Locked On Bengals - Daily Podcast On The Cincinnati Bengals
Locked On Bengals podcast is your daily ticket to stay ahead of the game and the first to know the latest news, analysis, and insider info for the Cincinnati Bengals and the National Football League. Hosted by football analysts James Rapien and Jake Liscow, the Locked On Bengals podcast provides your daily Bengals fix with expert, local analysis, and coverage of all aspects of the venerable Bengals franchise. Locked On Bengals takes you beyond the scoreboard for the inside scoops on the biggest stories from within the Bengals locker room and all over the NFL. The Locked On Bengals podcast is...
Grading Bengals Free Agency: Did They Do Enough on Defense?
The Cincinnati Bengals signed three good players in free agency, but it's the things they didn't do that loom large when it's time for free agency report cards. Jake Liscow and James Rapien grade the Bengals free agency period that saw Bryan Cook, Boye Mafe, and Jonathan Allen added to the roster. And while the guys like each of those moves, the whiff at linebacker drags the Bengals' GPA down.
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...
BENGALS SQUAD SHOW: What is the PLAN at LINEBACKER? What does JOE BURROW think of FREE AGENCY?
The Cincinnati Bengals have signed three starters in free agency so far. That's a good thing. What's not good is their lack of a signing at linebacker. It begs the question: What's the plan? Are they betting on hope with their young guys, or are they going to eventually sign a veteran to help with the development of Barrett Carter and Demetrius Knight Jr.?
Joe Burrow called the offseason of "paramount importance." The emphasis was on free agency. How must he feel with what the Bengals have done so far? Could he step in and have his c...
The Bengals Still Have TOO MANY Holes IF They’re Done Adding in Free Agency
We've reached that point in free agency where we're getting reports that the Bengals are done with significant additions in free agency, and that's scary news. Jake Liscow and James Rapien break down why it's so disappointing - especially if Cincinnati doesn't get ANY more deals done in a free agency period Joe Burrow called "paramount". We take a look at some of the players they've signed around this in past years as there are still some small moves that could help.
Everydayer Club
If you never miss an episode, it’s time to make it off...
Bengals Still Have BIG Needs to Fill After First Week of Free Agency
The Bengals added 3 good players to their defense last week, but we said the standard for a successful free agency was 5 starters at all 3 levels of the defense. Jake Liscow and James Rapien break down why the Bengals can't be done in their pursuit to add another edge rusher and linebacker to the roster, and which veterans on the market could still help.
Plus, we cover why the Josh Johnson addition doesn't preclude re-signing Joe Flacco, and update the Bengals' cap situation that would still benefit from a Joe Burrow restructure.
Everydayer Club
If you...
BENGALS SQUAD SHOW: Is Jonathan Allen the Bengals Big Free Agency Swing?
The Cincinnati Bengals made another move late this week in free agency, signing former Minnesota Vikings and defensive tackle Jonathan Allen to a 2-year, $28 million deal. It's a good signing, but is that it for the Bengals in free agency?
Alex Frank, Coach Art Valero, and Mike Santagana discuss what Allen could bring to the Bengals interior defensive line and if they will make a move at linebacker.
Maxx Crosby is NOT going to the Baltimore Ravens. The guys discuss what happened and the impact that now Trey Hendrickson going to the team will have on...
Expectation Setting For Jonathan Allen: How Much Juice Will he Bring Bengals Pass Rush?
Jonathan Allen was a Pro Bowl defensive tackle in his prime, but what level of play will he bring to Cincinnati? Jake Liscow is joined by Locked On Vikings host and film grinder Luke Braun to break down what Allen put on tape last year, whether the pricetag made sense, and discuss everything Allen brings on the field and as a leader in the locker room for the Cincinnati Bengals.
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...
Bengals Add Jonathan Allen to D-Line for BIG Money | Smart Move?
The Cincinnati Bengals got off the bench and back into the action with a big 2-year deal for defensive tackle Jonathan Allen and a 2-year extension for Orlando Brown Jr. Jake Liscow and James Rapien discuss expectations for Allen, who has shown signs of decline but just secured a $13 million per year contract from the Bengals, and break down the surprising timing for Brown Jr's extension that locks in a stable, starting-level left tackle for two more years.
Everydayer Club
If you never miss an episode, it’s time to make it official. Join the Locked On...
