Cincinnati Bengals Head Coach Zac Taylor Had a Horrible Accident

When the Cincinnati Bengals faced up against the Buffalo Bills in the divisional round of the playoffs, their goal was to advance to the AFC Championship for the second time in a row. Instead, they will be watching the Bills’ Sunday game from a distance when they host the Kansas City Chiefs.

Cincinnati’s 9-8 record this season prevented them from making the playoffs, therefore the Bengals are starting their offseason early rather than getting ready for the next season.

There is still plenty of time until the offseason truly gets going, with four weeks before the Super Bowl, but the Bengals will need the extra bit of time since they have some significant decisions to make regarding the roster and pending free agents. preparation.

Here’s a look at some of the NFL’s important upcoming dates and things to look forward to this offseason.

Over 300 of the top college football players can demonstrate their skills in front of coaches, general managers, and scouts at the NFL Scouting Combine, a crucial stop on the route to the NFL Draft. Drills start on February 29 and go on all week.

With the help of the 2020 and 2021 rounds, Cincinnati rebuilt its offense, while the 2022 and 2023 drafts added depth to the defense, which allowed numerous rookies and first-year players to fill gaps this season. The Bengals will scout out the upcoming class of prospects they may draft at the Combine. and it might be another Ja’Marr Chase vs. Penei Sewell argument because turnover is anticipated at important offensive positions.

Teams were able to designate their franchise tag or transition players starting on February 20. However, the deadline to do so is March 5 at 4 p.m.

The Bengals may use the tag this year in an attempt to retain Tee Higgins for one additional season in the event that they are still unable to reach a long-term contract arrangement, as they did not use it last year. Jessie Bates experienced it in 2022, and as a result, he signed a large contract with Atlanta.

Not to mention, College Pro Days start at this time as well.

starting on March 11 at noon and going until 3:59 p.m.

Teams may get in touch with and negotiate contracts with players who will become unrestricted free agents once their 2023 contracts expire on March 13. Until free agency formally opens on March 13 at 4 p.m., no prospective free agent may sign a contract with a new team.

Clubs can retain exclusive negotiating rights to their players with expiring contracts who have fewer than three accrued seasons of free agency credit by submitting a minimum salary tender before 4 p.m., and they can retain the right of first refusal by making qualifying offers to their restricted free agents with expiring contracts.

Free agency officially opens at 4 p.m., along with the trading period.

Teams with head coaches who are returning can start Clubs with new head coaches are permitted to start offseason training as early as April 1.

Rookie minicamps can take place on May 3–6 or May 10–13 for teams.

The Bengals are selected with the 18th overall pick in the NFL Draft, which is held in Detroit, Michigan.

There could be huge openings at wide receiver if Higgins and Tyler Boyd walk, and the drat appears to be a likely place to rebuild similar to what they did in 2020 and 2021. There are needs on the offensive and defensive lines as right tackle Jonah Williams and defensive tackle D.J. Reader could be gone in free agency. Additionally, the tight end position still has to be addressed. The Bengals did not choose one in the previous year’s draft, although most certainly