The Stone Shields Show: Cincinnati Bengals, Reds, Bearcats Daily Sports Talk
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Monday Mar 23, 2026
Monday Mar 23, 2026
On today's show, we break down our second 7-round Bengals mock after the first few waves of NFL free agency have come and gone. Also, we discuss the top 10 players in the NCAAM tournament, Maxx Crosby's return to Vegas and the USA coming up short in the WBC.
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The Cincinnati Bengals could find themselves in a dream scenario on draft night if Caleb Downs is available at No. 10 overall. Downs is widely viewed as one of the most complete defensive prospects in the class, bringing elite instincts, leadership, and versatility to the secondary. For a Bengals defense that has struggled with consistency on the back end, adding a player of his caliber could be transformative. He’s the type of prospect who not only fills a need but elevates the entire unit. If Cincinnati lands him, it would signal a major commitment to retooling the defense with high-end talent and long-term leadership.
Meanwhile, the Baltimore Ravens made headlines after backing out of a blockbuster trade for Maxx Crosby, and Crosby didn’t hold back when addressing the situation. After initially being dealt for two first-round picks, the trade was voided due to what Baltimore described as concerns stemming from Crosby’s medical evaluation. However, Crosby later revealed that the “vibes were off” from the moment he arrived, noting that key figures in the organization were not present to greet him and that the energy surrounding the deal quickly shifted.
As more details emerged, it increasingly appeared that Baltimore may have gotten cold feet, potentially influenced by the falling market for pass rushers in free agency. Rather than commit major assets and a long-term deal to Crosby, the Ravens pivoted, ultimately keeping their draft capital. From Cincinnati’s perspective, this outcome is significant. While Crosby is an elite, game-changing defender, the alternative options Baltimore is now considering don’t present the same level of impact. That’s a win for the Bengals as they look to stay competitive in a loaded AFC North.
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Friday Mar 20, 2026
Friday Mar 20, 2026
On today's show, we discuss Miami's upset over SMU in the First Four, Logan Wilson's retirement, Erick All's future at tight end, Andy Dalton being traded to the Eagles and more.
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Miami (Ohio) delivered one of the most eye-catching performances of the opening night of the 2026 NCAA Tournament, knocking off SMU 89–79 in the First Four in Dayton. The RedHawks didn’t just survive and advance—they made a statement.
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From the opening tip, Miami played with urgency and confidence, quickly setting the tone with its perimeter shooting. Eian Elmer led the way with 22–23 points, knocking down six three-pointers and stretching SMU’s defense beyond its comfort zone. His performance was part of a broader offensive explosion, as Miami connected on 16 three-pointers as a team and showcased one of the most efficient shooting nights of the early tournament.
The RedHawks built a 43–34 halftime lead and never fully relinquished control, maintaining separation with timely shooting and crisp ball movement. Brant Byers added 19 points and Luke Skaljac chipped in 17, giving Miami a balanced offensive attack that SMU struggled to contain.
What made the win even more impressive was how Miami neutralized SMU’s size advantage. The Mustangs dominated points in the paint, but Miami countered with spacing, tempo, and discipline—finishing with strong rebounding numbers and very few turnovers. In fact, the RedHawks’ efficiency bordered on historic, combining high assist totals, elite three-point shooting, and minimal mistakes.
SMU, led by Jaden Toombs’ 20-point, 11-rebound effort, simply couldn’t keep up from the perimeter. The Mustangs also felt the absence of key guard B.J. Edwards, whose injury left them without a crucial playmaker.
Beyond the box score, the victory carried significance for Miami’s program. It marked the school’s first NCAA Tournament win in 27 years and validated a team that entered March with a 31–1 record but lingering skepticism due to its strength of schedule.
Now advancing to face Tennessee, Miami has already proven it belongs—and that its shooting and confidence make it a dangerous matchup moving forward.
#MiamiRedHawks #Bengals #Reds
Wednesday Mar 18, 2026
Wednesday Mar 18, 2026
On today's show, we discuss the Dolphins trading Jaylen Waddle to the Broncos, Paul Dehner Jr's latest Bengals mock draft for The Athletic, six Reds starting pitchers making the Opening Day roster, Miami vs. SMU and a preview of the NCAAM bracket.
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The Cincinnati Reds are drawing attention ahead of the 2026 season for an unconventional pitching decision: carrying six starting pitchers on their Opening Day roster. This approach, confirmed by manager Terry Francona, reflects both necessity and long-term planning as the club navigates injuries and workload concerns.