Cincinnati Bengals’ Free Agency Has Been a HUGE Disappointment
The Cincinnati Bengals had a strong start to free agency, but have missed opportunity after opportunity on deals in their wheelhouse to improve their roster. Jake Liscow and James Rapien discuss why trading for Osa Odighizuwa would have made sense, and lament missing out on mid-range deals over the last two days that could have patched holes before the pickins' got slim for remaining free agents. The Bengals' plan appears to be derailed, and while there are moves to be made, they need to prove they can get back on track before it's too late.
Everydayer Club
Maxx Crosby Trade EXPLODES, Will Bengals Get Involved?
Maxx Crosby is no longer heading to Baltimore, and SO MUCH has changed since the Ravens agreed to send the Raiders two 1st round picks a few days ago. Jake Liscow and James Rapien discuss whether the Bengals should call in case the asking price has changed, especially with the possibility that Trey Hendrickson lands with the Ravens. It could be one way to make up for what was a disappointing Tuesday that saw Leo Chenal and Logan Hall sign elsewhere on reasonable deals.
Everydayer Club
If you never miss an episode, it’s time to ma...
BENGALS SQUAD SHOW: SPLASHES in FREE AGENCY make for a GREAT, BOLD Day 1, could MORE be COMING?
The Cincinnati Bengals made splashes at two key positions on their defense in Day 1 of free agency.
Alex Frank, Coach Art Valero and Jake Liscow react to the Bengals signing safety Bryan Cook and edge rusher Boye Mafe to help rebuild their defense.
What makes these two signings great isn't even their play on the field. It's something else, and that something is even better than their production levels.
Could the Bengals be in for more splashes on Day 2? If they sign somebody, the guys will pivot and react to it.
Supp...
Bengals Win Day 1 of Free Agency - But JOB'S NOT DONE!
The Cincinnati Bengals made two huge moves on day one of the legal tampering period, agreeing with safety Bryan Cook and edge rusher Boye Mafe to 3-year deals to raise the floor of a defense that desperately needs talent. Jake Liscow and James Rapien break down why the moves make sense, what moves the Bengals didn't make that they could have considered, and what's left as they're still looking for additions at linebacker and on the defensive line.
Everydayer Club
If you never miss an episode, it’s time to make it official. Join the Locked On...
EDGE SPLASH! Bengals Add Boye Mafe to Boost Pass Rush
The Cincinnati Bengals went fast and furious in the first day of free agency, landing Boye Mafe at edge rusher shortly after agreeing with Bryan Cook earlier in the day. James Rapien and Jake Liscow break down whether Mafe makes sense given the other edge rusher transactions on Monday, and how he'll fit in as the Bengals got two big deals done early in free agency,
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, an...
SAFETY UPGRADE! Bengals Add Bryan Cook to Solidify Secondary
The Cincinnati Bengals hit the safety position hard in the opening hours of free agency, signing Bryan Cook to a 3-year deal to solidify their defensive backfield. Jake Liscow and James Rapien break down why Cook is such a great fit (TACKLING) with the Bengals as Cincinnati is starting their free agency with a bang to return a Bearcat to Cincinnati.
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...
Bengals Could Be the MOST Aggressive Team in NFL Free Agency
The Cincinnati Bengals could shake up the NFL free agency market like never before according to ESPN's Jeremy Fowler. Jake Liscow and James Rapien share their instant reaction to Fowler's report that the Bengals could be the "most aggressive" team in free agency, including what "aggressive" could mean for the Bengals before laying out their top priorities to fix the defense. From Odafe Oweh and Jalen Phillips to Logan Hall, Bryan Cook, and Leo Chenal, the guys discuss the best free agent fits as the Bengals are primed to add several starters to their defense this week.
E...
BENGALS SQUAD SHOW: FREE AGENCY PREVIEW
The legal tampering period for free agency starts Monday at 12:00 E.T., and the Bengals need to swing for the fences to build a championship-caliber roster.
Alex Frank and Mike Santagana preview what the Bengals could do in free agency and why they must go after big fish in the free agency class.
We know the Bengals are going to go after defense in free agency, but what about offensive line? Is that a position still in play in free agency? In addition, how do DJ Turner and Dax Hill's potential contract extensions factor into th...
