Off The Bench by Chatterbox Sports

Cincinnati Bengal Tee Higgins Franchised Tagged A Second Year In a Row! | OTB 3.4.25

Watch Off the Bench Presented by UDF with Chatterbox Sports Monday-Friday 10 a.m. - 12 p.m. LIVE on the Chatterbox Sports YouTube channel. SUBSCRIBE to the channel to ensure you never miss a thing. On March 3, 2025, the Cincinnati Bengals made a significant move by placing the franchise tag on wide receiver Tee Higgins for the second consecutive year. This decision, confirmed by Higgins himself with a simple "tag" post on X, ensures that the 26-year-old star remains with the team for the 2025 season, barring a trade or a long-term extension by July 15. The tag guarantees Higgins a fully secured salary of $26.2 million, a 120% increase over his 2024 franchise tag earnings of $21.8 million, reflecting the NFL’s formula for players tagged in consecutive years. For Bengals fans, this move keeps a key piece of their offensive puzzle intact, but it also raises questions about the team’s long-term plans. Higgins, drafted in the second round in 2020, has been instrumental in transforming the Bengals from a struggling franchise into a perennial contender. With 4,595 receiving yards and 34 touchdowns over five seasons, he ranks among the league’s elite receivers, even despite injury setbacks that limited him to 12 games in each of the past two years. His 2024 performance—73 catches, 911 yards, and a career-high 10 touchdowns—underscored his value to quarterback Joe Burrow and the offense, making him a prime candidate for a lucrative free-agent deal had he hit the open market. The Bengals’ decision reflects a delicate balancing act. While they’ve expressed a desire to secure Higgins long-term, as emphasized by director of player personnel Duke Tobin at the NFL scouting combine, they also face pressing financial commitments. Ja’Marr Chase, an All-Pro receiver, is in line to become the league’s highest-paid non-quarterback, and defensive end Trey Hendrickson seeks a hefty extension or trade. Tagging Higgins buys time, but negotiations remain distant, with reports suggesting he’d command over $30 million annually in free agency—above the tag’s value. Speculation swirls about a potential tag-and-trade scenario, with some NFL insiders noting league-wide belief that Cincinnati might deal Higgins for draft capital if a long-term deal falters. This could replenish resources while addressing other roster needs. For now, Higgins stays put, a vital cog in a Bengals squad aiming to keep its championship window open. Yet, as the July deadline looms, the saga of his future—stay, sign, or trade—promises to keep Bengals Nation on edge.

Ja'Marr Chase and the Cincinnati Bengals are NOT CLOSE to a deal? NFL Combine reactions | OTB 3.3.25

Watch Off the Bench Presented by UDF with Chatterbox Sports Monday-Friday 10 a.m. - 12 p.m. LIVE on the Chatterbox Sports YouTube channel. SUBSCRIBE to the channel to ensure you never miss a thing. Ja'Marr Chase’s contract situation with the Cincinnati Bengals remains a focal point as of March 3, 2025, with recent rumors suggesting the two sides are not close to an agreement. The star wide receiver, entering his fifth NFL season, has been eligible for an extension since last offseason, but negotiations have stalled. Reports indicate Chase feels misled by the Bengals, who approached him multiple times about a deal—first after the 2023 season and again during the offseason—only to fail to finalize terms before the 2024 season began. A proposed four-year, $140 million offer, which would have tied him with Justin Jefferson as the league’s highest-paid receiver, fell apart over guarantee structures. Chase, who took out a $50 million insurance policy for 2024, has no plans to negotiate during the season, pushing talks to 2025. With his fifth-year option securing him $21.8 million next year, speculation grows that Chase seeks upwards of $40 million annually, reflecting the rising salary cap and his elite production (29 touchdowns in three seasons). The Bengals’ hesitation, paired with their history of avoiding in-season extensions, fuels rumors of a widening gap, raising concerns about retaining their cornerstone talent long-term. The 2025 NFL Combine, held in Indianapolis from February 24 to March 3, provided the Cincinnati Bengals with a crucial opportunity to scout top prospects for the upcoming NFL Draft. With a focus on bolstering their roster, particularly on defense, the Bengals met with several standout players during the event. Among the notable prospects were Marshall edge rusher Mike Green, who led the FBS in 2024 with 17 sacks, and Oklahoma State edge Collin Oliver, praised for his pass-rushing potential despite an injury-limited season. The Bengals also engaged with a strong contingent of defensive linemen, including Texas A&M’s Shemar Stewart and Nic Scourton, Ole Miss’s Walter Nolen, Georgia’s Mykel Williams, and Tennessee’s James Pearce Jr., signaling a clear intent to upgrade their pass rush, which struggled in 2024. On the offensive side, Cincinnati met with Ohio State wide receiver Emeka Egbuka, a top prospect with 81 catches for 1,011 yards last season, hinting at potential plans to enhance their receiving corps amid uncertainty with Tee Higgins. These meetings reflect the Bengals’ strategy to address key needs, blending defensive reinforcements with offensive firepower, as they prepare for the draft with the 17th overall pick.

