The Stone Shields Show: Cincinnati Bengals, Reds, Bearcats Daily Sports Talk

Cincinnati Reds Bring Back Eugenio Suarez, Should Bengals Trade For A DT? Vegas Set To Hire Klint Kubiak

On today's show, Stone reacts to the Reds bringing back Eugenio Suarez on a one-year $15 MM deal + Ben Baby reports the Bengals and Chase Brown's representatives are in talks about an extension. Also, should the Bengals explore a trade for a DT? & Raiders set to hire Klint Kubiak as next head coach.
The Cincinnati Reds have officially brought back veteran slugger Eugenio Suárez on a one-year, $15 million contract for the 2026 season, reuniting the power hitter with the franchise where he enjoyed some of his best years. The deal, which includes a mutual option for 2027, was confirmed by multiple reports and is pending a physical.
Suárez, 34, spent seven seasons with the Reds from 2015 through 2021, belting 189 home runs during that span and becoming one of the most feared right-handed bats in the lineup. His best campaign in Cincinnati came in 2019 when he hit 49 homers—a total that he matched in 2025 while splitting time between the Arizona Diamondbacks and Seattle Mariners. In that 2025 season, he finished fifth in MLB in homers and fourth in RBIs with 118, cementing his status as one of the top power threats on the free-agent market.
The return to Cincinnati offers the Reds a much-needed offensive boost. After finishing the 2025 season with modest overall team production, Cincinnati has clearly targeted Suárez’s raw power to anchor its middle of the lineup. With Gold Glove third baseman Ke’Bryan Hayes entrenched on the hot corner and top prospect Sal Stewart likely at first base, Suárez is expected to serve primarily as the designated hitter, while also providing occasional infield help.
The one-year structure reflects both Suárez’s age and the evolving roster strategy in Cincinnati: it gives the Reds flexibility while still adding a proven bat in a power-friendly home ballpark. Fans of the club have been enthusiastic about his return to Great American Ball Park, where his long balls often fueled excitement and momentum.
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Cincinnati Bengals Offseason With Caleb Noe, What To Do With Spencer Steer, Was Bill Belichick Snubbed?

On today's show, Stone is joined by Caleb Noe of WCPO Channel 9 and they discuss a variety of Bengals offseason topics including cut candidates and draft rumors as well as set the table for Reds Spring Training. Also on the show we discuss Spencer Steer's role with the Reds in 2026 and whether Bill Belichick was snubbed.
The Cincinnati Bengals’ biggest needs in free agency this offseason center squarely on fixing what went wrong in 2025, particularly on defense and the trenches, and making sure Joe Burrow is protected and supported as the team looks to return to contention in 2026.
1. Defensive Pass Rush & Defensive LineCincinnati’s defense was among the worst in the NFL, and the pass rush was a primary culprit. With veteran Trey Hendrickson likely to test free agency or leave, the Bengals will need to bring in multiple edge rushers or interior disruptors to generate pressure and improve sack production. Analysts suggest targeting veterans or quality starters to rebuild that front seven alongside young pieces.
2. Linebacker Leadership & Run DefenseLinebacker play was inconsistent, and adding a proven, tackling-savvy veteran could stabilize the unit and mentor younger players. Rumored targets like Demario Davis have popped up as potential fits to add leadership and tackling reliability.
3. Secondary Help (Safety/DB Depth)The secondary has been shaky for years, especially after losing key contributors and with potential departures looming. Adding a play-maker or reliable veteran safety should be on the Bengals’ list, complementing a corner group that has some talent but lacks depth.
4. Interior Offensive Line (Guard Help & Protection)While the Bengals fortified their offense around Burrow with extensions for his top receivers, the offensive line—especially at guard—remains a concern. Protecting Burrow and improving the run game will likely necessitate targeting quality interior offensive linemen in free agency or re-signing key contributors such as Dalton Risner.
5. Depth on Run Defense (DT) and Overall Front SevenRun defense rankings were poor, and adding size and disruption inside—whether at defensive tackle or versatile linemen—should be a priority to keep opposing ground games in check.
Overall, the Bengals have cap space to be active, and while offense remains strong, biggest offseason focus in free agency will plausibly be defensive upgrades and offensive line reinforcement to balance the roster and give Cincinnati a chance to compete again.
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Jeremy Rauch On Bengals Contract Extensions, Cut Candidates + Browns Hire Todd Monken, Giannis Antetokounmpo Trade?

