Locked On Bengals - Daily Podcast On The Cincinnati Bengals

Noah Fant brings athleticism and versatility to the Cincinnati Bengals tight end room, and adds depth to a skill group that is already deep. Jake Liscow and James Rapien break down the news that Fant is signing up to play in Joe Burrow's offense, before we dive into a training camp practice featuring a DJ Turner bounce back performance that led the defense to a strong performance on Thursday.

Transcribed - Published: 31 July 2025

Trey Hendrickson has reported for training camp after incurring several days of $50,000 fines, and now will hold in instead of holding out. The Bengals need his services, so Jake Liscow and James Rapien catch you up on what Trey had to say after practice on Wednesday, including his need for "security" and mutual desire between the team and player in getting a new deal done. Plus, Joe Burrow shared reasons for optimism for his team in 2025, and the guys share their top practice takeaways from Wednesday's training camp session.

Transcribed - Published: 30 July 2025

The Cincinnati Bengals have made progress on extension talks with Trey Hendrickson, but a significant gap remains on guaranteed money. Jake Liscow and James Rapien break down the latest on Hendrickson and dive into the themes through 5 days of training camp, including consistency from Joe Burrow and his skill players, and what we're buying from the early returns on Al Golden's defense.

Transcribed - Published: 29 July 2025

The defense continues to finish practices strong at Bengals training camp, and today that featured flashes on consecutive plays from Shemar Stewart in his second practice with the team. Jake Liscow and James Rapien break down how Stewart showed up on Monday on another day that the defense stiffened in the Red Zone against Joe Burrow and the Bengals offense.

Transcribed - Published: 28 July 2025

Shemar Stewart is present and accounted for and made his Bengals training camp debut on Sunday. Jake Liscow and James Rapien break down Stewart's premier, including a his first play in 11-on-11 where he was triple-teamed. Stewart also talked at his locker, hopefully dispelling attitude concerns, and highlight standout moments from Joe Burrow, Chase Brown, and Isaiah Williams. We've got injury updates and plenty of other practice takeaways for the last practice before the pads come on Monday.

Transcribed - Published: 27 July 2025

Shemar Stewart has finally agreed to terms with the Cincinnati Bengals and will imminently report for training camp. Jake Liscow and James Rapien break it down in a bonus episode as the Bengals got their default language in the deal, and Stewart got a little bit more up-front money to sweeten the pot. Spilt milk is spilt milk, but at least we can put this behind us as Stewart begins practicing soon.

Transcribed - Published: 25 July 2025

Joe Burrow connected with Ja'Marr Chase for a one-handed touchdown catch to highlight Friday's practice that was littered with wide receivers converting red zone opportunities. Jake Liscow and James Rapien break down the big day, from Chase's highlight to Tee Higgins, Jermaine Burton, Andrei Iosivas, and Isaiah Williams, as depth showed up. Plus, with Lucas Patrick leaving practice due to a leg injury, the guys discuss the apparent need at guard, and what's next for their pursuit of Noah Fant.

Transcribed - Published: 25 July 2025

Joe Burrow and the Bengals offense bounced back during Thursday's practice, highlighted by deep passes to Tee Higgins. Jake Liscow and James Rapien break down how the offense opened up, the defense's response, and all of the observations from a sweltering practice session. We also analyze Noah Fant's potential signing and how his versatility could improve the Bengals' tight end room.

Transcribed - Published: 24 July 2025

The Cincinnati Bengals' defense had an energetic start to training camp as Joe Burrow admitted they won the day. Jake Liscow and James Rapien take you into day 1 of Bengals training camp, including takeaways from Burrow's remarks about playing in the preseason and Wednesday's practice, and observations of deep linebacker rotations and the early rotation in this year's guard battle.

Transcribed - Published: 23 July 2025

After Bengals owner Mike Brown expressed optimism that a deal would come together with Trey Hendrickson, the guaranteed money gap was too large and it became clear that Hendrickson would begin his holdout on Tuesday morning. Jake Liscow and James Rapien break down the latest in the Hendrickson holdout saga. Plus, we get to injury updates as B.J. Hill and Dax Hill will avoid injury lists and be present for training camp.

