:no_upscale()/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/25939227/Screenshot_2025_04_04_at_1.20.27_AM.png?w=1920&resize=1920,422&ssl=1 "2025 NFL Mock Draft: Carolina Panthers choose cornerback")
The Bengals made some moves, but not the big ones.
The NFL’s legal tampering period kicked off Monday, and while the Cincinnati Bengals didn’t make any big splashes, they retained some talent and added some defensive pieces.
Bengals News
Bengals re-sign B.J. Hill to 3-year, $33M deal
“Hill, 29, got the free agency period after his three-year deal worth $30 million expired at the end of the season. In addition to his pass-rush capabilities, he was also one of the league’s best interior run defenders. Hill ranked ninth among all defensive tackles or nose tackles in run stop win rate (37%), an ESPN metric powered by NFL Next Gen Stats.”
Bengals Grab Packers Run Stopper TJ Slaton
“The 6-4, 330-pound Slaton, who has started the last 34 games, is coming off a productive year in Green Bay’s playoff run where he played about 40% of the downs and had 30 tackles, a sack, two quarterback hits and two tackles for loss to go with four quarterback pressures as the Packers finished seventh in the NFL against the run. In 2024, Slaton ranked first among defensive tackles in run stop win rate, per ESPN.”
Bengals Continue to Bolster Defense, Signing Linebacker Oren Burks
Burks was a key contributor to the Philadelphia Eagles’ Super Bowl run after Nakobe Dean went down with an injury. Burks could have a chance to start alongside Logan Wilson depending on how Germaine Pratt’s trade request pans out.
Bengals Signing Samaje Perine to Two-Year Contract
“This makes a ton of sense for the Bengals. They needed a proven running back behind Chase Brown and Perine is a perfect fit. He’s a quality pass blocker, good special teamer and can catch out of the backfield. The Bengals can also draft a running back and let a youngster learn from a savvy veteran like Perine.”
Bengals lose former draft pick to Cardinals in free agency
“A year ago, ADG signed a one-year extension with the Bengals that clearly hinted it could be his last season with the team. The Bengals now move forward with new arrival Oren Burks and still need to resolve the Germaine Pratt trade request situation.”
NFL News
Sam Darnold to Seahawks on 3-year, $100.5M deal
“The Seahawks added Darnold three days after agreeing to trade Smith, their starting quarterback for the past three seasons, to the Las Vegas Raiders for a third-round draft pick. Darnold’s deal is the latest move in what has been a busy stretch for the Seahawks, who agreed to trade star receiver DK Metcalf to the Pittsburgh Steelers on Sunday and released receiver Tyler Lockett and four other veteran players last week.”
Texans trade LT Laremy Tunsil to Commanders for draft picks
“Tunsil arrives as a trusted blindside protector for Offensive Rookie of the Year Jayden Daniels and signals an intent to maximize the star signal-caller’s potential immediately. The wunderkind quarterback ran away with the award with a scintillating debut campaign that powered an unexpected franchise turnaround and a magical season which included a return to the playoffs, two upset postseason wins on the road and ended one victory shy of an appearance in Super Bowl LIX.”
Browns agree to trade for Kenny Pickett
“The No. 20 overall pick of the 2022 draft, Pickett was traded to the Eagles last offseason to serve as the backup to Jalen Hurts. He appeared in five games with one start for Philadelphia in 2024, completing 60 percent of his throws for 291 yards with two touchdowns and an interception.”
“Fields took much better care of the football with the Steelers than he did with the Bears: He averaged a turnover on only 0.8% of his plays in 2024 after averaging an NFL-worst 2.8% turnover rate from 2021-2023 in Chicago. His awareness and poise in the pocket also improved in Pittsburgh: Field averaged an NFL-worst 12.4% sack rate from 2021-2023 with the Bears, but he cut that rate down to 9% in 2024 with the Steelers.”
Patriots agree to deal with DT Milton Williams after initial reports had Panthers close
“The Carolina Panthers were reportedly finalizing a deal with Williams, who starred for the Eagles in their Super Bowl LIX win. But shortly after, a report from NFL Media said the Patriots had come in and gotten Williams to agree to join their team instead.”
Come join the discussion in today’s open thread!
:no_upscale()/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/25939227/Screenshot_2025_04_04_at_1.20.27_AM.png?w=500&resize=500,500&ssl=1 "2025 NFL Mock Draft: Carolina Panthers choose cornerback")
