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.