Transcribed - Published: 22 July 2025

Cincinnati Bengals owner Mike Brown expressed optimism about contract talks with Trey Hendrickson on Monday. He also weighed in on the "foolish" or "silly" contract drama with Shemar Stewart. James Rapien and Jake Liscow dive into the latest on negotiations with Hendrickson and Stewart, including another volley between Stewart's agent, Zac Hiller, and the Bengals' front office.

Transcribed - Published: 21 July 2025

Demetrius Knight Jr. signed his rookie contract in time to report with the rest of the Bengals' 2025 draft class - besides Shemar Stewart - on Saturday. Jake Liscow and James Rapien break down why Knight's deal took so long and whether to expect Stewart drama to come to an end any time soon.

Transcribed - Published: 20 July 2025

Locked On NFL's Top 100 players is out, and the guys have some issues! Whether it's Joe Burrow and Ja'Marr Chase's place in the top 10, the inclusion of a rookie or a kicker, or Tee Higgins being entirely absent from the list, Jake Liscow and James Rapien dive into their disagreements with this year's Top 100.

Transcribed - Published: 17 July 2025

We're back to worrying about Joe Burrow's offensive line as the Bengals are primed for another guard battle in 2025 training camp. Jake Liscow and James Rapien dive into Dylan Fairchild's chances to hit the ground running at left guard, and the Lucas Patrick-Cody Ford competition at right guard, and how concerning the guard situation really is. Plus, reasons for optimism include the tackles, where Amarius Mims could take a giant 2nd-year leap, and Orlando Brown Jr. could be on his way to a bounce back year.

Transcribed - Published: 16 July 2025

Ja'Marr Chase, Tee Higgins, and Joe Burrow comprise the engine that drives the Bengals. But continuity for Andrei Iosivas, Mike Gesicki, and Chase Brown as their roles evolve along the stars, should be difference-makers for Cincinnati in 2025. Jake Liscow and James Rapien break down the clear strength of the roster, and what they're looking for in training camp for next steps that can propel the Bengals forward this year.

Transcribed - Published: 15 July 2025

Contract negotiations with Trey Hendrickson and rookie Shamar Stewart hang in the balance, potential distractions looming before Bengals training camp next week. Jake Liscow and James Rapien dissect the potential fallout from holdouts, interior line concerns, and the critical development of young players like McKinnley Jackson and Kris Jenkins Jr. Plus, TJ Slayton's expectations, and looking for growth in the rest of the defensive end ensemble.

Transcribed - Published: 14 July 2025

Joe Burrow's preseason is, as always, a hot topic as Cincinnati Bengals training camp approaches. As we begin our training camp preview series, hosts Jake Liscow and James Rapien dissect Burrow's potential for another MVP-caliber season, exploring the benefits of continuity with receivers like Ja'Marr Chase and Tee Higgins. They analyze strategies to avoid slow starts, debate the merits of increased preseason participation, and project Burrow's statistical output.

Transcribed - Published: 13 July 2025

Cincinnati Bengals star Joe Burrow starred in Netflix's Quarterback. James Rapien and Jake Liscow give their top takeaways from the series, discuss the viral clips, including Burrow's process, mindset, what sets him apart from Jared Goff and Kirk Cousins and so much more!

Transcribed - Published: 10 July 2025

As NFL training camps approach, ranking season is kicking off across media outlets, and the Cincinnati Bengals' skill group isn't quite at the top of the list. Jake and James break down Bill Barnwell's skill position rankings before diving into Chase Brown and the Bengals' DTs getting no votes in their respective top 10 rankings.

Transcribed - Published: 8 July 2025

The Cincinnati Bengals may need some lottery tickets to hit to compete for a #1 seed in 2025. Jake Liscow and James Rapien break it down from scratch-offs to the biggest longshots who could help the Bengals take a leap despite risky profiles as they look for potential unexpected breakouts for this season.