Early NFL Combine Favorites! Cincinnati Bengals Meeting with all First round WR's??? | OTB 2.28.25

Watch Off the Bench Presented by UDF with Chatterbox Sports Monday-Friday 10 a.m. - 12 p.m. LIVE on the Chatterbox Sports YouTube channel. SUBSCRIBE to the channel to ensure you never miss a thing. The 2025 NFL Combine kicked off on February 27 in Indianapolis, with defensive linemen showcasing their skills on the first day of on-field workouts. Several prospects stood out, boosting their draft stock with impressive performances. Texas A&M’s Shemar Stewart, at 6-foot-5, 267 pounds, ran a 4.60-second 40-yard dash and posted a standout 1.58-second 10-yard split, the best among defensive linemen. His 40-inch vertical and 10’11” broad jump further highlighted his explosiveness, cementing his case as a potential top-10 pick. Oregon’s Derrick Harmon (6-foot-4, 313 pounds) dazzled with effortless movement skills, excelling in drills and showing versatility across the defensive line. Toledo’s Darius Alexander (6-foot-4, 305 pounds) impressed with a 1.72-second 10-yard split and smooth positional drills, displaying agility rare for his size. Indiana’s CJ West (6-foot-1, 316 pounds) flashed power and quickness, dominating pass-rush drills despite his smaller stature. Ohio State’s Tyleik Williams (6-foot-3, 334 pounds) showcased strong hands and solid body control, reinforcing his value as a nose tackle. These standouts demonstrated a mix of speed, power, and technique, making them key names to watch as the 2025 NFL Draft approaches. As of February 28, 2025, the Cincinnati Bengals are actively scouting talent at the 2025 NFL Combine in Indianapolis, aiming to bolster their roster after a disappointing 9-8 season that missed the playoffs. With the No. 17 overall pick in the upcoming draft, the Bengals have met with several high-profile prospects, focusing heavily on defensive improvements and offensive weapons for quarterback Joe Burrow. Notable defensive prospects include Texas A&M edge rushers Nic Scourton and Shemar Stewart, both top-30 PFF-ranked players with impressive sack and tackle-for-loss stats, and Tennessee’s explosive edge James Pearce Jr., who boasts a standout pressure rate. They’ve also engaged with Ole Miss defensive lineman Walter Nolen and Georgia’s Mykel Williams, signaling a priority to strengthen their defensive front, which struggled with only 36 sacks last season despite Trey Hendrickson’s league-leading performance. On offense, the Bengals met with tight ends Colston Loveland (Michigan), Tyler Warren (Penn State), Mason Taylor (LSU), and Gunnar Helm (Texas), hinting at a desire to add a dynamic receiving threat for Burrow. Safety prospects like Georgia’s Malaki Starks, Clemson’s R.J. Mickens, and USC’s Kevin Winston Jr. also suggest a focus on secondary depth, aligning with Cincinnati’s draft strategy to address key weaknesses.

Reds On Fire, NFL Combine Underway, Charlie Goldsmith Joins The Show | OTB 2.27.25

Watch Off the Bench Presented by UDF with Chatterbox Sports Monday-Friday 10 a.m. - 12 p.m. LIVE on the Chatterbox Sports YouTube channel. SUBSCRIBE to the channel to ensure you never miss a thing.
 
Today’s show kicks off with a breakdown of the Cincinnati Reds’ spring training game, spotlighting their electrifying young star, Elly De La Cruz. Fresh off a standout performance last weekend, where he homered from both sides of the plate in his spring debut against the Cleveland Guardians on February 22, De La Cruz went 2-for-2 with two solo shots, totaling 859 feet of raw power. The 23-year-old shortstop’s blazing speed and towering 6-foot-5 frame have fans buzzing about his potential to join the 30/30 or even 40/40 club in 2025. The hosts discuss how his early dominance signals a promising season under new manager Terry Francona, while also analyzing the Reds’ split-squad results—a 6-3 win over the Guardians and an 8-7 loss to the Brewers—offering “too early to tell” gut reactions on the team’s revamped roster.
 
With the NFL Scouting Combine underway in Indianapolis from February 24 to March 3, the crew examines the Bengals’ strategic moves, including the recent release of defensive tackle Sheldon Rankins, hinting at a reshuffling of priorities. Head coach Zac Taylor and director of player personnel Duke Tobin’s press conferences on February 25 provided insights into their draft and free agency plans, spotlighting potential targets like pass-rushers and prospects to pair with Joe Burrow and Ja’Marr Chase. The hosts debate whether these changes position the Bengals as contenders in 2025. Wrapping up, the episode ties the Reds and Bengals narratives into the broader NFL Combine context, exploring how Cincinnati’s sports scene is gearing up for a transformative year. 