On today's show, Stone is joined by Jeremy Rauch of FOX19 and they discuss some potential Bengals contract extensions, cut candidates, a Joe Burrow contract restructure and more. Also on the show, we take a look at the 3 new coaches in the AFC North and Giannis Antetokounmpo possibly being traded by the Bucks at the deadline.
The Bengals are entering a pivotal period for locking up key young talent, and Chase Brown is at the top of that list. After a breakout season with over 1,300 scrimmage yards and continued production, Brown has publicly expressed his desire to stay in Cincinnati long-term while his agent and the team have been in ongoing communication about a new contract. Historically, Cincinnati has waited to extend players until they’ve proven themselves—and often until prices inflate, as seen with Ja’Marr Chase and Tee Higgins—but Brown seems positioned to be part of that core moving forward. Getting a deal done now could be mutually beneficial: stability for the team and financial security for Brown before he hits unrestricted free agency.
For Dax Hill, the situation is slightly different. The Bengals exercised his fifth-year option for the 2026 season, keeping him under contract through next year. That move shows organizational belief in his upside after a position switch from safety to cornerback, despite an ACL injury. Hill’s extension may not come immediately this offseason—teams often wait to see a full season of production before committing significant new money—but his late-season performance in 2025 could push the Bengals toward long-term talks instead of reaching for a cornerback in the draft.
DJ Turner has arguably the strongest case for an early extension among the three. After a career-best 2025 campaign highlighted by high PFF grades, pass breakups, and interceptions, Turner looks like a foundational piece of the Bengals’ defense. He’s expressed a clear desire to stay long term, and team insiders expect extension talks to start soon. With contracts for Brown and Turner both in play, the Bengals’ front office will need to balance cap flexibility with locking down homegrown contributors in the coming months.
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Freddie Benavides On Cincinnati Reds Spring Training, Stone's Bengals Mock Offseason First Edition, Bills Promote Joe Brady

On today's show, Stone is joined by Cincinnati Reds Bench Coach Freddie Benavides and they discuss Cincinnati Reds Spring Training as well as coaching Adam Dunn and Joey Votto. Plus, Stone delivers his Bengals mock offseason using Paul Dehner Jr's mock offseason calculator and reacts to the Buffalo Bills promoting Joe Brady.
Here are the biggest Cincinnati Reds spring training storylines for 2026, especially focused on Sal Stewart, Spencer Steer, and Elly De La Cruz — three names with very different but interconnected narratives going into camp:
Sal Stewart’s push to stick in the big leaguesSal Stewart is one of the most talked-about young talents in the Reds system. After a breakout season in the minors where he mashed 20+ homers and then brought that power briefly to Cincinnati, Stewart enters spring training with a chance to solidify a regular role in the lineup. He’s shown big-league power in short stints and ranks as the top prospect in multiple lists for the club heading into 2026. How he performs in Goodyear — both at the plate and as he continues to develop defensively between corner infield spots — will influence whether he cracks the Opening Day roster as an everyday contributor. A strong camp could push him firmly into the mix at first base or corner role.
Spencer Steer’s role and healthVeteran Spencer Steer enters spring training with questions around his optimal role. A versatile corner bat, Steer had some injury issues the past couple seasons that affected his rhythm, including a shoulder issue that limited him in previous springs. With Stewart looming behind him and competition for infield/corner outfield spots, Steer’s spring performance — health, power output, and consistent contact — will be a storyline. Can he reclaim his hard-hit ability and secure regular ABs, or will he slide into a more utility/bench type role?
Elly De La Cruz’s ongoing evolutionElly De La Cruz remains the splashiest name on the roster and arguably the biggest Reds story overall. Coming off a season where he showcased huge power, speed, and star potential, De La Cruz’s spring is about refining consistency — both offensively and defensively. Reports talk about “unlocking the best version” of his game, with Francona likely to tweak approaches to maximize his elite tools. How De La Cruz performs in camp — including plate discipline and improved defense — will set expectations for 2026 and could dictate how opposing teams pitch to Cincinnati all season.
Big pictureTaken together, these three players represent the Reds’ balance of youth and established talent: Stewart pushing to be a core piece, Steer fighting for sustained value and role clarity, and De La Cruz aiming to elevate a team hungry for another leap forward in the National League.
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Cincinnati Bengals 2026 Mock Offseason + Daniel Jeremiah First Mock Draft