Setting HIGH EXPECTATIONS for Bengals' Free Agency
The Cincinnati Bengals have A LOT of work to do in free agency, and we're setting high expectations this year more than ever. Jake Liscow and James Rapien discuss what would constitute a successful free agency for the Bengals. We get into a plethora of players - especially on the defensive side of the ball - and outline different scenarios on defense that could drastically improve that side of the ball ahead of the 2026 NFL Draft.
Everydayer Club
If you never miss an episode, it’s time to make it official. Join the Locked On Everydayer Cl...
Bengals Got a GREAT DEAL on Dalton Risner's Contract
Dalton Risner said he really wanted to run it back in Cincinnati, and now that we've seen his contract details that include $1.75 million in incentives, it's fair to say he meant it. The Bengals got a great deal for a starting right guard that leaves them with plenty of flexibility for everything we expect them to do this offseason. Jake Liscow and James Rapien dive into the details, why it's a good deal, and how it sets the Bengals up for the next phase of the offseason.
Everydayer Club
If you never miss an episode, it’s...
Bengals PRAISE Jordan Battle: Will He Get a Contract Extension This Offseason?
Cincinnati Bengals coaches and front office members had major praise for safety Jordan Battle during the 2026 NFL Combine. James Rapien and Jake Liscow react to the praise and discuss the possibility of a contract extension for the fourth-year safety. Does it make sense? How much does timing matter? They also react to Al Golden's comments about the defense and the type of players the Bengals will target in free agency.
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...
BENGALS SQUAD SHOW: Dalton Risner RE-SIGNED, Trey Hendrickson NOT TAGGED, Caleb Downs CONCERNS?
The Cincinnati Bengals have seen the first two dominoes fall this offseason. They re-signed Dalton Risner, and they did NOT franchise tag Trey Hendrickson.
Alex Frank, Jake Liscow, and Coach Art Valero discuss what these moves mean for the Bengals in the early stages of the offseason and for the potential roster in 2026.
A recent report came out that Caleb Downs had a degenerative ACL and a partially torn meniscus, but that has since been shot down by The Pat McAfee Show. Still, though, are there any reasons to be concerned about Downs as a po...
Bengals DO NOT Use Franchise Tag on Trey Hendrickson | INSTANT REACTION
The Cincinnati Bengals aren't using the franchise tag on star defensive end Trey Hendrickson. Are they making a mistake? Will they get a compensatory pick? James Rapien and Jake Liscow react to the news, explain why things broke down for Hendrickson and the Bengals, plus they look at a possible trade for Minnesota Vikings Pro Bowl pass rusher Jonathan Greenard!
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...
Mini-Mock Draft Monday - HEAR US OUT! Edition
What if the Bengals' most coveted defensive prospects in the draft aren't available when they're on the clock in the first round? Jake Liscow and James Rapien debate a pick between two players at non-premium positions in Sonny Styles and Jeremiyah Love in the first round, and then try to cover their defensive bases by snagging fallers at positions of need on day 2 in this week's mini mock draft Monday!
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...
Dalton Risner is BACK: Bengals Solidify O-Line, Make First BIG Move of Offseason
The Cincinnati Bengals re-signed Dalton Risner to a one-year contract on Monday. It's a major move to solidify the offensive line and protect star quarterback Joe Burrow. James Rapien and Jake Liscow explain why they were surprised at the one year deal worth up to $5 million, why it's great to have Risner back in the fold ahead of free agency, plus what it means for Burrow and an offensive line that will have all five starters back next season.
Everydayer Club
If you never miss an episode, it’s time to make it official. Join the Lo...
Did NFL Combine Shake Up the Bengals' Options At #10?
The Cincinnati Bengals desperately need defensive line help this offseason. Will Rueben Bain Jr. fall to them in the first round? Should they take him even though there are questions about his arm length? What about Clemson defensive tackle Peter Woods?
James Rapien and Jake Liscow react to an eventful week for the defensive linemen in Indianapolis, what they need to see from both Bain and Woods at their respective pro days and so much more!
Everydayer Club
If you never miss an episode, it’s time to make it official. Join the Locked On E...
BENGALS SQUAD SHOW: Is DUKE TOBIN really "ALL IN?" plus JOE BURROW and the TIGHT ENDS
Bengals director of player personnel and de facto general manager Duke Tobin said he NFL Combine this week that he's "never not been all in." So, how should Bengals fans view those comments?
Alex Frank and Coach Art Valero discuss how they feel about them and what it could mean for the Bengals and the upcoming free agency period.
