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

Cincinnati Bengals 7-Round Mock Draft 1.0 + Top NFL Offseason Storylines Ft. Travis Kelce's Future

The Cincinnati Bengals offseason is officially underway, and on today’s episode of The Stone Shields Show, we break down our FIRST 7-round Bengals mock draft using the PFF simulator. With the 2026 NFL Draft approaching, it’s time to take a deep dive into what Cincinnati could do at pick No. 10 and beyond.
In this full seven-round Bengals mock draft, we prioritize defense early and often. Could the Bengals land Sonny Styles in Round 1? Is edge rusher the biggest need at pick 41? We walk through every selection, including prospects like Gabe Jacas, Daylen Everette, Michael Taaffe, Pat Coogan, and more — plus the strategy and roster-building logic behind each pick. No trades in this version — just a realistic projection of how the draft board could fall.
We also break down major NFL offseason storylines, including:
Will Aaron Rodgers return to the Pittsburgh Steelers?
Is Travis Kelce considering retirement?
What’s next for Tua Tagovailoa and Kyler Murray?
Could Maxx Crosby or A.J. Brown be traded?
Which quarterbacks are rising in the 2026 NFL Draft class?
From Bengals draft needs and roster construction to NFL free agency rumors and potential blockbuster trades, this episode covers everything football fans need as draft season heats up.
Make sure to subscribe to Chatterbox Sports for more Bengals mock drafts, NFL analysis, Reds coverage, and daily sports content.
Drop your Bengals mock draft in the comments — who should Cincinnati take at No. 10?
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Cincinnati Reds Burning Questions, Tyler Stephenson Wins Arbitration Case, Kenny Clark Rumors, UC vs. Kansas State

On today's show, we break down 3 burning questions for the Cincinnati Reds as Spring Training gets underway: Who the 5th man in the starting rotation will be, where Spencer Steer will play defensively and how Sal Stewart and Noelvi Marte will adjust to new positions. Also, we discuss Tyler Stephenson's arbitration case, some Cincinnati Bengals draft targets and whether the Bengals should go after Kenny Clark should he be cut by Dallas.
The Reds enter spring training with three compelling storylines, starting with the battle for the fifth spot in the rotation. Hunter Greene, Nick Lodolo, Andrew Abbott and Brady Singer appear locked into the first four jobs, leaving one opening among Brandon Williamson, Rhett Lowder, Chase Burns and Julian Aguiar. Each brings a different profile. Williamson has big-league experience but is working to reestablish consistency. Lowder, one of the organization’s top pitching prospects, offers polish and pitchability but may still be building innings. Burns arguably has the highest ceiling of the group, with swing-and-miss stuff that could force the issue if he dominates in camp. Aguiar adds depth and competitiveness, though he may need to prove he can miss enough bats against major league hitters. Performance, health, and how aggressively Cincinnati wants to promote young arms will determine the winner.
Another key question is where Spencer Steer fits defensively. Steer’s versatility has long been an asset, and that flexibility again gives the Reds options. He could see time at first base, particularly if the team prioritizes offense at corner spots, but he’s also capable in the outfield and at third base if needed. Much depends on how the rest of the infield shakes out and whether the Reds value defensive stability or lineup balance more heavily. Steer’s bat will be in the lineup — the only question is where his glove lands most often.
Finally, Sal Stewart and Noelvi Marte adjusting to new positions adds another developmental layer. Stewart is gaining experience at first base after primarily playing third, and proving he can handle the transition would open a clearer path to at-bats. Marte, meanwhile, continues adapting to an outfield role, refining reads and routes while trying to let his athleticism play. How quickly both adjust could shape Cincinnati’s roster flexibility all season.
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#Bengals #Reds #TheStoneShieldsShow

Cincinnati Reds Opening Day Roster Projection, Dane Brugler's Top NFL Draft Prospects, Xavier Falls In OT