Paul Dehner Jr. rolled out his annual Bengals Mock Offseason Calculator for 2026 — an interactive choose-your-own-adventure sheet that lets readers act as Cincinnati’s general manager and build the roster under real cap constraints. The tool, now in its latest iteration, tasks users with making cuts, re-signings, free-agent additions, trades, and draft selections while staying under the salary cap. It reflects the team’s current cap situation and roster realities, forcing realistic decisions rather than fantasy moves.
A major theme is cap management: Cincinnati enters the offseason with a relatively healthy cap outlook compared to many NFL teams, giving the front office flexibility to address weaknesses — particularly on defense — while still rewarding key contributors. Priorities highlighted by Dehner include deciding which veteran players to keep versus cut, who to target in free agency, and which internal players might warrant extensions rather than playing on expiring deals.
The exercise encourages tough choices, such as letting some veterans walk to create space for upgrades where needed, especially at pass rush and linebacker positions. It also allows users to simulate trade scenarios and see how moving players or picks could benefit the roster. The draft portion challenges Bengals fans to think through where the team should spend its picks — particularly near the top of the first round — and how that interacts with other offseason moves.
Dehner’s calculator is less about predicting exact moves and more about highlighting the range of strategic options the Bengals face in reshaping a roster that struggled at times in 2025 — giving fans a structured way to explore a variety of realistic offseason outcomes.
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Cincinnati Bengals Get More Good News In AFC North, NFL Conference Championship Weekend Reaction

On today's show we discuss how the Bengals got more good news in the AFC North after the Steelers made the decision to hire Mike McCarthy as their next head coach and the Cleveland Browns remain in shambles as multiple head coach candidates have removed their names from consideration. Plus, we react to NFL Conference Championship Weekend.
The Pittsburgh Steelers have reached a verbal agreement to hire Mike McCarthy as their next head coach, succeeding long-time leader Mike Tomlin, who stepped down after 19 seasons. McCarthy, a Pittsburgh native with 18 seasons of NFL head-coaching experience — including a Super Bowl victory with the Green Bay Packers — brings a veteran presence to a franchise that rarely changes coaches. His hiring marks only the fourth head coach in Steelers history since 1969, a significant shift from their traditional approach of younger, first-time head coaches.
For the Cincinnati Bengals and the AFC North more broadly, this hire changes several key dynamics. First, McCarthy’s offensive pedigree — having developed elite quarterbacks like Aaron Rodgers and Dak Prescott — suggests the Steelers may become more competitive on offense sooner rather than later. That bump in offensive creativity could intensify divisional matchups with the Bengals, who have seen success in recent years behind Joe Burrow’s playmaking. A resurgent Steelers offense could mean closer Steelers-Bengals games and more pressure in the division standings.
Second, McCarthy’s arrival adds unpredictability. Pittsburgh’s quarterback situation remains fluid — especially with Aaron Rodgers’ future uncertain — and McCarthy’s history with veteran quarterbacks could influence Rodgers to return or attract another experienced signal-caller. If that happens, the Bengals — who have often battled Pittsburgh for AFC North supremacy — may face a rejuvenated rival.
Finally, coaching changes often shift divisional psychology. Where the Bengals have had recent edge in continuity, the Steelers under McCarthy will be retooling schemes and culture. This could either temporarily ease Cincinnati’s path or, if McCarthy quickly installs his system, tighten the race for playoff positioning. Overall, McCarthy’s hiring doesn’t just reshape Pittsburgh’s future — it reshapes the competitive landscape the Bengals must navigate in 2026 and beyond.
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Cincinnati Reds Rumors On Eugenio Suarez & Austin Hays, NFL Conference Championships, Jesse Minter To Baltimore