Transcribed - Published: 6 July 2025

Trey Hendrickson should lead the Cincinnati Bengals' pass rush again in 2025, but who else will step up and contribute is a question that could define the season with a defense in transition. Jake Liscow and James Rapien break down how important it is that the Bengals figure out getting after the passer, and whether Shemar Stewart can be the guy that elevates them or if it will need to be a committee approach. Plus, we discuss the most likely moves the Bengals could be forced to make in the preseason.

Transcribed - Published: 3 July 2025

Which defenses will give Joe Burrow and the Cincinnati Bengals offense the most trouble in 2025? The AFC North is stacking up, with the Pittsburgh Steelers adding Jalen Ramsey and the Baltimore Ravens bringing in Jaire Alexander. But don't sleep on out-of-division threats like the Denver Broncos and Detroit Lions. Jake Liscow and James Rapien break down the toughest defensive matchups awaiting the Bengals this year.

Transcribed - Published: 1 July 2025

There's no time like the end of June to try to figure out who the Cincinnati Bengals will keep on their initial 53-man roster. Before training camp battles have played out with their surprise breakouts and head-turners, Jake and James take a stab at the roster locks and bubble battles that will dominate training camp stories in August.

Transcribed - Published: 29 June 2025

The Hamilton County commissioners approved the framework of a new lease for the Cincinnati Bengals and Paycor Stadium that will keep the team in Cincinnati through 2036. Jake and James break down why this is a win-win, the scope of the deal, and how it came together. The team fulfills its desire to stay put, the county caps its liability and gets more control over events at Paycor, and fans don't have to worry about the team leaving for at least a decade.

Transcribed - Published: 26 June 2025

Is rookie linebacker Demetrius Knight poised to be a day one starter for the Cincinnati Bengals? Jake Liscow and James Rapien analyze Knight's potential impact alongside veterans like Logan Wilson and Oren Burks. Then, they dive into the heated right guard competition, exploring whether Jalen Rivers or Matt Lee could challenge veterans Cody Ford and Lucas Patrick for the starting role, and the complications of depth.

Transcribed - Published: 24 June 2025

Who will be the game-changers for the Cincinnati Bengals in 2025? From Dax Hill's defensive impact to Amarius Mims' evolution in the run game, this episode breaks down the key players who could elevate Cincinnati's 2025 season. Jake and James explore how new defensive coordinator Al Golden might unlock the team's talent, and how important it is for Evan McPherson to regain his clutch kicking form.

Transcribed - Published: 22 June 2025

Is Zac Taylor's job with the Cincinnati Bengals on the line in 2025? We dive into the complexities surrounding the head coach's future, the Bengals' unique handling of coaching decisions, Taylor's contract situation, and the pivotal factors that could make or break his future in Cincinnati.

Transcribed - Published: 19 June 2025

The Cincinnati Bengals resumed communication with Trey Hendrickson about his contract and future, a sign for optimism that there will be a resolution. Jake Liscow and James Rapien break down potential good news on the Hendrickson front, then dive into Zac Taylor's updated training camp and preseason plan as the Bengals' head coach is making changes in pursuit of a fast start.

Transcribed - Published: 17 June 2025

Joe Burrow is primed to light up the NFL after an MVP-worthy 2024 campaign. Jake Liscow and James Rapien dive into the Bengals' star quarterback's offseason that looks ahead of schedule thanks to continuity and trust with his receiving targets. Plus, we get into the state of the Bengals' offensive guard competition with Dylan Fairchild in pole position to start at LG after the offseason program, and finish the show with Al Golden's notes on defense, including Demetrius Knight's immediate fit, and Joseph Ossai and Cam Sample as standouts.

Transcribed - Published: 15 June 2025

Contract controversy rocks the Cincinnati Bengals as rookie Shemar Stewart's absence from minicamp steals the spotlight. What's behind this unexpected standoff between the first-round pick and the NFL franchise? Jake and James dissect the intricacies of Stewart's contract dispute, analyzing the language causing friction and its implications for future guarantees.

