On this episode:

• More updates on Trey Hendrickson.
• The Bengals re-signed some key young depth pieces ahead of free agency.
• Some thoughts from NFL Network's Daniel Jeremiah and his media conference call.
• Might an intriguing slot receiver be in play for the Bengals at No. 41 overall?
• A versatile, but older defensive lineman could provide help along Cincinnati's defensive line.
• And more!

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This week on Matt and Willie Know Ball, your favorite ball-knowers discuss the idea of a Trey Hendrickson tag and trade.

Tagging a player does not mean you are on the hook for that money. Quite the contrary. You can rescind the tag at any time before it is signed, and Hendrickson will be in no hurry to sign it. He wants out. He wants more than a one-year deal. Hendrickson has no intention of playing another down for the Bengals, but they should not let him walk out the door for nothing.

Yes, he is in his 30s. Yes, he is coming off an injury. Yes, whoever acquires him is going to have to pay him a hefty fee. It doesn't matter. He is still the top free agent. He is still a year removed from leading the league in sacks. He is still a guy who had 35 sacks in two years. No, they aren't going to get what the Dallas Cowboys got for Micah Parsons. Parsons is 6 years younger and wasn't coming off a season ending injury. They can however get something.

It starts with a third. That should be the asking price, a third round pick in 2026. If a few teams are interested in him for that, maybe it becomes a little more. Maybe a day three pick or a player is added. Maybe the third even becomes a second. Or maybe it goes the other way and you only get a fifth round pick. Who cares? It is something!

The idea that it could be Kenny Clark occurred to me until I saw his contract. If I have a choice between Trey for $30 million or Clark for $20 million, the Treys have it. But maybe the next unappreciated B.J. Hill type is out there somewhere waiting for his moment to shine. Like a peacock, you gotta let him fly.

We also talk about the Jalen Davis extension. Not only is it crat news, it was the next thing that needed to happen before we get to Dalton Risner.

Both Davis and Risner stepped in and solidified the team this season. They should both be very reasonably priced compared to what their contribution to the team is. These are guys you've got to sign. There is no reason to create a need on your roster.

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On this episode:

• The Trey Hendrickson saga continues...
• It's obvious that the Bengals defense needs help--what's the best avenue?
• A former Chiefs linebacker could bring a versatile skill set to greatly aid the Bengals.
• Peter Woods is a polarizing, but talented interior defensive lineman in this year's draft.
• And more!

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Hot take alert!

I (Matt) like Caleb Downs but find the prospect of drafting him at 10 rather uninspiring.

I feel like I'm going out on a limb saying this. The consensus appears to be very high on Downs. There is, of course, the fact that he is a safety and safeties rarely go on the top 10. Honestly. I don't really care about that. It's not about position value. It is the lack of special traits. Downs is a good player who I would love to have on the Bengals defense, but I don't know if there is anything about him that is special.

I know. You hate me, right? Not only is it a controversial take, but about a Buckeye no less. For shame.

Can Willie talk him out of it?

He's pretty high on Downs. Not only that, he's a true Ohio State guy. Surely Willie can talk some sense into me. Right?

There is only one way to find out. Tune in to hear why I haven't bought in on Downs and see if Willie can bring me back into the light.

Then we randomly veered off into a long conversation about pass rushers and money ball. What do the Bengals need to do to fix their pass rush?

Is it on the inside? Is it on the outside? Is it in house? Is it in free agency? Is it in the draft? Maybe it's Maxx Crosby. Maybe it's Jeffery Simmons. Sorry, it's not Trey Hendrickson at this point.

Matt and Willie discuss how to replace Giambi, I mean Henderickson.

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This week on Matt and Willie Know Ball, the duo dips their toes into the waters of what is to come.

The Bengals need help. We all know that it’s true. The good news is that they have money to spend and draft picks to select. So who should be the targets?

Defense is the obvious need, which is a pretty broad statement and yet quite true. The defense was so bad in 2024, that it got Lou Anarumo fired and it was arguably worse in 2025. That puts Al Golden in a very awkward position and he looks to lead his unit on a massive turnaround next season.

Whether it was the volume knob or the AM/PM, last year, the Bengals slept through most of free agency. In de facto general manager Duke Tobin historic post season press conference he proclaimed his affection for pass rushers and his deep desire to address that dire need, But to equate head coach Zac Taylor “I hear better than I see.” Will Duke put his money where his mouth is, or the Brown family’s money where his mouth is to be more accurate?

He had better.

Matt and Willie each share one of their favorite Bengals targets in both free agency and the draft. Not surprisingly, all four players are on defense.

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On this episode:

• Chase Brown talks about the Offensive Line improvement last year.
• Tee Higgins and Chase Brown talk about the Bengals' mindset heading into 2026.
• the duo gives their thoughts about Dan Pitcher's abilities as an OC.
• And much more!

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Jason and Alex are back to discuss the Bengals' last two losses to the Bills and Ravens. They talk about being eliminated from the playoffs for the third consecutive year, and the fact there will likely be no coaching changes.

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