On today's show we break down the latest MLB rumors on the Reds being interested in reunions with Eugenio Suarez and Austin Hays. Also, we preview the AFC & NFC Championships and discuss which players and coaches have the most to gain. Plus, the Baltimore Ravens are hiring Jesse Minter and Stone explains why he likes this for the Cincinnati Bengals.
The Cincinnati Reds have been quietly linked in recent MLB offseason buzz to potential reunions with two familiar faces: third baseman Eugenio Suárez and outfielder Austin Hays. According to multiple reports, Cincinnati’s front office is exploring ways to bolster its lineup ahead of the 2026 season, and both players represent intriguing options for a club that is trying to balance competitiveness with cost and roster flexibility.
Suárez, a veteran slugger who spent the bulk of his most productive years with the Reds before moving on to the Arizona Diamondbacks, has been connected to Cincinnati in trade chatter. At the 2025 trade deadline there was mutual interest reported between Cincinnati and Arizona in a deal to bring Suárez back to Cincinnati, where he once provided significant power from the hot corner. Sources have described his potential return not just as a nostalgic move for fans, but as a real way to add middle-of-the-order pop to a lineup that struggled to produce big offensive numbers.
On the free-agent side, Austin Hays is another name the Reds could target. Hays played for Cincinnati in 2025 after the club declined his mutual option for 2026, making him a free agent this winter. He slashed a respectable line with 15 home runs and provided solid outfield defense, and Reds management is reportedly considering whether a reunion would make sense if the two sides can find agreeable terms.
While neither move is confirmed, and financial or roster implications remain key factors in any decision, the interest suggests the Reds are eyeing a mix of proven veterans and internal youth as they shape their 2026 roster around young stars like Elly De La Cruz and Noelvi Marte.
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Cincinnati Bearcats Dominated In Second Half By #1 Arizona, Dan Pitcher Staying With Cincinnati Bengals After Not Getting Tampa OC Job? Bills Make Bengals Look Good

On today's show, we discuss Cincinnati's loss to #1 Arizona after hanging in there throughout the first half. Also, Tampa Bay is hiring Zac Robinson as their next OC, does this mean Dan Pitcher is staying in Cincinnati? Plus, the Buffalo Bills made the Bengals look good after their disastrous press conference yesterday.
The Bills’ end-of-season press conference, led by owner Terry Pegula and president/GM Brandon Beane, turned into a public relations disaster. Rather than offering a clear plan or unified message after firing head coach Sean McDermott, the event quickly devolved into blame-shifting, confusing narratives, and emotional oversharing. Pegula openly described firing McDermott based on an emotional reaction to the recent playoff loss, recounting how he saw quarterback Josh Allen “crying” and decided to pull the trigger on a coach who delivered years of winning seasons. He also publicly blamed McDermott and the coaching staff for drafting wide receiver Keon Coleman — a claim that both contradicted conventional accountability norms and put an active player in an awkward spotlight.
That kind of public airing of internal disputes is rare at the NFL executive level. Bills leadership seemed defensive and inconsistent, at times undermining each other’s authority and revealing more about internal dysfunction than any coherent vision for the franchise. Even some reports suggest players — including Allen — were reportedly unhappy with how the situation was presented and that Allen wasn’t consulted before the firing was announced.
Against that backdrop, the Cincinnati Bengals immediately appear more disciplined and stable. The Bengals’ leadership, including owner Mike Brown and coach/performance staff, have a reputation for not spectacularly botching press interactions or publicly airing internal frustrations. While Cincinnati isn’t perfect and sometimes keeps tight lips, the team avoids public spectacles that make front office dysfunction look like a headline story — which is exactly what happened in Buffalo. Fans and pundits alike now point out that even if Bengals executives aren’t exuberously communicative, they’ve never staged a press event that spiraled into a spectacle of blame and contradictions.
In short, Buffalo’s chaotic press conference unintentionally raises the bar for what we consider “competent communication” in the NFL — and by that measure, the Bengals look organized by comparison.
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Cincinnati Bengals Draft Targets At #10 Overall, Robert Saleh To Titans + Why The Chargers Made A Great Decision Hiring Mike McDaniel

