Cincinnati Bengals Shed ‘Cheap’ Label with Major Signings: Fan Reactions and What’s Next

For decades, the Cincinnati Bengals have carried the reputation of being one of the NFL’s more frugal franchises, a team reluctant to spend big in free agency and hesitant to make the aggressive moves required to stay at the top. But the 2025 offseason is proving to be a turning point. Ownership, led by Mike Brown and family, has seemingly shifted its philosophy, making major financial commitments to key players and strategically filling roster gaps.

The question now is: Can this new approach push the Bengals over the top and back into Super Bowl contention?

Major Moves in Free Agency and Key Re-Signings

The biggest headline of the offseason was the Bengals locking up their elite receiver duo, Ja’Marr Chase and Tee Higgins, to long-term contract extensions. Joe Burrow now has his top weapons secured for the foreseeable future, a sign that ownership is fully invested in maximizing the team’s championship window.

On defense, the Bengals reinforced their line by re-signing defensive tackle B.J. Hill to a three-year, $33 million deal, securing one of their most consistent interior linemen. Additionally, edge rusher Joseph Ossai was retained on a one-year deal, a move signaling confidence in his continued development after flashes of dominance late last season.

Another key addition was T.J. Slaton, a former Packers defensive tackle, who adds depth and size to the Bengals’ interior defensive line. This move suggests that the Bengals are prioritizing run defense, an area where they struggled at times in 2024.

These moves have signaled a clear departure from past offseasons, where the Bengals often let key free agents walk without adequate replacements.

Fan Reactions: A Franchise Finally Spending Like a Contender

For years, Bengals fans have lamented the franchise’s unwillingness to spend money in free agency. This offseason, however, the team’s willingness to open the checkbook has been met with widespread approval.

Fans have taken to social media, praising the Chase and Higgins deals as a sign that the Bengals are serious about keeping their offensive core together. After watching division rivals like the Ravens and Steelers remain aggressive in roster-building year after year, Bengals fans are finally seeing their own team take a similar approach.

For many, this offseason represents a fundamental shift in how the franchise operates—no longer just drafting and developing, but also ensuring that homegrown talent is rewarded and retained.

Shifting Perceptions of Bengals Ownership

The Brown family, which has owned and operated the Bengals since their inception, has long been criticized for operating with an old-school, budget-conscious mindset. Historically, they resisted lucrative free-agent signings, preferring to build through the draft and spend conservatively.

But in recent years, ownership has shown a willingness to evolve. The extensions for Burrow, Chase, and Higgins, combined with smart investments in defensive talent, indicate a commitment to building a sustainable winner.

The days of Cincinnati being labeled as “cheap” may finally be coming to an end.

What’s Next for the Bengals?

Despite the big moves made so far, the Bengals aren’t finished yet. The draft and remaining free agency period present opportunities to further solidify the roster.

Biggest Remaining Needs

1. Offensive Line Help

   • While the Bengals have made strides in improving Burrow’s protection, the offensive line still needs reinforcements.
   • Expect them to explore veteran free agents like Brandon Scherff or Teven Jenkins or address this need early in the draft.

2. Cornerback Depth

   • With Chidobe Awuzie departing in free agency, Cincinnati could use another proven defensive back.
   • If they don’t land a top free agent, expect the Bengals to target a cornerback early in the draft, possibly Georgia’s Kamari Lassiter or Alabama’s Kool-Aid McKinstry.

3. Edge Rusher

   • While Ossai’s return is promising, adding another pass-rusher would help complement Trey Hendrickson and others.
   • A veteran signing like Za’Darius Smith could be a good short-term addition, while a draft pick such as Florida State’s Jared Verse could be a long-term solution.

4. Linebacker Reinforcement

   • Cincinnati has solid starters in Logan Wilson and Germaine Pratt (who requested a trade), but depth is lacking.
   • The Bengals could look at a high draft prospect at LB to provide insurance.

NFL Draft Outlook

With the 17th overall pick in the 2025 NFL Draft, the Bengals are in a position to land an impact player who can contribute immediately.

Some of the top prospects linked to Cincinnati include:

• Nick Emmanwori (S, South Carolina): A versatile safety who could immediately help the Bengals replace Jessie Bates’ leadership in the secondary.
• Walter Nolen (DT, Texas A&M): A dominant defensive tackle who could pair with B.J. Hill and provide immediate run-stuffing ability.
• Jared Verse (EDGE, Florida State): A powerful pass-rusher who would instantly elevate Cincinnati’s defensive front.

The Bengals could also trade back in the first round if they believe they can address multiple needs with extra picks.

Are the Bengals Finally All-In?

With Joe Burrow’s Super Bowl window wide open, the Bengals are no longer operating like a small-market team just happy to be competitive—they’re making moves to win now.

By extending their core players and making smart free-agent signings, they are positioning themselves as true AFC contenders. The next step is nailing the draft and possibly making one or two more free-agency splashes.

For the first time in decades, the Bengals are proving they are serious about sustained success. The question now is whether these moves will be enough to take them back to the Super Bowl.