Bengals Offseason Buzz: Geno Stone’s Future, Free Agency Targets, and a Familiar Face Under Center
The Bengals are heading into a pivotal offseason, and before they can start shopping around the league, they’ve got to take care of business in-house. One of the biggest questions? What happens next with Geno Stone.
Stone, who’s locked down the free safety spot for the past two seasons, looks like a near-lock to stay in Cincinnati. His future isn’t exactly a mystery-more like an open secret at this point.
The Bengals value what he brings to the back end of the defense: range, instincts, and a knack for being in the right place at the right time. While nothing’s official yet, don’t be surprised if Stone’s name is one of the first to come off the board when the Bengals start re-signing their own.
But internal decisions are only part of the puzzle. Cincinnati is also keeping an eye on potential upgrades from outside the building-and there’s a familiar name from a division rival who could be a perfect fit.
Tight End Target: Could David Njoku Cross Enemy Lines?
David Njoku, the athletic tight end who’s spent his entire career with the Browns, has made it clear he’ll be moving on when free agency opens next month. That’s a rare opportunity for Cincinnati to poach a productive player from an AFC North rival.
Njoku brings size, speed, and yards-after-catch ability that would immediately elevate the Bengals’ tight end room. He’s coming off a strong season and still has plenty of tread left on the tires.
With Joe Burrow at quarterback and a spread-it-around offense, Njoku could thrive as a middle-of-the-field mismatch. And let’s be honest-adding a weapon like that while weakening a division rival?
That’s a win-win.
Cap Casualty Watch: Kenny Clark a Fit in the Trenches?
One name to watch on the defensive front is Kenny Clark. The Cowboys’ veteran defensive tackle could be a cap casualty this offseason, and if he hits the market, he’ll draw plenty of interest.
Clark’s a force in the middle-strong against the run, disruptive as a pass rusher, and capable of anchoring a defensive line. For a Bengals team that’s still looking to get more consistent pressure from the interior, Clark could be the kind of proven presence that changes the tone up front. He’s been a Pro Bowler, and while the price tag might be steep, the impact could be worth it.
Joe Burrow Headlines the Offseason (Again)
No surprise here: Joe Burrow is going to be a central figure in the Bengals’ offseason storylines. Whether it’s updates on his recovery, tweaks to the offense, or the ongoing effort to build the best possible supporting cast around him, everything runs through No. 9.
Burrow’s leadership and presence are constants, but with the Bengals aiming to bounce back from a frustrating 2025 campaign, expect his name to stay in the headlines all spring and summer.
A Veteran Quarterback in the Room: Joe Flacco’s Still Here
It’s easy to forget sometimes, but Joe Flacco is still in the building. The veteran quarterback may be from a different era, but he brings a wealth of experience to the QB room. Whether he sticks around or not remains to be seen, but his presence has been a steadying one behind Burrow.
Around the League: Free Agency, Coaching Moves, and Stadium Dreams
Zooming out, the NFL offseason is already heating up. Free agency is loaded with talent, and wide receivers are expected to fly off the board fast. Teams are evaluating fits based on scheme and usage, and the dominoes will start falling soon.
In Las Vegas, new Raiders head coach Klint Kubiak is already making waves. After helping the Seahawks win the Super Bowl as offensive coordinator, he’s now tasked with turning things around in Sin City.
One of his first moves? Meeting with star pass rusher Maxx Crosby.
That relationship could be key to the Raiders’ defensive identity moving forward.
Meanwhile, in a twist no one saw coming, a group of Iowa lawmakers is trying to lure the Chicago Bears across state lines with a pitch for a new stadium. The idea of bringing “Da Bears” to Iowa may sound far-fetched, but it’s got enough momentum to make headlines-and raise eyebrows.
And in somber news, the NFL community is mourning the loss of Mark Smith, a veteran of the league and a native of Vicksburg.
Post-Super Bowl Power Rankings: Bengals in the Mix
With the Super Bowl in the rearview mirror, the power rankings are shifting. The Bengals, like many teams, find themselves at a crossroads.
They’ve got the quarterback, the core talent, and the front office stability to make another run. But the margin for error in the AFC is razor-thin.
This offseason will be about tightening the screws-re-signing key pieces like Geno Stone, adding impact players like Njoku or Clark if the opportunity arises, and giving Burrow the tools he needs to lead another deep playoff push.
One thing’s clear: the Bengals aren’t far off. But in a league that never stops moving, standing still isn’t an option.