Bengals’ NUMBER ONE Offseason Requirement Is Clear and Joe Burrow Agrees


Author: Cincinnati Bengals Talk, HMA January 26, 2026 Duration: 9:49
Podcast episode
Bengals’ NUMBER ONE Offseason Requirement Is Clear and Joe Burrow Agrees

The Cincinnati Bengals missed the playoffs, and history shows there’s a clear path to returning in 2026. Teams like the Seattle Seahawks and New England Patriots aggressively spent in free agency after missing the postseason, and it paid off. The Bengals are positioned to do the same, ranking among the NFL’s top teams in projected cap space. James Rapien breaks down why free agency must be the Bengals’ top priority this offseason, why Joe Burrow believes attacking free agency is “of paramount importance,” and how past Bengals playoff runs were built on impactful veteran additions. SUPPORT OUR LOCAL SPONSOR: Christian Husky of Sibcy Cline Realtors. Follow @christian.husky or visit www.sibcycline.com/chusky PRESENTED BY SLEEPER: Use promo code BENGALSTALK on Sleeper and get 100% match up to $100! https://sleeper.com/promo/BENGALSTALK. Terms and conditions apply. #sleeper

More episodes

Duration: 13:03
The Cincinnati Bengals let a huge opportunity slip away in Buffalo. Cincinnati falls to 4–9 after a brutal 39–34 loss — a game they should have won, but critical mistakes late made the difference. James Rapien reacts to the loss and breaks down costly mistakes that impacted the outcome of the game. Joe Burrow and the offense put up 34 points, scoring touchdowns on their first three drives… but back-to-back fourth-quarter interceptions proved costly, including a brutal pick-six. Meanwhile, the defense once again couldn’t get off the field — giving up big plays to Josh Allen on the ground and struggling against the Bills’ tight ends in key moments. There were bright spots: Tee Higgins’ two highlight-reel touchdowns, Chase Brown finding the end zone again, and stretches where the offense looked unstoppable. But in the end, the Bengals fall to 4-9 on the season. The Bengals return home to play the Ravens on Sunday, Dec. 14 at 1 p.m. ET. They're hoping to sweep the Ravens for the first time…

Duration: 5:52
Cincinnati Bengals center Ted Karras opens up about the impact and meaning behind the Cincy Hat initiative—and his nomination for the Walter Payton Man of the Year award. Find out why Ted Karras is in a battle with Taylor Swift and the Swifties if he's going to be named the Walter Payton Man of the Year! Karras shares heartfelt stories of gratitude toward the Cincinnati community, his mission to serve individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities, and the incredible growth and legacy his charity work is creating. Hear behind-the-scenes tales of how the project started, what being honored means to him personally, and the ambitious plans for the future.

Duration: 7:34
Cincinnati Bengals defense end Trey Hendrickson hasn't suited up since Oct. 26 this season and is doubtful for Week 14 vs. the Buffalo Bills. What is actually happening with Hendrickson? James Rapien discusses what's been reported so far and what it all means for the critical remaining games on the Bengals' schedule. Plus, the latest on Tee Higgins and more!

Duration: 17:30
Cincinnati Bengals head coach Zac Taylor met with the media on Wednesday at Paycor Stadium to discuss the team's preparation ahead of the team's Week 14 matchup vs. the Buffalo Bills. Taylor gave the latest injury updates on Tee Higgins and Trey Hendrickson. He also gives his thoughts on the improved O-Line play and expectations for the defense following a win in Baltimore. Plus, Taylor shared his reaction to former Bengals QB Ken Anderson being selected as a Pro Football Hall of Fame finalist and more!

Duration: 22:00
The Cincinnati Bengals are just two games back in the AFC North… so is it time to buy stock in a late playoff push, or do they still need to prove it? We break down Cincinnati’s path, the biggest What Ifs of the season, and why you should never doubt Joe Burrow’s impact on this franchise ever again! James Rapien and Andrew Fox Miller also look at the latest AFC North odds and discuss the Bengals chances of pulling off the upset Sunday against the Buffalo Bills!

Duration: 16:42
Cincinnati Bengals defensive coordinator Al Golden met with the media to break down Cincinnati’s Thursday night win and the noticeable improvement on defense. Golden addressed the better tackling, communication progress, and the increased responsibility placed on young defenders like Barrett Carter, Myles Murphy, and Dax Hill. Plus, Golden explains how Joe Burrow’s return impacts the entire team.

Duration: 8:55
Use code BENGALSTALKFB50 to get 50% OFF your first Factor box plus free breakfast for 1 year at https://bit.ly/3WJl6W5! The Bengals just took down the Ravens on Thursday night, but can they make the playoffs? In this episode of Cincinnati Bengals Talk, James Rapien breaks down the latest playoff scenarios for the Bengals — including how key wins and recent help from the Buffalo Bills have kept their postseason hopes alive. Find out what needs to happen for Cincinnati to get into the playoffs, the must-win games on their schedule, and how Joe Burrow’s mindset is guiding the team through this high-stakes stretch. Rapien also covers playoff odds, the impact of divisional games, and why the Bengals still have a shot despite the tough road ahead.

Duration: 18:41
Cincinnati Bengals head coach Zac Taylor reflected on the team's huge divisional win over the Baltimore Ravens on Thanksgiving. Zac shares his thoughts on the offense, including Joe Burrow and the offensive line’s strong performance. He also reacts to the big night for a Bengals defense that force five turnovers against Baltimore. Plus, Taylor discusses the chaotic travel day, injury updates, and what the win means as Cincinnati prepares for the Buffalo Bills.

Duration: 17:31
Cincinnati Bengals quarterback Joe Burrow is officially back, and he's ready to face the Baltimore Ravens on Thanksgiving. Burrow spoke about his return on Tuesday, including his thoughts on the play he was injured on, whether he would’ve done anything differently, and how he felt going into last week. James Rapien reacts to Burrow’s comments, Zac Taylor’s decision to hold him out, and what it means for the rest of the Bengals’ season. Plus, a preview of the Bengals’ Thanksgiving matchup against the Baltimore Ravens. Can Cincinnati pull off the upset and get to 4–8? What does Burrow need to do? Who steps up without Tee Higgins? How do the Bengals slow down Lamar Jackson, Zay Flowers, and the Ravens’ tight ends? Plus key matchups, injuries, players to watch, and a full score prediction.

Duration: 22:10
Cincinnati Bengals quarterback Joe Burrow is BACK! Burrow spoke on Tuesday about his preparation for returning to football and facing the Baltimore Ravens on Thanksgiving. James Rapien and Andrew Fox Miller react to Burrow's comments, discuss Ja'Marr Chase's return from suspension, and take a look at Cincinnati's distant odds of winning the division. Plus, Geno Stone delivered an impressive performance in Week 12. Can he pick up where he left off vs. the Ravens? LIVE Q&A and more!

Logo
Select station
VOL