On today's edition of The Stone Shields Show we discuss Logan Wilson's decision to request a trade, keys to victory for the Bengals vs. the Jets, Stone's Collage Football Weekend Preview ft. Missouri vs. Vanderbilt and Ole Miss vs. Oklahoma, and Best Bets Of The Weekend.

In a stunning development amid the Cincinnati Bengals' turbulent 2025 season, veteran linebacker Logan Wilson has formally requested a trade, as first reported by ESPN on October 23. The 29-year-old, a third-round pick out of Wyoming in 2020 and a newly minted defensive captain, cited a sharp decline in his playing time as the catalyst for his dissatisfaction. Once a cornerstone of Cincinnati's linebacker corps, Wilson's frustration underscores the team's ongoing defensive woes and a pattern of player discontent.

Wilson's benching saga began in earnest during Week 6's loss to the Green Bay Packers, where he logged a mere 19.7% of defensive snaps—his lowest since becoming a starter. The following week against the Pittsburgh Steelers, his usage ticked up slightly to 47.5%, but it was still a far cry from his full-time role earlier in the year. Rookies Demetrius Knight (second-round pick) and Barrett Carter (fourth-round) have supplanted him, reflecting head coach Zac Taylor's push for youth integration. Despite this, Wilson has maintained professionalism, with Carter praising his mentorship to ESPN. On the season, Wilson has tallied 41 tackles, four passes defended, and a fumble recovery, but his Pro Football Focus grade sits at a middling 58.6—down from top-25 rankings in prior years.

This isn't Wilson's first brush with adversity. A knee injury sidelined him for six games in 2024, yet he rebounded with 104 tackles upon return. His 2023 extension, a four-year, $36 million deal through 2027, made him one of the NFL's better-paid off-ball linebackers. Career stats—313 solo tackles, 11 interceptions, and a Super Bowl appearance in 2021—paint him as a proven commodity. Now, with the November 4 trade deadline looming, Wilson's request joins a Bengals exodus: recent trade pleas from Jonah Williams, Tee Higgins, Trey Hendrickson, and Germaine Pratt (who was cut and bounced to multiple teams).

Potential suitors abound. ESPN analyst Dan Orlovsky pitches the Dallas Cowboys, whose defense leaks 29.4 points per game; Wilson's tackling prowess could shore up their front seven. The Indianapolis Colts, under ex-Bengals DC Lou Anarumo, loom as a natural fit, while the Minnesota Vikings and San Francisco 49ers eye linebacker depth. Analysts peg his value at a late Day 3 pick, given his contract and age (he turns 30 in July).

For the Bengals (3-4 after snapping a skid), this is another gut punch. Cincinnati's reluctance for in-season deals complicates matters, but retaining a disgruntled captain risks locker-room fractures. Wilson's saga highlights a franchise in flux: talent-rich yet retention-poor. As the deadline nears, will the Bengals honor his plea for a fresh start, or double down on their rebuild? Either way, it's a pivotal moment for a player who's embodied Bengal resilience—until now.

Music from #InAudio: https://inaudio.org/ Track Name Holy (Trap).

Music from #InAudio: https://inaudio.org/ Track Name Exercise (Rock).

#Bengals #NFL #TheStoneShieldsShow

On today's edition of The Stone Shields Show we discuss Bengals injury news going into Jets week, Cincinnati Bearcats football ahead of Saturday's matchup with Baylor, Russell Wilson clapping back at Season Payton and NBA season predictions with surprising championship pick.

The Cincinnati Bengals (3-4) host the winless New York Jets (0-7) on Sunday, October 26, at Paycor Stadium, a matchup ripe for a Bengals bounce-back. Without star QB Joe Burrow sidelined by injury, veteran Joe Flacco has stepped in admirably, torching the Pittsburgh Steelers for 342 yards and three touchdowns in a thrilling 33-31 upset last Thursday. Flacco's poise has unlocked Cincinnati's explosive offense, led by Ja'Marr Chase and Tee Higgins, who combined for 12 catches and 180 yards against Pittsburgh. The Bengals' aerial attack ranks top-10 in yards per game, and with a stout home defense allowing just 20 points per contest at Paycor, expect them to exploit New York's porous secondary.