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According to recent reports, the Reds’ group is expected to include Andrew Abbott, Nick Lodolo, Brady Singer, Rhett Lowder, Chase Burns, and Brandon Williamson. Rather than forming a strict six-man rotation, the team plans to rotate roles and manage innings more flexibly.
A key factor behind this strategy is the absence of ace Hunter Greene, who is dealing with elbow issues and will miss the start of the season. Without their top starter, Cincinnati is leaning on depth and youth to stabilize the staff.
The decision is also rooted in workload management. Several of these pitchers—particularly Lowder, Burns, and Williamson—had limited innings in 2025 due to injuries or development plans. By spreading out starts early in the season, the Reds hope to avoid overuse and keep their arms fresh for a potential playoff push later in the year.
Andrew Abbott is expected to anchor the staff and has been named the likely Opening Day starter despite mixed spring results. His emergence as a frontline option gives the Reds some stability atop an otherwise fluid rotation.
Importantly, this six-pitcher setup may not be permanent. Francona has indicated it’s a flexible, early-season solution that could evolve as pitchers build endurance or as injured players return.
Overall, the Reds’ decision highlights a growing trend in Major League Baseball: prioritizing pitcher health and adaptability over traditional rotation structures. If successful, Cincinnati could gain a competitive edge in a tightly contested National League Central race.
Music from #InAudio: https://inaudio.org/Track Name Holy (Trap).
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Tuesday Mar 17, 2026
Tuesday Mar 17, 2026
On today's show, we take a look at an updated Bengals defensive depth chart after last week's acquisitions. Also, Andrew Abbott continues to struggle in spring training as he likely will only get one more start before getting the ball on Opening Day. Plus, Cincinnati Reds roster decisions as they get closer to cutting the roster down to 26 players.
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Andrew Abbott’s spring training has taken a concerning turn, and another shaky outing yesterday only deepened the unease surrounding his early-season form. After emerging as a reliable arm for the Cincinnati Reds last year, expectations were that Abbott would build on that momentum. Instead, his performances this spring have been marked by inconsistency, wavering command, and an unusual vulnerability to hard contact.
In his latest appearance, Abbott struggled to locate his fastball, frequently falling behind hitters and being forced into the zone in predictable counts. Opposing batters capitalized, squaring up pitches that, at his best, typically generate weak contact or swings and misses. His secondary offerings—particularly the changeup that was so effective during his breakout—have lacked their usual deception, often staying up in the zone.
This outing follows a pattern rather than standing as an isolated misstep. Across multiple spring appearances, Abbott has posted elevated pitch counts early in games, limiting his ability to work deep into outings. More concerning than the raw results is the underlying lack of sharpness; his mechanics appear slightly out of sync, leading to inconsistent release points and diminished command on both sides of the plate.
To be clear, spring training struggles don’t always translate into regular-season issues. Pitchers often use this period to experiment, refine grips, or gradually build arm strength. However, Abbott’s challenges feel more foundational than experimental. The Reds’ coaching staff will likely focus on simplifying his approach—reestablishing fastball command and rebuilding confidence in his off-speed pitches.
With Opening Day approaching, Abbott still has time to course-correct. But if these trends persist, what once looked like a stable piece of Cincinnati’s rotation could enter the season with more questions than answers.
Music from #InAudio: https://inaudio.org/Track Name Holy (Trap).
Music from #InAudio: https://inaudio.org/Track Name Exercise (Rock).
#Bengals #Reds #TheStoneShieldsShow
Monday Mar 16, 2026
Monday Mar 16, 2026
On today's show, we discuss what the Bengals did in week 1 of NFL free agency and how this sets the table for the rest of the offseason. Also, we roll through the top candidates to be the next head basketball coach at Cincinnati after Wes Miller was fired last Friday. Plus, Miami, the final team to make the bracket, will face SMU in Dayton.
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The Cincinnati Bengals approached the 2026 NFL free-agency period with a clear goal: improve a defense that had struggled in recent seasons. To accomplish this, the team added three major defenders—Bryan Cook, Boye Mafe, and Jonathan Allen—in moves that signal a strong commitment to rebuilding the defensive unit.
The signing of Cook gives the Bengals a significant upgrade at safety. Cook, a Cincinnati native and former Kansas City Chiefs defender, signed a three-year deal worth about $40 million. A two-time Super Bowl champion, he brings experience in high-pressure games and solid production in the secondary, including over 200 career tackles and multiple interceptions. His presence should stabilize the back end of the defense, helping improve coverage and communication in the secondary.
