Watch Off the Bench Presented by UDF with Chatterbox Sports Monday-Friday 10 a.m. - 12 p.m. LIVE on the Chatterbox Sports YouTube channel. SUBSCRIBE to the channel to ensure you never miss a thing. As of March 10, 2025, the Cincinnati Bengals have kicked off the NFL free agency period with a strategic focus on retaining key contributors and bolstering their roster for the upcoming season. With the new league year set to begin on March 12 at 4 p.m. ET, the Bengals are navigating a pivotal offseason, balancing the retention of core players with the need to address defensive and offensive line weaknesses. Here’s a look at their moves so far and the context surrounding them. One of the Bengals’ earliest confirmed moves was re-signing tight end Mike Gesicki to a three-year contract extension, announced on March 10. Gesicki, who had a standout 2024 season with the most receptions by a Bengals tight end in 43 years, provides quarterback Joe Burrow with a reliable target. This move underscores Cincinnati’s intent to maintain offensive continuity, especially with wide receiver Tee Higgins on the franchise tag ($26.17 million for 2025) and Ja’Marr Chase poised for a massive extension that could make him the NFL’s highest-paid non-quarterback. The Gesicki signing ensures depth at a position that lacked stability last season. On the offensive line, the Bengals extended guard/tackle Cody Ford with a two-year deal on March 10. Ford, who signed a one-year, $1.35 million contract in 2024, offers versatility and depth. With the release of veteran guard Alex Cappa on March 3, freeing up cap space, Cincinnati is clearly prioritizing flexibility along the line. The team’s projected $53.1 million in cap space (ninth-most in the NFL) gives them room to pursue additional linemen, potentially targeting free agents like Kevin Zeitler or Morgan Moses to protect Burrow. Defensively, the Bengals made a splash by signing former Packers defensive tackle T.J. Slaton to a two-year, $15.1 million deal. Slaton, known for his run-stopping prowess (third in run stop win rate in 2024 per NFL Next Gen Stats), addresses a glaring need after Cincinnati ranked fourth-worst in expected points added against the run last season. With defensive tackle Sheldon Rankins released on February 21 and Trey Hendrickson seeking a trade, Slaton’s addition is a step toward rebuilding the interior line. The Bengals also re-signed defensive tackle B.J. Hill to a three-year, $33 million deal, signaling a commitment to continuity despite his age (30 in April). With $40-53 million in cap space, the Bengals are poised for more moves. Potential targets include edge rushers or linebackers to replace Hendrickson or Germaine Pratt (who requested a trade), ensuring a defense that faltered in 2024 doesn’t sink their playoff hopes again. Free agency is just beginning, and Cincinnati’s proactive start suggests a busy offseason ahead.