One position that hasn't been talked about a lot this offseason has been tight end. Mike Gesicki has given the Bengals a good return on investment, but is there anything else the Bengals could do in fr...
Bengals MUST Rediscover Explosiveness On Offense
Everyone with eyes knows the Bengals have serious needs to turn around their defense in 2026, but explosiveness appears to be more key than ever to winning football games, and an offense featuring Joe Burrow, Ja'Marr Chase, and Tee Higgins hasn't been explosive for years now. Jake Liscow and James Rapien discuss how the Bengals can change that going forward, from dynamic scheme adjustments that we're talking about for the umpteenth time, to value personnel additions that could help transform the way the offense works.
Everydayer Club
If you never miss an episode, it’s time to ma...
The Bengals Will Try to Upgrade Roster Without "Big Swings"
Duke Tobin sounds a bit gun shy about a big swing this offseason, but that doesn't mean the Cincinnati Bengals won't make additions to the club. It just sounds more like business as usual - hopefully meaning more like the 2021 offseason and not the 2025 version that only saw the Bengals add TJ Slaton as a starter money external free agent. Jake Liscow and James Rapien break down what that sort of approach to the offseason would require to be a success.
Plus, a few tidbits on potential #10 pick candidates Rueben Bain and Peter Woods as defensive linemen...
Duke Tobin On Dalton Risner's Future, Trey and the Franchise Tag, and "Resources to Attack the Offseason in a Big Way"
Duke Tobin's annual media session in Indianapolis yielded updates on the Bengals' outlook on Dalton Risner, Trey Hendrickson tag-and-trade scenarios, and the team's general disposition heading into the talent acquisition part of the NFL calendar. Jake Liscow and James Rapien break down the most notable takeaways in day 1 of their coverage of the 2026 NFL Combine.
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.
Clic...
BENGALS SQUAD SHOW: SAFETY help in the form of former Cincinnati Bearcats on the way in FREE AGENCY
With the start of free agency less than two weeks away, help could be on the way for the Cincinnati Bengals in the form of two former Cincinnati Bearcats.
Alex Frank and Mike Santagana discuss how Kansas City Chiefs safety Bryan Cook and Seattle Seahawks cornerback Coby Bryant, who are both Super Bowl champions, could give the Bengals a major boost at both safety and cornerback.
How could Bryan Cook help Caleb Downs if the Bengals draft him at No. 10 in April?
Could Coby Bryant help the Bengals young corners keep ascending in 2026?
<...Bengals Combine Preview: What the Front Office Must Do, What We Hope They Say in Indy
The Cincinnati Bengals have plenty of offseason needs. They also have a lengthy offseason check list. They need to get things started with a successful week in Indianapolis at the NFL Combine. James Rapien and Jake Liscow explain why the futures of Trey Hendrickson, Dalton Risner and plenty of other free agents could be decided this week. They also talk about what they're hoping to hear from Duke Tobin, Zac Taylor and look at some of the most intriguing draft prospects ahead of a big week in Indy!
Everydayer Club
If you never miss an episode...
Mini-Mock Monday: Caleb Downs... and then what?
Caleb Downs could be an awesome pick for the Bengals at #10 overall if he lives up to expectations and is a game-changer in the NFL. But what if the other positions they want to attack get picked over before their second round pick? Jake Liscow and James Rapien navigate that scenario in today's mini-mock draft Monday!
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.
Cl...
New RB Deal Sets Framework for Chase Brown Extension - Should Bengals Spend at RB?
It's easy to compare Chase Brown to Javonte Williams in the wake of Williams' new deal that could be the framework for the Bengals and Brown in extension talks. Jake Liscow and James Rapien break down the similarities and differences between Brown and Williams, and discuss whether the Bengals should really be allocating resources to the running back position. Plus, we want to throw our support behind Bengals legend Willie Anderson and encourage you to do the same!
Everydayer Club
If you never miss an episode, it’s time to make it official. Join the Locked On...
Trey Hendrickson Is Headed for a MASSIVE Payday: Here's What it Means for the Bengals
Cincinnati Bengals star defensive end Trey Hendrickson is going to get PAID. Jake Liscow and James Rapien react to the latest contract projections for Hendrickson, what it means for the Bengals and how they should approach the possibility of using the franchise tag on the star pass 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...
Should the Bengals Swing a BIG TRADE for Minkah Fitzpatrick to Address Safety Need?