Transcribed - Published: 12 June 2025

Contract drama is BACK for the Cincinnati Bengals as star players Shemar Stewart and Trey Hendrickson clash with management. Jake Liscow and James Rapien dissect Stewart's bold statements and Hendrickson's minicamp absence, exploring their potential impact on team chemistry. Joe Burrow acknowledged the distractions, but there's a silver lining: the team's engine on offense offense doesn't have those distractions, and instead has great continuity to build on.

Transcribed - Published: 10 June 2025

Contract drama is BACK for the Cincinnati Bengals as star players Shamar Stewart and Trey Hendrickson clash with management. Jake Liscow and James Rapien dissect Stewart's bold statements and Hendrickson's minicamp absence, exploring their potential impact on team chemistry. Joe Burrow acknowledged the distractions, but there's a silver lining: the team's engine on offense offense doesn't have those distractions, and instead has great continuity to build on.

Transcribed - Published: 10 June 2025

The Cincinnati Bengals are 18th in Pro Football Focus' NFL roster rankings. Is it too low? What needs to happen for the Bengals to move up? James Rapien and Jake Liscow react to the rankings, discuss some of the major question marks on the roster and explain why it's too low, even after the Bengals finished 9-8 in each of the past two seasons.

Transcribed - Published: 8 June 2025

Even with Aaron Rodgers reportedly joining the Pittsburgh Steelers, the AFC North pecking order feels unchanged. The Cincinnati Bengals have to get through the Baltimore Ravens and a generally annoying division, so Jake Liscow and James Rapien break down the rest of the division looking for how they've improved as they try to set the division's power rankings in early June.

Transcribed - Published: 5 June 2025

While Bengals fans are waiting to see what will happen with Jermaine Burton's second year in the NFL, Tee Higgins was effusive with his praise for Andrei Iosivas on Tuesday after an OTA practice. Jake Liscow and James Rapien break down why Yoshi should still be seen as a clear WR3 for the Bengals' prolific passing offense.

Transcribed - Published: 3 June 2025

There's a hype train building for Jermaine Burton, but we're still waiting for some first-hand proof that he's going to take a leap in year 2. Jake Liscow and James Rapien break down their expectations for the Bengals' talented 2nd-year WR who could be one of the biggest X-Factors for the 2025 Bengals season. Plus, a long conversation about the Ring Of Honor, which will apparently be undergoing a process change after the 2025 class.

Transcribed - Published: 1 June 2025

Shemar Stewart still isn't practicing, and his dad disclosing details about the negation adds fuel to the fire as Bengals fans are enduring an offseason of dramatic reporting about Stewart and Trey Hendrickson after surviving the Tee Higgins and Ja'Marr Chase sagas. Jake Liscow and James Rapien break down why it's so ugly this year, the intrigue around Demetrius Knight Jr. and guaranteed money for second round picks, Cordell Volson's smaller-than-expected paycut, and the latest on the Paycor lease extension.

Transcribed - Published: 29 May 2025

We've said it once, we've said it a hundred times: Al Golden has his work cut out for him in getting the Cincinnati Bengals' defense to bounce back in 2025. Jake Liscow is joined by Joe Goodberry to discuss how exactly that could happen, including how scheme can help veterans like Cam Taylor-Britt and Geno Stone bounce back, and how development will be crucial in the front seven for players like Myles Murphy, Shemar Stewart, and Demetrius Knight.

Transcribed - Published: 28 May 2025

The Cincinnati Bengals had an elite offense in 2024, even if you want to nitpick, but it could get even better on the margins in 2025. Jake Liscow is joined by Joe Goodberry (Bengals On The Brain) to break down how Joe Burrow, Ja'Marr Chase, and the Bengals offense can find ways to improve on an already excellent unit and take another step forward in 2025.

Transcribed - Published: 27 May 2025

With the Bengals' 2025 roster mostly set, it's hard to see too many positions where they clearly improved the room. Jake Liscow and James Rapien dive into each position group on the offense and defense to discuss how they got better at running back, and arguably several other positions including linebacker and defensive end, but are leaving a lot up to chance or development.