At edge rusher, the Bengals signed Mafe to a three-year, $60 million contract after his time with the Seattle Seahawks. Mafe is expected to help replace lost pass-rush production after the departure of star defensive end Trey Hendrickson. Known for his athleticism and ability to pressure quarterbacks, Mafe gives Cincinnati a younger pass-rushing option with upside, while also bringing championship experience after winning Super Bowl LX.
The addition of veteran defensive tackle Allen further strengthens the defensive line. The two-time Pro Bowler signed a two-year contract reportedly worth up to $28 million. Allen has produced 45.5 career sacks and is widely respected for his interior pass rush and leadership. His ability to collapse the pocket should complement Cincinnati’s edge rushers and improve the team’s run defense.
Overall, these moves suggest the Bengals are prioritizing defensive improvement heading into the National Football League 2026 season. By reinforcing all three levels of the defense—secondary, edge, and interior line—the team hopes to become more balanced and better equipped to compete in the tough AFC. If these additions perform as expected, Cincinnati could enter the 2026 season as a more complete contender rather than a team relying primarily on offensive firepower.
Music from #InAudio: https://inaudio.org/Track Name Holy (Trap).
Music from #InAudio: https://inaudio.org/Track Name Exercise (Rock).
#Bengals #Reds #TheStoneShieldsShow
Friday Mar 13, 2026
Friday Mar 13, 2026
On today's show, we discuss the Cincinnati Bengals signing veteran DT Jonathan Allen in NFL free agency, the Miami RedHawks losing their first game of the season in round 1 of the MAC tournament, Kyler Murray to the Vikings and Matt McClain's red-hot start to the spring.
The Cincinnati Bengals made a significant move during the 2026 NFL offseason by signing veteran defensive tackle Jonathan Allen, a two-time Pro Bowl defender who brings experience and proven production to the middle of their defensive line. The deal is reportedly a two-year contract worth about $26 million, with incentives that could push the total value to $28 million.
Allen, 31, was released by the Minnesota Vikings for salary cap reasons just before reaching free agency, and Cincinnati quickly moved to secure him as part of a broader effort to strengthen its defense. During the 2025 season with Minnesota, Allen started all 17 games and recorded 68 tackles, 3.5 sacks, seven tackles for loss, and 11 quarterback hits. His durability and ability to consistently pressure quarterbacks make him a valuable addition to a Bengals defense that struggled at times to control the line of scrimmage.
Before his brief stint in Minnesota, Allen spent the majority of his career with the Washington Commanders, who drafted him in the first round of the 2017 NFL Draft out of University of Alabama. Over his career, Allen has compiled 469 tackles and 45.5 sacks while earning Pro Bowl honors in 2021 and 2022. Known for his power, technique, and leadership, he has long been regarded as one of the more disruptive interior defensive linemen in the league.
For Cincinnati, the signing addresses a key need in the defensive front. The Bengals entered free agency looking to improve their pass rush and overall defensive toughness, especially after losing several contributors along the defensive line. Adding Allen gives the team a veteran presence who can collapse the pocket from the interior and create opportunities for edge rushers.
Overall, the acquisition reflects Cincinnati’s commitment to improving its defense as it looks to remain competitive in the AFC. If Allen performs near his previous Pro Bowl level, he could play a crucial role in helping the Bengals rebuild a more physical and effective defensive front in the upcoming season.
Music from #InAudio: https://inaudio.org/Track Name Holy (Trap).
Music from #InAudio: https://inaudio.org/Track Name Exercise (Rock).
#Bengals #Reds #TheStoneShieldsShow
Thursday Mar 12, 2026
Thursday Mar 12, 2026
On today's show, we discuss the Bengals giving Orlando Brown Jr. a 2-year extension, the Bengals refusing to add in free agency after day 1, the Ravens backing out of the Maxx Crosby trade and Cincinnati's collapse against UCF.
The Cincinnati Bengals made an important move Thursday morning by signing veteran left tackle Orlando Brown Jr. to a two-year contract extension, ensuring one of the team’s most important offensive linemen remains in Cincinnati for the foreseeable future. The extension keeps Brown under contract through the 2028 NFL season and reinforces the Bengals’ commitment to protecting franchise quarterback Joe Burrow.
