Updated: March 12, 2025
The Cincinnati Bengals have been active in the 2025 NFL free agency period, which officially began with the new league year at 4 p.m. EDT.
Below is a summary of their moves so far:
Re-Signings and Extensions:
– Tee Higgins (WR): Designated as the franchise player on March 3, 2025, ensuring he remains with the team for the 2025 season at a salary of $26.17 million unless a long-term deal is reached by July 15, 2025.
– Mike Gesicki (TE): Signed a three-year contract extension worth $25.5 million, with $12 million guaranteed, keeping him through the 2027 season. Announced prior to the official start of free agency, this move retains a key target for QB Joe Burrow after a 2024 season with 65 catches for 665 yards and two touchdowns.
– B.J. Hill (DT): Re-signed to a three-year, $33 million deal with $16 million guaranteed, announced on March 12, 2025. Hill, turning 30 in April, remains a vital part of the defensive line.
– Joseph Ossai (DE): Signed a one-year, $7 million “prove-it” deal on March 11, 2025, to stay with the Bengals after a breakout 2024 season with five sacks in the final seven games.
– Cody Ford (G/OT): Signed a two-year, $6 million contract extension on March 10, 2025, valued for his versatility across the offensive line.
– Ryan Rehkow (P): Signed a two-year extension on February 18, 2025, after setting Bengals single-season records for gross (49.1) and net (42.9) punting averages in 2024.
– Cal Adomitis (LS): Signed a one-year extension on February 21, 2025, maintaining consistency at long snapper with zero unplayable snaps in 2024.
– Jaxson Kirkland (G): Signed a one-year extension on March 5, 2025, after spending most of 2024 on the Reserve/Injured list.
– Cam Grandy (TE): Signed a one-year extension on January 21, 2025, following a rookie season with five catches for 28 yards in eight games.
New Signings from Other Teams:
– T.J. Slaton (DT): Signed from the Green Bay Packers to a two-year, $15.1 million deal on March 11, 2025. Slaton bolsters the interior defensive line with his run-stopping ability.
– Samaje Perine (RB): Signed from the Kansas City Chiefs to a two-year deal worth up to $3.8 million on March 11, 2025. Perine returns to Cincinnati, where he played from 2019-2022, likely as the No. 2 running back behind Chase Brown.
– Oren Burks (LB): Signed from the Philadelphia Eagles to a two-year, $5 million deal on March 11, 2025. Burks, a Super Bowl champion in 2024, adds depth and potential starting capability at linebacker.
Departures:
– Alex Cappa (RG): Released on March 3, 2025, after starting all 50 games he played for the Bengals since joining in 2022.
– Sheldon Rankins (DT): Released on February 21, 2025, after playing seven games (all starts) in 2024 following his signing as a free agent the previous year.
– Akeem Davis-Gaither (LB): Reportedly signed with the Arizona Cardinals on March 11, 2025, after five seasons with the Bengals.
Notable Context:
– Trey Hendrickson (DE): Granted permission to seek a trade as he negotiates a potential extension, though no trade has been finalized as of March 12, 2025. His 17.5 sacks in 2024 make him a high-value asset.
– Germaine Pratt (LB): Requested a trade, but no move has been confirmed, with the Burks signing potentially facilitating his departure if a trade or release occurs.
– Ja’Marr Chase (WR): While not a free agent, the Bengals have signaled intent to make him the highest-paid non-quarterback in the NFL, though no extension has been announced yet.
Summary:
The Bengals have focused on retaining key contributors like Gesicki, Hill, and Ossai while adding depth and familiarity with signings like Perine and Slaton. They’ve addressed needs on the defensive line and at linebacker, though the offensive line—particularly at guard—remains a priority after releasing Cappa. With roughly $40 million in effective cap space entering free agency (per Over The Cap), they have room to pursue additional moves, especially with high-profile situations like Hendrickson and Higgins still in flux. The legal tampering period began on March 10, 2025, at noon EDT, and these moves reflect activity up to the official start of the league year on March 12, 2025, at 4 p.m. EDT, with some deals still pending official confirmation.
This reflects the Bengals’ actions as of March 12, 2025, based on the latest updates available. Further moves may occur as free agency progresses.
