.

Emmitt Smith goes off on Browns, explains why they need to name Shedeur Sanders the starting QB now

Smith says Cleveland has no other viable options at quarterback and needs to act

Best Super Bowl Commercials of 2026

Super Bowl Sunday hasn’t arrived yet, but we’re starting to get a sampling of what will air during breaks in Super Bowl LX between the Seattle Seahawks and New England Patriots.

The Quarterback Development Question That Could Be Answered by Super Bowl LX

“Pure progression” vs. “coverage-based reads” is a battle that’s been affecting the NFL for a while now.

Jim Schwartz resigns, with the “expectation” he won’t coach in 2026

As expected, Browns defensive coordinator Jim Schwartz is moving on.

Source: https://www.cincyjungle.com/cincinn...rr-chase-vs-caleb-williams-mini-feud-bears-qb

 

[Cincinnati Bengals]

Browns’ Jim Schwartz resigns after being passed over for head coach

LAS VEGAS, NEVADA - NOVEMBER 23: Defensive Coordinator Jim Schwartz of the Cleveland Browns looks on in the game against the Las Vegas Raiders at Allegiant Stadium on November 23, 2025 in Las Vegas, Nevada. (Photo by Ian Maule/Getty Images) | Getty Images

After a tumultuous head coaching search, the dust has settled in Cleveland for the Browns. The big news from today is that coveted defensive coordinator Jim Schwartz has resigned.

Schwartz was a big part of the head-coaching search even before he was being seriously considered for the job himself. It was reported that the team wanted to keep him on as the defensive coordinator, as the players on that side of the ball had serious respect for him.

This directly stood in the way of several sought-after candidates who would eventually withdraw their names. The likes of Mike McDaniel (Dolphins head coach), Jesse Minter (Chargers defensive coordinator), and Grant Udinski (Jaguars offensive coordinator).

It is common for new head coaches to want to bring along their own coordinators. Especially given how short an opportunity head coaches can be given, it is nice to have control.

Of course, we know now the Browns hired Todd Monken (Ravens offensive coordinator) to be their head coach after the team had also been seriously considering Schwartz after losing out on so many potential coaches.

Now that the team has settled for a head coach and lost out on the coordinator, they directly hampered their search by trying to force him on any new coach.

The team does still control Schwartz’s rights, so he cannot immediately be acquired by another team without some sort of compensation going to Cleveland. That may be the lone bright side for the team following a myriad of errors.

Statement from the Browns on the resignation of defensive coordinator Jim Schwartz: pic.twitter.com/MnqINE4E71

— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) February 6, 2026

Source: https://www.cincyjungle.com/185700/jim-schwartz-resigns-browns-jim-schwartz-defensive-coordinator