On today's show, we discuss Mark Sheldon's first Cincinnati Reds Opening Day roster projection after pitchers and catchers have reported to Cincinnati Reds Spring Training. Also, Dane Brugler released his top 100 NFL Draft prospects, who do the Bengals have their eyes on at #10? Plus, Xavier falls in another heartbreaker to St. John's and Rick Pitino sets another career milestone.
Mark Sheldon’s Opening Day roster projection for the Cincinnati Reds outlines a 26-man group that could begin the 2026 season when the team opens against the Red Sox on March 26 in Goodyear, Arizona.
On catchers, Sheldon expects the familiar duo of Tyler Stephenson and Jose Trevino to be on the roster again, with Stephenson’s tenure and Trevino’s veteran leadership both factoring into their roles.
The infield projection includes four players: Matt McLain, Elly De La Cruz, Ke’Bryan Hayes, and Sal Stewart. McLain’s inclusion is notable given his offensive struggles last season after missing all of 2024 with a shoulder injury; his defense, speed, and clubhouse presence, however, make him a Francona favorite. De La Cruz — a two-time All-Star — is penciled in at shortstop assuming improved health and protection in the lineup. Hayes adds Gold Glove defense, and Stewart, the club’s top prospect, could build on a strong late-season showing.
In the outfield, Sheldon projects six players, which is one more than typical: TJ Friedl, Noelvi Marte, Spencer Steer, JJ Bleday, Dane Myers, and Will Benson. Friedl is expected to anchor center field, Marte a full-time right fielder, and Steer as a left fielder/utility option. The others provide left-handed bats and versatility, though prospects like Tyler Callihan could challenge for a bench spot.
Sheldon also slots Eugenio Suárez as the lone designated hitter, returning to Cincinnati to provide power and lineup protection.
On the pitching staff, Sheldon predicts a five-man rotation featuring Hunter Greene, Andrew Abbott, Nick Lodolo, Brady Singer, and Rhett Lowder, with a deep bullpen including Emilio Pagán, Tony Santillán, Pierce Johnson, Caleb Ferguson, Brock Burke, Graham Ashcraft, Connor Phillips, and Chase Burns in a swing-role.
This projection gives a clear early look at how the Reds might balance veteran presence, young talent, and depth as Spring Training progresses.
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Cincinnati Bengals Guide To Super Bowl LXI + Seahawks Dominate Patriots

On today's show, we discuss the Seahawks' dominating performance in Super Bowl LX against the New England Patriots and some similarities between this team and Seattle's last team to hoist the Lombardi. Also, we react to Paul Dehner Jr's ten-step offseason guide for the Bengals to ensure they're competing in the final game of the season next year at SoFi Stadium.
The Bengals’ 2025 season was disappointing, finishing 6-11 and missing the playoffs, partly due to injuries — most notably Joe Burrow missing significant time — and major defensive struggles. Strengthening the roster around Burrow is the top priority this offseason.
First and foremost, keep the offensive core intact and healthy. Burrow is the franchise centerpiece, and the Bengals have already committed to keeping elite weapons like Ja’Marr Chase and Tee Higgins long-term, which preserves one of the league’s most potent passing attacks. Securing reliable quarterback depth again – whether retaining Joe Flacco or adding a competent backup – matters given Burrow’s injury history.
The biggest area of need is defense. Cincinnati’s defensive unit ranked near the bottom of the league in key metrics, including points and yards allowed, and that imbalance kept the team from competing in close games. Adding impact pass rushers and interior defensive line talent should be a priority. Targets mentioned in media and by teammates include Maxx Crosby and Jeffery Simmons, though price and draft capital cost must be managed. If stars like Trey Hendrickson depart in free agency, the team must replace that production with quality starters, not just depth pieces.
Cap management will be crucial given big money already allocated to the offense. The Bengals may need to make difficult cuts or restructure contracts to free space for defensive upgrades and possible offensive line improvements.
Finally, the coaching staff and front office continuity – including retaining Zac Taylor and Duke Tobin – gives some stability, but they must show this offseason they can construct a roster that complements their offensive firepower with a defense capable of winning in the postseason.
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Dax Hill & DJ Turner Bengals Extension Talk, Super Bowl LX Preview, Wes Miller's Time Is Running Out

