Bengals Prepare for Free Agency with Roster Cuts, Contract Negotiations

The Cincinnati Bengals are actively restructuring their roster ahead of the NFL's free agency period, making significant cuts to create cap space. Notable departures include Sheldon Rankins and Alex Cappa, alongside the retirement of Sam Hubbard, which collectively free up over $25 million. The team faces urgent decisions regarding contract extensions for key players like Tee Higgins, Ja'Marr Chase, and Trey Hendrickson, with Higgins' potential extension particularly critical as it could substantially reduce his current franchise tag cap hit of $26 million. With approximately $51 million in cap space available, the Bengals are aiming to maximize their resources to enhance their roster, especially in the trenches. As the negotiating window opens, Cincinnati's front office must navigate its free agents and potential trades, including the decision to allow Hendrickson to seek a trade. Overall, the Bengals are in a pivotal moment as they prepare to bolster their team for the upcoming season while managing their salary cap effectively.