Brown, who originally joined the Bengals as a free agent in 2023, has been a cornerstone of the offensive line since arriving in Cincinnati. The veteran tackle has started every game he has played for the team, providing stability at the crucial left tackle position responsible for protecting Burrow’s blind side. Over the past few seasons, Brown has become not only a consistent performer on the field but also a respected leader in the locker room, serving as a team captain and a key voice along the offensive front.
Heading into the 2026 offseason, Brown was entering the final year of his previous contract. Rather than allow their starting left tackle to approach free agency, the Bengals moved quickly to extend him. The decision reflects the organization’s belief that maintaining continuity along the offensive line is essential for the team’s success, especially with Burrow in the middle of his prime years.
The extension also highlights Cincinnati’s broader offseason approach. After missing the playoffs in recent seasons, the franchise has been focused on strengthening its roster and keeping key players in place. By locking up Brown, the Bengals preserve an experienced and reliable protector for their quarterback while maintaining continuity across the offensive line.
At nearly 30 years old and entering his ninth NFL season, Brown remains one of the league’s most established tackles. His combination of size, experience, and leadership has made him a foundational piece of the Bengals’ offense. With this new two-year extension, Cincinnati ensures that Brown will continue anchoring the left side of the line as the team looks to return to playoff contention in the coming seasons.
Music from #InAudio: https://inaudio.org/Track Name Holy (Trap).
Music from #InAudio: https://inaudio.org/Track Name Exercise (Rock).
#Bengals #Reds #TheStoneShieldsShow
Wednesday Mar 11, 2026
Wednesday Mar 11, 2026
On today's show, Stone is joined by Miami head coach Travis Steele and they discuss Miami's perfect 31-0 regular season, the MAC tournament beginning tomorrow and Miami's new arena. Also, we react to the Ravens backing out of the Maxx Crosby trade, Trey Hendrickson signing with the Baltimore Ravens and the Bengals ultimately going radio silent the second day of free agency.
Hunter Greene will likely miss the first half of the 2026 season for the Cincinnati Reds after undergoing elbow surgery, a significant setback for a team that expected its ace to anchor the rotation on Opening Day. The 26-year-old right-hander is scheduled to have an arthroscopic procedure to remove bone chips and loose bodies from his throwing elbow, and early projections indicate he may not return until around July.
The issue surfaced during spring training when Greene experienced stiffness in his right elbow following his first Cactus League appearance. After additional imaging and consultations with specialists, including renowned orthopedic surgeon Dr. Neal ElAttrache, the Reds decided surgery was the best course of action. The procedure is expected to sideline Greene for roughly three to four months, effectively keeping him out until the middle of the summer.
For Cincinnati, the timing is particularly unfortunate. Greene was expected to lead a promising rotation after emerging as one of the league’s most electric power pitchers over the past few seasons. Known for his triple-digit fastball, he averaged nearly 100 mph with the pitch in 2025 and has routinely ranked among MLB leaders in pitches thrown over 100 mph. When healthy, he has shown ace-level potential, highlighted by his 2024 All-Star season in which he posted a 2.75 ERA across more than 150 innings.
Injuries, however, have repeatedly interrupted Greene’s development. Prior ailments have included shoulder, hip, groin, and elbow issues, and he has rarely been able to complete a full season workload. The current injury reportedly traces back to discomfort he felt late in the 2025 campaign but attempted to pitch through as the Reds pushed toward the postseason.
Without Greene, Cincinnati will rely heavily on the rest of its rotation to begin the year. Left-hander Andrew Abbott is expected to take the ball on Opening Day, while pitchers like Nick Lodolo, Brady Singer, and several young arms may be asked to fill the void until Greene returns.
Despite the setback, the Reds remain hopeful that Greene can return healthy in the second half and provide a major boost during the stretch run of the season.
Music from #InAudio: https://inaudio.org/Track Name Holy (Trap).
Music from #InAudio: https://inaudio.org/Track Name Exercise (Rock).
#Bengals #Reds #TheStoneShieldsShow
Tuesday Mar 10, 2026
Tuesday Mar 10, 2026
On today's show, we react to the Bengals signing Bryan Cook and Boye Mafe during day 1 of NFL free agency and look ahead to some more potential free agent targets for the Bengals. Plus, we recap some of the noteworthy signings from around the league, including Malik Willis to the Dolphins, Tua Tagovailoa to the Falcons, Mike Evans to the 49ers and more.