On today's show, we preview Super Bowl LX between the Seahawks and Patriots + Stone explains why the Bengals need to extend Dax Hill before DJ Turner. Also, the UC Bearcats blow another lead and it feels like Wes Miller's days as the UC men's basketball coach are numbered. 
Both Dax Hill and DJ Turner II are widely discussed as potential extension candidates for the Cincinnati Bengals this offseason, primarily because they’ve emerged as core pieces of the defense and are entering the final phases of their rookie contracts.
Dax Hill, Cincinnati’s former first-round pick in 2022, showed significant growth in 2025 after transitioning from safety to cornerback. The Bengals exercised his fifth-year option, meaning he’s under contract for the 2026 season, but beyond that he could hit free agency in 2027 if a long-term deal isn’t reached. His late-season performance — particularly as an outside corner — has drawn praise for helping stabilize Cincinnati’s secondary and reducing the need for the team to draft a corner early. That makes him a logical candidate to secure long term as a building block on defense.
DJ Turner II has arguably the stronger case for an early extension. A 2023 second-round pick, Turner broke out in 2025 with one of the top coverage grades on the Bengals defense, including multiple interceptions and pass breakups. He enters the final year of his rookie deal in 2026 and has already drawn public discussion about contract talks beginning soon, reflecting his value as arguably Cincinnati’s most consistent defensive performer last season. Locking him up before he reaches unrestricted free agency could also be financially prudent, since waiting could escalate his market price.
Why extensions make sense: Both players have developed into reliable starters in the secondary and align with the Bengals’ desire to retain homegrown talent rather than risk losing key contributors in free agency. Getting deals done now gives Cincinnati stability in a position group that has historically been volatile around the league and allows the team to focus draft resources on other needs.
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#Bengals #NFL #TheStoneShieldsShow

Should Cincinnati Bengals Try To Trade For Maxx Crosby? Top 10 Players In Super Bowl LX, Anthony Davis Trade

On today's show, we discuss the possibility of the Cincinnati Bengals trading for Maxx Crosby after Ja'Marr Chase and Tee Higgins talked about it at the Super Bowl. Also, Stone breaks down his top 10 players performing in the Big Game, reacts to Dak Prescott's comments on wanting to re-sign George Pickens and how the Anthony Davis trade makes Nico Harrison look even worse.
After the Bengals’ season ended, wide receivers Ja’Marr Chase and Tee Higgins openly named Las Vegas Raiders pass rusher Maxx Crosby as a player they would love to see added to the Bengals’ roster this offseason. On the Up & Adams show, Chase said, “I want to go with your boy from Vegas… Maxx Crosby, he’s a dog. I like Maxx Crosby.” Higgins quickly chimed in urging Crosby to “come on to the Bengals.” These comments sparked buzz because both receivers are established leaders and trusted voices within the Bengals’ locker room — and they were effectively highlighting a glaring area of need: upgrading the defense.
Crosby is one of the most feared edge rushers in the NFL, a multi-time Pro Bowler whose relentless motor and disruptive ability would immediately impact Cincinnati’s pass rush and defensive identity. The Bengals’ defense has struggled to consistently pressure quarterbacks and stop explosive offenses — a key reason they fell short of a deep playoff run despite having one of the league’s most explosive offenses.
However, whether a trade is realistic is another question. Crosby signed a lucrative three-year extension with the Raiders, which might make a trade expensive both in terms of draft capital and salary cap hit. There are also ongoing questions about how Cincinnati will balance its finances after extending top stars like Chase and Higgins. Any pursuit of Crosby would likely require tough roster decisions, creative cap maneuvering, and significant draft pick investment.
In short, Chase and Higgins’ public endorsement of Crosby shines a spotlight on the Bengals’ defensive deficiencies and adds fuel to trade speculation, but executing such a blockbuster move would be complex and far from guaranteed.Music from #InAudio: https://inaudio.org/Track Name Holy (Trap).
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Peter Suder On Miami's Perfect 23-0 Start, Latest On A Trey Hendrickson Tag & Trade, Cavs Trade For James Harden

