It’s not like money grows on trees. However, the Cincinnati Bengals will need to find a lot of money if they want to retain its top players, Trey Hendrickson, Tee Higgins, and Ja’Marr Chase, content and on the team. And quickly.
The Bengals now have an estimated $68 million in free cap space, but it won’t be nearly enough because Chase, Higgins, and Hendrickson are all anticipated to want up to $40 million, $30 million, and $30 million year, respectively.
However, there is a method. Sheldon Rankins, a defensive tackle, recently left Cincinnati, freeing up an extra $9.5 million.
The Bengals then removed right guard Alex Cappa on Monday, freeing up an additional $8 million in salary space. The veteran only had a 55.2 pass-blocking rating from Pro Football Focus (PFF) and has given up 15 sacks in his three years with the Bengals, which is third-most of any guard in the league. Cappa’s pass-blocking grade fell to 39.7 during the previous season, and he gave up eight sacks.
Who else will the Bengals cut ties with, then?
Sam Hubbard
With his 98-yard touchdown return of a fumble that changed the outcome of a 2023 divisional playoff game against the Baltimore Ravens, Sam Hubbard, a local hero, cemented his legacy in Bengals history.
But last season, Hubbard, who is beyond 30, suffered greatly in every area of his game. Indeed, injuries contributed to it, but by cutting him completely, the Bengals may save $9.6 million. Of course, it would not be a terrible idea to keep him in the building to train possible successors at a lower wage.
Germaine Pratt
Germaine Pratt, a linebacker who has already asked for a trade, would be next. In 2024, Pratt missed 18 tackles, which was second among linebackers and tied for third in the league. He was 27th in the league among players with at least 68 tackles, but his missed tackle percentage of 11.2 was not quite as awful.
In any case, Cincinnati would save $5.8 million against the limit if Pratt were removed immediately. The Bengals could be able to gain that cap space and get a late Day 3 NFL Draft choice because he recently asked for a trade.
Zack Moss
Zack Moss, a running back who missed a large portion of the 2024 season due to a neck ailment, might be released, saving the Bengals an additional $3.3 million. Moss’ comeback seemed doubtful given Chase Brown’s rise to prominence as a real No. 1 back, but the club still require a strong backup to cover Brown.
Another person who may be brought back at a lower wage is Moss.
Geno Stone
Safety of Geno Stones Geno Stone is a very other story. With three interceptions in Cincinnati previous five games, Stone showed everyone what he is capable of, and even though he has a $8 million cap cost, it appears probable that he will return to the building in 2025.
Cutting Hubbard, Pratt, and Moss, assuming Stone is retained, would save the Bengals almost $18 million against the cap and increase their overall cap space to nearly $86 million, placing them third in the league behind the New England Patriots and the Las Vegas Raiders.
Will it suffice? Although that is still up in the air, it gives us optimism that the Bengals could find a way if they so want.