The Cincinnati Bengals made a major statement at the start of the 2026 NFL free agency period by signing edge rusher Boye Mafe and safety Bryan Cook. The two additions signal a clear effort by Cincinnati’s front office to rebuild and strengthen a defense that struggled in recent seasons.
Cook joins the Bengals on a reported three-year deal worth around $42.5 million after spending the first part of his career with the Kansas City Chiefs. A Cincinnati native and former standout at the University of Cincinnati, Cook returns to his hometown as an established NFL starter. Since entering the league as a second-round pick in the 2022 NFL Draft, he has developed into one of the league’s more reliable safeties, known for his physical tackling and consistency in coverage. Over the past few seasons, Cook has accumulated more than 200 tackles and has been praised for his durability and ability to contribute against both the run and the pass. He also brings championship experience to Cincinnati, having won two Super Bowls during his time in Kansas City.
The Bengals also bolstered their pass rush by signing Mafe to a three-year, $60 million contract. Mafe previously played for the Seattle Seahawks after being selected in the second round of the 2022 draft out of the University of Minnesota. Standing 6-foot-4 and weighing around 260 pounds, Mafe is known for his athleticism and speed off the edge. During his time in Seattle, he totaled 20 career sacks and became a key rotational defender on a Super Bowl-winning team. His breakout season came in 2023 when he recorded nine sacks, showcasing his potential as a high-impact pass rusher.
Together, the two deals are worth just over $100 million, highlighting Cincinnati’s aggressive approach to fixing its defense. The Bengals struggled with pass rush production and consistency in the secondary in recent seasons, making edge rusher and safety two of their biggest needs entering free agency.
If Cook provides stability on the back end and Mafe develops into a consistent pressure generator, these signings could play a major role in helping the Bengals return to playoff contention in the AFC.
Music from #InAudio: https://inaudio.org/Track Name Holy (Trap).
Music from #InAudio: https://inaudio.org/Track Name Exercise (Rock).
#Bengals #Reds #TheStoneShieldsShow
Monday Mar 09, 2026
Monday Mar 09, 2026
On today's show, we react live to some of the moves that went down on Monday, including Tua Tagovailoa's release and the Cowboys trading for Rashan Gary. Plus, we discuss the Bengals missing out on Maxx Crosby and him coming to the AFC North, Miami's perfect season after a wild Friday night win and another missed opportunity for Wes Miller and the Bearcats.
The NFL offseason officially kicked into high gear Monday with the opening of the league’s “legal tampering” window, the two-day negotiating period that often produces a flood of reported deals before free agency formally begins. Starting at noon ET on March 9, teams were allowed to begin negotiating contract terms with the agents of unrestricted free agents across the league.
While no contracts can be signed until the start of the new league year at 4 p.m. ET on Wednesday, the tampering window has become the unofficial launch of free agency. Teams routinely reach handshake agreements during this period, which are then formally announced once the league year begins.
This year’s negotiating window also includes a notable tweak to the rules. For the first time, teams are permitted to directly contact a limited number of players — up to five free agents — via phone or video call during the period. Previously, communication had to occur strictly through agents.
The change reflects the NFL’s effort to streamline the process and make discussions more transparent, though the irony remains that the so-called “tampering” period often produces immediate reports of massive deals across the league. With teams finalizing their salary cap strategies and targeting key roster upgrades, the next 48 hours typically shape the early landscape of the free agency market.
Meanwhile in Cincinnati, the Cincinnati Reds made a notable announcement ahead of the 2026 season by naming Andrew Abbott their Opening Day starter. The left-hander will take the mound at Great American Ball Park on March 26 against the Boston Red Sox, marking the first Opening Day assignment of his MLB career.
Abbott, 27, has quickly developed into one of the anchors of the Reds’ rotation since debuting in 2023. He earned his first All-Star selection in 2025 and has posted strong numbers early in his career, including a 3.42 ERA and hundreds of strikeouts through his first few major league seasons.
His selection also reflects the club’s confidence in his continued development as a front-line starter. With the Reds aiming to contend in the National League Central, giving Abbott the ball on Opening Day signals both recognition of his performance and the team’s belief that he can lead the pitching staff into the new season.
Together, the NFL’s free-agency frenzy and the Reds’ pitching decision highlight how early March marks a pivotal transition period across the sports calendar — one where roster moves and key announcements begin shaping the months ahead.
Music from #InAudio: https://inaudio.org/Track Name Holy (Trap).
Music from #InAudio: https://inaudio.org/Track Name Exercise (Rock).
#Bengals #Reds #TheStoneShieldsShow