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Paul, Jay and The Athletic's New Orleans Saints keyboard-busting scribe Katherine Terrell discuss Cincinnati's most expensive off-season signing so far, Trey Hendrickson. Terrell opines about Hendrickson's increased production in 2020 and the reason behind it. The podcasting triple-threat also gab over Hendrickson's effectiveness against the run before chatting about a pair of former Saints turned open-market options, Sheldon Rankins and Larry Warford. Lastly, the three-piece crew share an enchanting tale, one of trials and tribulations and little to no triumphs. In theaters...never. PDJ and JM, themselves, react to the Hendrickson signing before punching out.

Rundown:

(2:00) Hendrickson signing & 2020 production

(10:00) Hendrickson vs. the run

(12:00) Sheldon Rankins & Larry Warford

(22:00) Paul & Jay reaction

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Disclaimer: The podcast was recorded prior to Cincinnati signing former Saints defensive end, Trey Hendrickson, to a reported 4-year, $60 million contract.

Paul and Jay react to the opening day of free agency. Was missing out on premium offensive linemen like Joe Thuney disappointing? What will the rest of the free agency period hold?

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Paul Dehner Jr. and Jay Morrison react to Cincinnati not exercising the franchise tag on Carl Lawson or William Jackson III. What does this mean for the two Bengals defenders? Is there a chance at least one returns? How does this affect Cincy's approach to free agency starting next week and the draft?

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Are the Bengals spendin' big this off-season? Paul and Jay assess Cincinnati's current position ahead of the franchise tag and free agency period. Plus, the two deconstruct Bengals' director of player personnel Duke Tobin's comments about this off-season. Where would the Bengals spin big first? How will their acquisitions affect their draft approach? The duo also discuss the latest off-season news, including Trent Williams being traded to New England. Lastly, jersey leak, jersey leak!

Rundown:

(7:00) Tobin's comments and off-season spending

(30:00) FA news

(47:00) Jersey leak!

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Paul and Jay examine the Bengals' attempt to reconnect with its fanbase and establish new traditions by way of social media, marketing, and more. Elizabeth Blackburn, the club's Director of Strategy and Engagement, is at the effort's core. She describes to Paul and Jay the organization's goals and ideas in this pursuit. What's the bedrock of tradition? Can Cincinnati imitate what Kansas City, among other teams, has done in building its community? Plus, J.J. Watt is now an Arizona Cardinal. The sack maestro recorded few sacks against Cincinnati during his time in Houston, but what other non-conference, and conference, defensive linemen have a penchant for blanketing Bengals quarterbacks? Also, would you rather have Watt or Carl Lawson on the Bengals? Lastly, PDJ and JM share a cap casualty update.

Rundown:

(4:00) Cincinnati's attempt to reconnect with its fanbase

(21:00) Elizabeth Blackburn interview

(32:00) Establishing traditions

(50:30) Watt or Lawson & Watt stats

(1:01:00) Cap casualty update

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What a journey...a hypothetical, Excel sheet and Bengals-centric journey. Paul and Jay react to readers' and listeners' experiences constructing Cincinnati's roster. What were some of the common themes? What action was ubiquitous, and why weren't there so few budget signings? Plus, where do you stand on long-term versus franchise tag signings? The duo discusses some recent news nuggets, including the franchise tag period beginning and possible cap space. To wrap, PDJ and JM answer your mailbag questions, including if neither Penei Sewell nor Ja'Marr Chase is available at pick no. 5, would Cincinnati trade back in the draft, and who would be your top-5 players in the Bengals Ring of Honor?

Rundown:

(4:30) Choose your own offseason

(12:15) Extensions and budget players

(32:15) Franchise tag period begins

(40:00) Listener mailbag: trade back in draft + ROH

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Tag! You're...it? But who's "it"? Paul and Jay look further into that question as Cincinnati faces franchise tagging either William Jackson III or Carl Lawson. The guys weigh the pros and cons of retraining each guy on a one-year deal and discourse about which player is the most likely candidate for a long-term extension. It's a cap casualty closeout! (It's like a clearance sale, but the price tag is generally still in the millions.) PDJ and JM focus on recently cut players who would fit well in Cincinnati. What offensive lineman could bolster the Bengals' protection unit? Is it time for an upgrade at tight end? What other skill position players could improve the roster and J.J. Watt...what will it take? Lastly, why drafting Kyle Pitts isn't who Cincinnati should be looking at right now.

Rundown:

(5:15) Franchise tag Jackson or Lawson? + RPB

(22:30) Cap casualty shopping

(48:30) J.J. Watt

(55:45) Kyle Pitts

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It's sledding weather! Grab your jackets, balaclavas, gloves and deicer for for your face because your tears from seeing another Bengals-less Super Bowl will freeze! Paul and Jay analyze the Tom Brady Buccaneers' Super Bowl win from a Bengals perspective. Aside from the obvious, what can Cincinnati takeaway from Tampa Bays' performance? Jay's on an Amazon binge. It's even starting to bleed over into his writing because he has an entire Bengals wish list to discuss! What transactions, hires, re-signings, etc. would Jay love to see the club make this offseason? The guys dip into their mailbag and answer an array of questions, including: the Ken Riley controversy/hypocrisy; will the coaching staff press the front office into signing must-get players, and, realistically, what must Zac Taylor do to keep his job?

Rundown:

(5:00) Cincy's Super Bowl takeaways

(16:30) Bengals wish list

(27:15) Defense wish list

(35:15) Listener mailbag

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Bengals great, Willie Anderson, a former offensive tackle, is a Pro Football Hall of Fame candidate. What will it take to catapult a generational right tackle into the annals of history? Paul and Jay explore Anderson's Hall of Fame case, including the challenges threatening his chances; the advent of offensive line stats and more. Plus, Anderson, himself, speaks on self promotion, and the outpouring of support from Bengals fans. Neil Hornsby, founder and CEO of Pro Football Focus, shares his take on Anderson's candidacy from an analytical lens. He, as well as PDJ and JM, discuss how football is evolving to where analytics should be considered when selecting HOFers. Lastly, a surefire HOF RPB.

Rundown:

(2:00) Outlining Willie Anderson's HOF candidacy

(14:30) HOF-worthy stats

(19:30) Anderson on promotion and Bengals fans

(39:30) PFF's Neil Hornsby on Anderson

(46:45) HOF RPB

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