Bleav in Bengals

Solomon Wilcots joins us this week to talk all about the Draft and the kind of players that the Cincinnati Bengals need to be taking with they're picks, especially at 10th overall. He gets into a lot of what each of 5 players he hopes are still on the board for them when they are up to pick and what they can do for the team and then gives a crash course on how he wants the Bengals to be playing defense from now on. Tune in NOW for Bleav in Bengals ONLY right here on the Bleav Network! Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Cincinnati Bengals captain Ted Karras joins Solomon Wilcots to talk about his mission with the Cincy Hat Foundation, his offseason training, and the team’s mindset. From building opportunities for individuals with intellectual disabilities to breaking down the Bengals’ push to get back to the playoffs, Karras shares insight both on and off the field. To purchase a hat: https://thecincyhat.com Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Solomon Wilcots is joined by NFL.com analyst Bucky Brooks to break down the Bengals' 2026 NFL Draft strategy and the state of a defense that desperately needs playmakers at every level. Brooks defends his mock draft selection of LSU cornerback Mansoor Delane at #10 overall, but names Ohio State safety Caleb Downs as his ideal pick if available — arguing championship defenses are built strong down the middle, and Downs is the high-IQ, versatile playmaker Cincinnati has lacked since Jessie Bates departed. The conversation turns to the pass rush market, where Brooks evaluates Rueben Bain Jr. and Akheem Mesidor as potential options at #10, delivering a "Robin, not Batman" verdict on this draft class and breaking down whether a Seattle-style pass rush committee is even a realistic model for Cincinnati to build in one offseason. Wilcots then conducts a sobering four-year postmortem on nine defensive picks — including Dax Hill, Myles Murphy, and Shamar Stewart — making the case that a persistent habit of drafting on athletic traits over proven production has left the Bengals without a single difference-maker on that side of the ball. The episode closes with both hosts lamenting the missed opportunity on Notre Dame safety Xavier Watts, now thriving in Atlanta alongside Jessie Bates III — a player Watts idolized and a scheme he already knew under DC Al Golden, making him a perfect fit that Cincinnati passed on entirely. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Solomon Wilcots opens by endorsing the Bengals' re-signing of Joe Flacco as backup QB, pointing to his strong six-start performance and Joe Burrow's history of missing games over six seasons as justification. The episode's main argument is a pointed critique of the Bengals' cap structure: by front-loading all guaranteed money into year one, they're burning 80% of their free agency cap space upfront versus the NFL average of 50%, which cost them two extra defensive signings — including linebackers Kaden Elliss and Devin Lloyd. Solly warns this self-inflicted linebacker shortage now puts the Bengals in a tough spot at pick 10, potentially forcing them to reach for a position they could have filled in free agency instead of taking the best player available like safety Caleb Downs. He closes with a push for a higher run play percentage to protect both Burrow and the defense in crucial AFC North games. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Solomon Wilcots is back this week to discuss how Trey Hendrickson has officially joined the Ravens and is no longer a Cincinnati Bengal, as he reflects on his time here, he gets into why it might not be the worst move going forward. In addition, he takes apart some of the Bengals free agent signings so far and says how he feels about them. Listen in to this episode of Bleav in Bengals for a Free Agency recap as well as a slight look forward to the draft! Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Solomon Wilcots reacts to the Bengals’ defensive shakeup after Trey Hendrickson signs with the Baltimore Ravens, breaking down what the move means for Cincinnati’s pass rush and the AFC North rivalry. Wilcots explores whether the Bengals should pursue Maxx Crosby as a potential replacement and discusses the team’s broader defensive needs after a season plagued by missed tackles. He also analyzes key free-agent additions like Brian Cook, possible draft targets such as Caleb Downs, and why the Bengals must prioritize toughness and difference-makers on defense heading into the 2026 season. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Solomon Wilcots breaks down the NFLPA report card controversy after the NFL filed a grievance to block teams’ grades from going public, and the Bengals’ results raise eyebrows. Cincinnati ranked 28th overall, earning failing grades in food services, nutrition, and family treatment, while the coaching staff and facilities received strong marks. Solomon also dives into Joe Burrow’s recent comments about “having fun” and what they signal about the organization’s urgency heading into a critical offseason. With three straight missed playoffs, is this a crossroads year for the franchise? Plus: Combine takeaways, defensive needs, potential draft targets like Sonny Styles and Caleb Downs, and the big question surrounding Trey Hendrickson’s future. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

