ClutchPoints
For the Cincinnati Bengals, the NFL offseason is a balancing act of continuity and calculated change. With minicamp now in the rearview mirror, the pressure is intensifying for veterans who find themselves on the bubble. The Bengals’ 90-man roster is brimming with youth, potential, and financial implications. This also means tough decisions are coming. Sure, most eyes are locked on Joe Burrow and the team’s offensive firepower. However, the quieter roster battles may hold the keys to Cincinnati’s 2025 season. Two veterans, in particular, are under the microscope—each facing steep odds in holding onto a roster spot come September.
The Bengals were pretty quiet during free agency and left the period with question marks at several positions. However, they were able to extend both Ja’Marr Chase and Tee Higgins. Getting deals done with their star wide receiver tandem maintains continuity for Burrow and the offense.
Cincinnati does have another contract dispute with All-Pro edge rusher Trey Hendrickson, though. The two sides haven’t been able to get on the same page regarding a long-term deal. Recall that Hendrickson carried their pass-rushing efforts in 2024 (17.5 sacks). They did select Texas A&M’s Shemar Stewart in the first round. Still, even though he’s a physical specimen, his lack of production is concerning.
The Bengals also drafted a pair of promising linebackers in Demetrius Knight Jr and Barrett Carter. However, that seems like a bet for the future, with Logan Wilson still in the building.
Cincinnati boasts an elite offense that can score with anyone, but their ability to compete in the AFC will hinge on whether or not they can take a step forward defensively in 2025. Unfortunately, they haven’t done much to silence those concerns.
Here we’ll try to look at the two Cincinnati Bengals players who may be in danger of getting cut after their 2025 minicamp.
When the Bengals signed Zack Moss, it was seen as a solid depth move. The 27-year-old has experience, reliability, and over 3,000 career scrimmage yards to his name. That said, NFL careers can turn quickly. Moss is coming off a season-ending neck injury. In a room that now includes Chase Brown, Samaje Perine, and rookie Tahj Brooks, Moss is running out of runway.
Brown already looks like the present and future of the Bengals backfield. The second-year standout rushed for 990 yards in 2024. He averged 4.3 yards per carry and punched in seven rushing touchdowns. He also proved to be a threat in the passing game. Brown is explosive, durable, and still on a rookie contract.
To bolster that backfield further, the Bengals brought back Perine and used a sixth-round pick on Texas Tech’s Brooks. The latter exited college as the Red Raiders’ all-time leading rusher. Brooks is a physical, downhill runner who brings fresh legs and upside.
Moss finds himself in a lose-lose scenario. The team has a crowded room and an unforgiving salary cap. The Bengals have already restructured his...