On today's show, Stone is joined by Miami RedHawks All-Conference player Peter Suder and they discuss last night's win over Buffalo as well as Miami's perfect 23-0 start to the season. Plus, we break down the pros and cons of a Trey Hendrickson tag and trade, how Eugenio Suarez ended up back in Cincinnati & the Cavs trading for James Harden.
The Cincinnati Bengals face a pivotal decision with Trey Hendrickson, one that will shape both their short-term Super Bowl window and their long-term roster construction. Hendrickson has been the team’s most consistent pass rusher since arriving in Cincinnati, and elite edge production is one of the hardest things to replace in the NFL. That reality makes every option—tag and trade, a new contract, or letting him walk—loaded with consequences.
Tagging and trading Hendrickson would allow the Bengals to retain leverage while extracting value from a premium position. A proven double-digit sack artist in his prime would command serious interest around the league, likely netting Cincinnati high draft capital. That return could help offset looming financial pressures elsewhere on the roster. The downside is obvious: trading Hendrickson creates a massive hole on the defensive line, and draft picks rarely replicate elite pass rush production right away.
Giving Hendrickson a new contract is the most straightforward football decision. It keeps a cornerstone defender in place and signals that the Bengals are still fully committed to competing at the highest level while Joe Burrow is under center. However, this option comes with real financial risk. Cincinnati already has major money tied up in Burrow and other core players, and a long-term deal for Hendrickson could limit flexibility down the road, especially as younger stars come up for extensions.
Letting Hendrickson walk would be the cleanest option financially but the most painful competitively. The Bengals would free cap space and avoid paying for potential decline, yet they would also be betting heavily on internal development or unproven replacements. For a team trying to maximize a championship window, that’s a dangerous gamble.
Ultimately, the Bengals must decide whether sustaining an elite defense now outweighs preserving financial flexibility later. How they handle Hendrickson will reveal just how aggressively they plan to chase another Super Bowl run.
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#Bengals #NFL #TheStoneShieldsShow

Cincinnati Reds Starting Lineup Projection After Eugenio Suarez Signing, Bengals EDGE Targets, Vikings Fire GM

On today's show, we discuss the fallout of the Reds signing slugger Eugenio Suarez. Stone breaks down what he would do from a starting lineup projection as well as projects what he believes Terry Francona will do. Also, we roll through some Bengals EDGE targets, including free agency and the draft. Plus, the Vikings fire their GM and the Giants hire Matt Nagy as OC.
Eugenio Suárez’s signing is a stabilizing, culture-defining move for the Cincinnati Reds, and its impact reaches far beyond the box score. At its core, the deal secures a middle-of-the-order bat and an above-average defender at third base, but more importantly, it gives the franchise a long-term identity during a period when continuity has often been elusive.
On the field, Suárez provides reliable power and run production at a position that demands it. His ability to drive the ball to all fields forces pitchers to approach the Reds’ lineup differently, creating protection for younger hitters and making Cincinnati a tougher out night after night. While he may not hit for a high average every season, his patience and power translate into consistent offensive value, especially in a ballpark that rewards fly balls. Defensively, his steady glove and strong arm reduce mistakes on the left side of the infield, an underrated but critical factor in close games.
Off the field, the signing sends a clear message: the Reds are willing to invest in players who perform and lead. Suárez has earned a reputation as a clubhouse anchor—energetic, accountable, and respected by teammates. Locking him up gives younger players a model for professionalism and signals that strong performance in Cincinnati can be rewarded, not just used as a stepping stone elsewhere.
From a roster-building perspective, the deal also creates cost certainty. By avoiding year-to-year arbitration battles or a looming free-agency departure, the Reds gain flexibility to plan around a known cornerstone. That stability matters for a mid-market team that must maximize value and minimize risk.
In short, the Eugenio Suárez signing is about more than retaining a productive third baseman. It strengthens the lineup, anchors the clubhouse, reassures the fan base, and reinforces a long-term vision—exactly the kind of move the Reds need to build sustained competitiveness.
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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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#Bengals #NFL #TheStoneShieldsShow