On today's show, we break down Mel Kiper Jr's first NFL Round 1 mock draft, discuss who he has the Bengals selecting and some other candidates for the Bengals at #10 overall. Also, we react to Robert Saleh agreeing to be the next head coach of the Tennessee Titans and explain why Mike McDaniel to the Chargers is a grand slam hire for Jim Harbaugh.
Caleb Downs — Versatile Defensive PlaymakerDowns is widely regarded as one of the top defensive prospects in the 2026 class and could be the best pure defender available at No. 10. He’s a unanimous All-American with a resume featuring Big Ten Defensive Player of the Year honors and award recognition like the Jim Thorpe and Lott Trophies for nation’s top defensive back. Downs combines elite football IQ, instincts, range, and physicality—allowing him to defend the run, cover receivers, and make plays all over the field. Scouts praise him for his coverage versatility, ability to diagnose offenses quickly, and leadership as a secondary commander. He’s played in multiple roles (deep safety, box, nickel) operating like a defensive coordinator on the field. That rare blend makes him a potential day-one starter with All-Pro ceiling, a tone-setter for Cincinnati’s secondary.
Rueben Bain Jr. — High-Motor, Disruptive Edge RusherBain is one of the most exciting edge defenders in this draft cycle—everywhere from mock drafts to big board rankings slot him near the top for pass-rush talent. He’s physical against the run and rushes the passer with power and leverage, and his 275-pound frame with a relentless motor gives him a three-down feel. Bain has produced pressure and sacks at a high clip during big games, showcasing a toolkit that translates well to NFL front sevens. His ability to set the edge or slide inside on passing downs adds a versatile element to a defensive line that could further complement the Bengals’ front.
David Bailey — Explosive Pass-Rush SpecialistBailey is a pure pass-rushing threat who terrorized opponents in 2025, leading many analytic boards in pressures and sacks. With elite burst off the snap, bend around the edge, and a developing arsenal of moves, he’s the kind of playmaker who can generate game-changing pressure on opposing quarterbacks. For a Bengals team that has looked to boost its pass rush—especially after middling pressure numbers last season—Bailey offers a high-upside rotational edge or eventual starter who can flip momentum with splash plays.
In short, Downs delivers defensive backbone and versatility, Bain combines power and disruptive presence on the edge, and Bailey brings elite, momentum-shifting pass-rush ability—all compelling fits for Cincinnati depending on how the draft board falls and what specific defensive holes they prioritize at No. 10.
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Cincinnati Bengals Offensive Coordinator Dan Pitcher Leaving? Hoosiers Unprecedented Season Ends In Natty, Sean McDermott Fired

On today's show, we discuss the latest Cincinnati Bengals rumors as once again Dan Pitcher is interviewing for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers OC job, could Brian Callahan be returning to Cincinnati? Also, Curt Cignetti and Indiana cap off a fairytale season with a national title + Was firing Sean McDermott the right call for the Bills?
The Tampa Bay Buccaneers are conducting a high-profile search for a new offensive coordinator after parting ways with Josh Grizzard following an 8–9 season and a missed playoff berth in 2025. Among the names they’re exploring is Dan Pitcher, the Bengals’ offensive coordinator, who is scheduled to interview with Tampa Bay this week.
Pitcher, 39, has been on the Cincinnati Bengals coaching staff since 2016, ascending from offensive assistant to quarterbacks coach and then offensive coordinator for the past two seasons. Though he holds the OC title in Cincinnati, Bengals head coach Zac Taylor retains play-calling duties, which means Pitcher hasn’t had an opportunity to call plays in regular-season games. Taylor has granted him permission to interview with teams offering play-calling offensive coordinator roles, making the Buccaneers’ opening a potentially significant career move.
The interview represents both an opportunity and a challenge. On paper, it could be seen as a lateral move in terms of job title, but for Pitcher it’s a rare chance to step into a role where he would directly run the offense on game days — something he hasn’t done in Cincinnati. His track record includes helping develop quarterback Joe Burrow into one of the NFL’s premier passers, which is a major selling point for Tampa Bay as they look to revitalize an offense that underperformed in key areas last season.
Tampa Bay’s coaching search has been extensive, with interviews already held with several candidates including former Dolphins head coach Mike McDaniel, Ravens OC Todd Monken, and others. Pitcher adds another experienced offensive mind to that mix as the Buccaneers weigh their next steps.
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