LIVE from the NFL Combine in Indianapolis, Bucky Brooks breaks down the biggest takeaways from Day 1 workouts, spotlighting the defensive linemen and linebackers who are rising up draft boards. This year’s class is loaded in the trenches, especially at edge rusher and defensive tackle, and teams looking to build through the front seven are in great shape. Bucky emphasizes how the Combine validates what shows up on tape: explosiveness, length, bend, and positional versatility. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Solomon Wilcots is joined by sports business attorney Jesse Taylor for a wide-ranging offseason discussion that blends football evaluation with NFL business realities. The two break down why the Bengals must prioritize defensive difference-makers in the draft, stressing tackling, leadership, and proven production over raw traits. Taylor provides insight into rookie contract guarantees, voiding language, and how teams and agents negotiate leverage, before addressing the controversy surrounding the NFLPA’s player report cards and the league’s attempt to silence them. The episode closes with an in-depth look at Trey Hendrickson’s uncertain future, franchise-tag mechanics, and a broader warning to players about preparing for an impending showdown in the next collective bargaining agreement. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Solomon Wilcots dives into the Bengals’ offseason crossroads, starting with the future of Trey Hendrickson and why Cincinnati may let him walk rather than use the franchise tag. He lays out a clear philosophy for team building: stop drafting traits and start prioritizing true difference-makers and leaders who consistently produce on the field. Wilcots also defends Zac Taylor, pushing back on calls to fire the head coach and crediting him for Joe Burrow’s development and the offense’s growth. The episode closes with a passionate call for the Bengals to establish a real organizational identity — and a strong case for Kenny Anderson’s Hall of Fame legacy. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Solomon Wilcots on the HOF, Bill Belichick, and Super Bowl preview. (0:00-0:17) Introduction to the podcast and main topic (0:17-1:09) Discussion about Bill Belichick's Hall of Fame candidacy (1:09-2:40) Criticism of "whining" about Belichick not being a first-ballot Hall of Famer (2:40-7:13) Belichick's cheating allegations and Spygate (7:13-10:04) Fairness in Hall of Fame voting and other candidates (10:04-11:24) Transition to Super Bowl 60 and a story about Tom Brady (11:24-12:42) Analysis of the two Super Bowl teams' defenses (12:42-13:40) Mike Vrabel's unique Super Bowl achievement opportunity (13:40-19:51) Importance of defense in winning championships (with Cincinnati Bengals focus) (19:51-23:43) Milton Williams and the Patriots' free agency strategy (23:43-24:20) Concluding thoughts on telling the "whole story" of individuals Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Solomon Wilcots is joined by NFL Network reporter Steve Wyche, who reflects on his upcoming induction into the Black College Football Hall of Fame and discusses the historic impact of HBCUs and the AFL on the integration and growth of the NFL. The conversation then shifts to previewing Super Bowl 60 between the Seattle Seahawks and New England Patriots, with both emphasizing that this matchup will be decided by elite defenses and coaching mentality. Wyche breaks down how the personalities of coaches Mike Vrabel and Mike Macdonald shape their teams’ physical identities, and why this game could become a low-scoring, hard-hitting defensive battle. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Solomon Wilcots is here to have a heart to heart with Bengals fans in order to talk about the things that need to change around the Bengals team and organization in order for the Bengals to become true competitors again and make it back to the playoffs. He also touches on the AFC North coaching situation and how it has gone out of control with every coach but the Bengals having been fired. Listen in for all that and MUCH more ONLY right here on Bleav in Bengals! Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Solomon Wilcots and Charlie Goldsmith are back together to talk about how far they believe the Bengals are from getting back into the playoffs and how they felt watching the playoffs without Joe Burrow in it. They discuss what they would like to see from the Bengals this offseason in order to propel them back to success and it doesn't involve drafting by need. They also discuss a bit about whether the Bengals will move on from Trey Hendrickson or not. For all that and more listen to Bleav in Bengals now! Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Solomon Wilcots and Charlie Goldsmith take us through the end of the season with the Cincinnati Bengals and tell us how we got here, sitting outside the playoffs. What have the Bengals been doing that sabotages them that other teams out there just aren't doing to themselves. They also look towards the future and potentially what the offseason may hold. For all that and more listen in to Bleav in Bengals NOW! Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Solomon Wilcots and Charlie Goldsmith discuss the Bengals big win this past Sunday over the Cardinals that brings the Bengals to a record of 6-10. They discuss what went right and why this game was such a success where most of the rest of the season has been a major disaster. The guys also discuss Joe Burrow's Christmas gift to his Offensive Linemen where he gave them all Fossils. Listen in to hear all about that and MUCH more ONLY right here on Bleav in Bengals! Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Solomon Wilcots and Charlie Goldsmith are here to help recap the most electric Bengals game that they have played, maybe all season. Listen in to hear all about who and what made this game so special compared to all the others thus far and why this one just meant more to come home with the win from. Does this mean a corner has turned in the building in a positive way? Only time will tell. Tune in NOW to Bleav in Bengals to hear what the experts think! Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Solomon Wilcots and Charlie Goldsmith join us to help breakdown what Bengals fans saw from the team in Sunday's game against the Baltimore Ravens where the Bengals got completely shutout and were unable to even score a single point. How could this have happened and what do they think about Joe Burrow's comments, listen in NOW to Bleav in Bengals to hear what the insiders think! Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Solomon Wilcots welcomes The Athletic’s Bengals insider Paul Dehner Jr. to break down Cincinnati’s 39-34 loss to Buffalo — a game that exposed the Bengals’ defensive struggles and the burden on Joe Burrow to play perfectly. The two discuss Burrow’s evolving mindset, how he’s learning to cope with repeated high-scoring losses, and why his calm perspective might mask deep competitive fire. Dehner explains the front office’s growing realization that the team’s defensive draft investments have failed, outlines the offseason priorities, and details the Trey Hendrickson situation — calling it a cautionary tale of fractured trust. They also touch on Tee Higgins’ concussion scare, the Jermaine Burton release, and what Cincinnati must fix to regain its championship trajectory. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

The Bills are back at home this weekend after a physically dominant win on the road at Pittsburgh. The Bengals (4-8) come to Orchard park clinging to their playoff lives, but bolstered by the return of Joe Burrow who has been out since week two with a turf toe injury. Coming off a 32-14 win on Thanksgiving, they've now won eight straight games with Burrow at the helm dating back to last season. Former Bengals safety and current NFL analyst Solomon Wilcots joined Adam and Sal for a preview. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.