Transcribed - Published: 26 May 2025

The Cincinnati Bengals have had some dramatic contract negotiations play out publicly in recent history, notably including Ja'Marr Chase, Trey Hendrickson, and now 2025 first round pick Shemar Stewart. Jake Liscow and James Rapien explain the latest as Pro Football Talk reported the details that Stewart's camp are looking to resolve in his rookie contract, and why the Bengals seem to find themselves in this situation so often. Plus, NFL schedule-maker Mike North talked with Geoff Hobson about the Bengals' 2025 schedule, including something that seems like regret over putting the Bengals on the road for TNF in Baltimore for the third straight year.

Transcribed - Published: 25 May 2025

Like most years, the Cincinnati Bengals will have interesting roster battles in training camp in 2025, and 3rd round pick Dylan Fairchild may be the X-Factor contestant for a starting job at left guard. Jake Liscow and James Rapien dive into the most interesting roster battles the team will work through in 2025 before discussing the precedented history of a third straight Thursday Night divisional game and the special teams questions heading into this season.

Transcribed - Published: 22 May 2025

The Cincinnati Bengals quietly renegotiated Cordell Volson's contract, likely retaining him for 2025 after speculation his salary would be unpalatable for a backup. Jake Liscow and James Rapien discuss why the Bengals renegotiated Volson's contract, the Bengals' addition of two scouts, and the best Olympic flag football fit after owners voted to allow NFL players to participate in the 2028 Summer Olympics.

Transcribed - Published: 21 May 2025

The Cincinnati Bengals are in the news again because Shemar Stewart isn't practicing and Joe Burrow weighed in on Trey Hendrickson's contract situation. Jake Liscow and James Rapien break down the latest on Stewart's rookie contract dispute with the Bengals that is preventing valuable early learning for the rookie, the Bengals plans for starters to participate more in the preseason, and Burrow's support for Hendrickson's "market value."

Transcribed - Published: 20 May 2025

As the Bengals eye a potential solution to defensive tackle depth, the spotlight is on Montravius Adams' ability to be a DT5 for Cincinnati's defense. Jake Liscow and James Rapien break down the potential fit for Adams from a playstyle perspective to several key aspects of familiarity with the division and Jerry Montgomery. Then the guys get into which position might be the next most likely for the Bengals to address if they continue to evaluate veteran options, from guard and safety to wide receiver.

Transcribed - Published: 19 May 2025

The latest in the Trey Hendrickson contract saga is a report that the Cincinnati Bengals made a $28 million offer. Jake Liscow and James Rapien break down where that number came from, why it's probably not quite enough - especially if it's only for one year - and where the middle ground needs to be.

Transcribed - Published: 18 May 2025

Shemar Stewart still isn't practicing for the Cincinnati Bengals, as far as we know, so he's missing potential development time. Jake Liscow and James Rapien discuss the importance of getting the Bengals' 2025 first round pick on the field as soon as possible, and what the hold-up is in contract negotiations. Plus, Cincinnati wants to host a draft before the end of the decade, and a few more thoughts on the 2025 Bengals schedule.

Transcribed - Published: 15 May 2025

Another year, another road Thursday Night Football game in Baltimore. Hosts Jake Liscow and James Rapien break down the challenges of imbalanced home and away games, primetime slots, and a critical stretch of games against the Baltimore Ravens and Buffalo Bills.

Transcribed - Published: 15 May 2025

The Trey Hendrickson drama just won't go away, and it escalated on Tuesday as he made a surprise appearance and clarified, vented, and aired grievances on the practice field. Jake Liscow and James Rapien break down what we learned, how we got here, and why this won't go away quietly as Hendrickson's public negotiation tactic escalated, again.

Transcribed - Published: 13 May 2025

The Cincinnati Bengals' offseason has been marked by contract drama. Whether it's Tee Higgins and Ja'Marr Chase, Trey Hendrickson and Shemar Stewart, or Hamilton County, negotiations have been aired out in public along the way. And given their recent history, the front office isn't getting the benefit of the doubt. Jake Liscow and James Rapien dive into the latest in a long saga of tiresome contract drama after another Hendrickson statement about communication.

Transcribed - Published: 12 May 2025