If Minkah Fitzpatrick is available for a trade, should the Bengals be interested? He's still good, so Jake Liscow and James Rapien say that if the price is right, Cincinnati should be IN! The guys discuss what the trade for Fitzpatrick would cost, how his versatility and experience would fit on defense, and why a hypothetical trade shouldn't preclude drafting Caleb Downs. Plus, we examine a few potentially available players with links to the defensive staff, including Kenny Clark, Rashan Gary, Demario Davis, and Kaden Ellis.
Everydayer Club
If you never miss an episode, it’s ti...
BENGALS SQUAD SHOW: JEREMIYAH LOVE and the TEMPTATIONS, BEST DEFENSIVE PLAYER in the DRAFT?
Even though the Bengals need a major restructuring on defense, it may be very hard to pass up drafting Jeremiyah Love at No. 10 if he's still on the board.
Alex Frank and Coach Art Valero discuss how the Bengals could ABSOLUTELY benefit by drafting Jeremiyah Love in the first round, and how it could take Joe Burrow and the Bengals' offense to another level.
Who is the best defensive player in the NFL Draft? Is it Caleb Downs or Rueben Bain Jr.? Alex and Coach debate that question and what should be a bigger priority fo...
Do 2025 Defensive Adjustments Give Hope for Al Golden and Young Roster?
Al Golden made some big changes to simplify and transform the Bengals' approach in defense in the second half of the 2025 season, and a lot of that is exemplified in Demetrius Knight's changing role, blitzing more, and playing more man coverage. Jake Liscow and James Rapien are joined by Cody Alexander (@the_coach_a, MatchQuarters.com) to discuss his breakdown of how Golden's defense evolved, improved, and what that means for Cincinnati's quest for more defensive talent in 2026.
Everydayer Club
If you never miss an episode, it’s time to make it official. Join the Locked On...
Jalen Davis is BACK: Why That's Great News for the Bengals
Jalen Davis is back with the Cincinnati Bengals. His return is more significant than some fans realize. James Rapien and Jake Liscow break down why Davis’ return is important for the Bengals’ secondary, how he fits into Al Golden's defense, and what this move says about the team’s depth heading into 2026. They also discuss how Davis fits with Dax Hill, DJ Turner II, his leadership and more!
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...
Breaking Down Bengals' Pick 10 Options: Rueben Bain, Arvell Reese, and Sonny Styles
If Arvell Reese or Rueben Bain are available for the Bengals at pick #10, you might be doing backflips on your way to the podium. But Sonny Styles is also a great defensive prospect that should be in consideration for Cincinnati's first round pick. Jake Liscow and James Rapien are joined by Mike Santagata to break down 3 more defensive prospects who could be in consideration for Al Golden's defense in the 2026 NFL Draft, including how Reese, Bain, or Styles would fit the Bengals' scheme and make a much needed impact on defense.
Everydayer Club
If you never...
David Bailey vs Caleb Downs: Analyzing Bengals' Top Targets in 2026 NFL Draft
The Cincinnati Bengals have plenty of intriguing options in the 2026 NFL Draft, including Texas Tech pass rusher David Bailey and Ohio State safety Caleb Downs. Jake Liscow and James Rapien are joined by Mike Santagata of BengalsTalk.com to discuss Bailey and Downs, what they'd add to the defense and which one he'd take if both players were available in the first round!
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 buil...
BENGALS SQUAD SHOW: Where are POSITIVE STEPS on DEFENSE? Areas of IMPROVEMENT for PLAYOFFS return?
The Bengals' defense did have some positive steps in the second half of the 2025 season. They just may be hard to find.
FOX19's Gabi Sorrentino joins Alex Frank and Coach Art Valero to discuss where the Bengals' defense improved in 2025 and what they can build on going into 2026. It's also not just the defense.
The Bengals must be better in other key areas if they're going to return to the Playoffs in 2026, including not hading points to the other team.
New York Giants head coach, and former Baltimore Ravens head coach, John Har...
Cincinnati Bengals Bolster Defense in Our FIRST Mock Draft of 2026
The Cincinnati Bengals need help on defense. They get it in our first mock draft of 2026! From David Bailey to Caleb Downs, the Bengals have plenty of juicy options to pick from. James Rapien and Jake Liscow make some tough decisions in their two-round mock draft.
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 comm...