Cincinnati Bengals Duke Tobin Agrees With Joe Burrow! Bring'em All Back! | OTB 2.26.25

Watch Off the Bench Presented by UDF with Chatterbox Sports Monday-Friday 10 a.m. - 12 p.m. LIVE on the Chatterbox Sports YouTube channel. SUBSCRIBE to the channel to ensure you never miss a thing. In todays episode of OTB we talk about the Cincinnati Bengals big combine presser with Duke Tobin and Zac Taylor. Both had lots of things to say about the season last year and the offseason as a whole. On February 25, 2025, Cincinnati Bengals Director of Player Personnel Duke Tobin and Head Coach Zac Taylor spoke at the NFL Scouting Combine in Indianapolis, offering insights into the team’s offseason plans. Their comments centered heavily on retaining key players like Tee Higgins, Ja’Marr Chase, and Trey Hendrickson, echoing quarterback Joe Burrow’s public stance on keeping the core intact. Tobin expressed full alignment with Burrow, stating he hasn’t heard anything from the quarterback he disagrees with, emphasizing a shared desire to reward top talent with contracts matching their production. He acknowledged the challenge of balancing these extensions with roster-building needs but sounded confident, noting the team’s cap space and ownership’s support under Katie Blackburn. Taylor complemented this optimism, calling the task of signing elite players “champagne problems”—a preferable dilemma to lacking talent. He highlighted Burrow’s leadership, both vocal and private, in pushing for continuity, reinforcing a unified vision among the front office, coaching staff, and franchise quarterback. Tobin doubled down on Chase as a priority, predicting he’d become the NFL’s highest-paid non-quarterback, while also expressing a desire to extend Hendrickson, though he admitted no deal was imminent. For Higgins, facing a franchise tag decision by March 4, both stressed their intent to keep him, with Tobin framing it as a strategic imperative. Beyond contracts, they addressed the team’s championship-caliber potential, with Tobin hinting at broader ambitions beyond just re-signing stars. Taylor’s “champagne problems” quip suggested confidence in navigating the financial puzzle. However, the lack of a backup plan if negotiations falter raised eyebrows, hinting at an all-in approach. Their remarks painted a picture of a franchise banking on its current nucleus, leaning on Burrow’s influence, and betting big on continuity to chase a Super Bowl in 2025. Whether they can execute remains the looming question.

Cincinnati Reds Austin Hays CRUSHES Defending Champs! Pre-NFL Combine Draft Takes! | OTB 2.25.25

In todays episode of OTB we talk about the Cincinnati Reds Spring Training topics. Austin Hays destroys the former defending champs Los Angeles Dodgers! Is Austin Hays becoming the best free agent signing this year? The NFL Combine is coming up this week and we discuss some pre draft takes before the combine rolls around for the Cincinnati Bengals. They have many holes to address what positions will shine in this class and how will it affect the teams strategy.

Cincinnati Reds Elly De La Cruz Has BIG Weekend! Cincinnati Bengals to make More Moves | OTB 2.24.25

Watch Off the Bench Presented by UDF with Chatterbox Sports Monday-Friday 10 a.m. - 12 p.m. LIVE on the Chatterbox Sports YouTube channel. SUBSCRIBE to the channel to ensure you never miss a thing. In todays episode of OTB we talk about the Cincinnati Reds Spring Training topics. Elly de la cruz and the boys CRUSH the ball but still seem to be finding their groove everywhere else. "To Early to Tell Gut Reactions" based off how the starters played are the Cincinnati Reds Better now?? Sheldon Rankins was one of the latest Bengals cuts that signal that change is indeed coming. How much more is there to be expected? All of this and more on Off the Bench.

Canada Wins 4 Nations Face Off, Who Is Best Pitcher In NL Central? | OTB 2.21.25

Canada wins the 4 Nations face-Off, Is Nick Martinez Underrated? Ranking the NL Central's best Starting Pitchers, College Football Head Coach Hot Seats
 
Watch Off the Bench Presented by UDF with Chatterbox Sports Monday-Friday 10 a.m. - 12 p.m. LIVE on the Chatterbox Sports YouTube channel. SUBSCRIBE to the channel to ensure you never miss a thing.

Reds Overrated or Underrated Heading Into 2025? Bearcats Season Is Over | OTB 2.20.25

Watch Off the Bench Presented by UDF with Chatterbox Sports Monday-Friday 10 a.m. - 12 p.m. LIVE on the Chatterbox Sports YouTube channel. SUBSCRIBE to the channel to ensure you never miss a thing.
 
Reds most overrated and underrated players as they start Spring Training, Bearcat Basketball Tournament hopes are dead, and News/Not News

Hunter Greene Says It's On The Players, Not Terry Francona, Jason Fitz Joins The Show | OTB 2.19.25

Hunter Greene says Reds success is on the players, not just Terry Francona. Francona speaks on what it means to honor P{ete Rose this year, and Jason Fitz joins the show to talk NFL Offseason.
 
Watch Off the Bench Presented by UDF with Chatterbox Sports Monday-Friday 10 a.m. - 12 p.m. LIVE on the Chatterbox Sports YouTube channel. SUBSCRIBE to the channel to ensure you never miss a thing.