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!

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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.

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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.

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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.

• 00:00:00 - Day 1 Front Seven Overview
• 00:01:21 - Caleb Banks (DT, Florida)
• 00:03:55 - Arvell Reese (Edge, Ohio State)
• 00:07:37 - David Bailey (Edge, Texas Tech)
• 00:09:51 - Cashius Howell (Edge, Texas A&M)
• 00:12:18 - TJ Parker (Edge, Clemson)
• 00:13:42 - Malachi Lawrence (Edge, UCF)
• 00:15:59 - Sonny Styles (LB, Ohio State)
• 00:18:13 - Anthony Hill Jr. (LB, Texas)
• 00:19:37 - Jacob Rodriguez (LB, Texas Tech)
• 00:21:41 - Jake Gold (LB, Cincinnati)
• 00:23:00 - Day 2 Preview & Wrap-up

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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.

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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.

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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

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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.

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