The Jets, meanwhile, are in freefall, mired in QB chaos after benching Justin Fields for Tyrod Taylor, who mustered a measly six points in a 13-6 loss to Carolina. Their offense ranks dead last in passing (143 yards/game) and has failed to score a touchdown in eight quarters, scoring a league-worst 15.7 points per game. Despite elite corner Sauce Gardner's All-Pro play, New York's run game sputters (3.8 yards/carry), and injuries to key receivers like Garrett Wilson (questionable, concussion) compound the misery. Defensively, they've forced turnovers but can't stop the run, yielding 120 yards per game.

Odds favor Cincinnati by 6.5 points (O/U 44.5), with experts projecting a 27-17 Bengals win—Flacco's stability versus the Jets' disarray tips the scales. A Bengals victory could vault them toward playoff contention; for New York, it's do-or-die to avoid infamy as the season's biggest bust.

No. 21 Cincinnati Bearcats (6-1, 4-0 Big 12) welcome the Baylor Bears (4-3, 2-2) on Saturday, October 25, at Nippert Stadium for homecoming, a pivotal Big 12 tilt broadcast on ESPN2 at 4 p.m. ET. The Bearcats, tied atop the conference with BYU, ride a six-game win streak after dismantling Oklahoma State 49-17 last week. QB Brendan Sorsby dazzled with 270 passing yards, three TDs, and a rushing score, fueling an offense averaging 37.9 points (15th nationally). Cincinnati's ground game hums at 6.1 yards per carry (5th in FBS), with Evan Pryor and Xaviah Bussey gashing defenses, while their red-zone efficiency is unmatched (100% scoring rate). Defensively, they rank top-25 in points allowed (18.3/game), primed to stifle Baylor's leaky backfield.

Baylor arrives off a frustrating 42-36 road loss at TCU, where QB Sawyer Robertson threw for 318 yards but three picks in a 31.4 points-allowed nightmare (118th nationally). The Bears' pass-heavy attack (36.3 points/game, 25th) boasts big-play potential—Ashtyn Hawkins snared seven catches for 95 yards last out—but their secondary crumbles, yielding 227 passing yards per game. Road warriors at 2-1, Baylor's 4.4 yards allowed per rush invites Cincinnati's balanced blitz.

Bearcats are 3.5-point favorites (O/U 67.5), with models giving them a 57-43 edge in a projected 35-28 shootout. Nippert's raucous crowd (undefeated at home) and Sorsby's hot hand should extend UC's streak, solidifying their championship pedigree in Year 4 of the Big 12 era.

Music from #InAudio: https://inaudio.org/ Track Name Holy (Trap).

Music from #InAudio: https://inaudio.org/ Track Name Exercise (Rock).

#Bengals #NFL #TheStoneShieldsShow

On today's edition of The Stone Shields Show we discuss Bengals trade rumors from ESPN on Logan Wilson, Cam Taylor-Britt and Trey Hendrickson, Casey McCollister joins us to discuss the state of the Bengals organization, top Billy Napier replacements at Florida and Stone's CFB Top 10 entering Week 9.

As the 2025 NFL trade deadline approaches on November 4, the Cincinnati Bengals find themselves at a crossroads, potentially shifting from contenders to rebuilders amid a disappointing season. With a 3-5 record following their recent Thursday Night Football win, speculation swirls around key defensive players: cornerback Cam Taylor-Britt, linebacker Logan Wilson, and edge rusher Trey Hendrickson. Rumors suggest the Bengals could be open to deals if losses mount, prioritizing cap flexibility for extensions like Ja'Marr Chase's while addressing defensive inconsistencies.

Trey Hendrickson, the Bengals' star pass rusher with 12 sacks last season, tops most trade candidate lists. At 30, he's requested a trade multiple times since 2024, citing contract frustrations despite his $15 million base salary in 2025. The Bengals have granted permission to seek deals, initially demanding a 2026 first-round pick plus a player, but recent reports indicate they've softened to a young contributor and a mid-round selection. Interested teams include the Eagles, Colts, Cowboys, 49ers, Panthers, and Bears, with fan proposals envisioning swaps like Hendrickson to Philadelphia for Dallas Goedert and assets. His departure would leave a massive hole opposite Sam Hubbard, but could net draft capital for a reset.

Linebacker Logan Wilson, a steady tackler with 135 stops in 2024, has drawn quieter buzz. Recently benched for rookie Barrett Carter in Week 6, his role has sparked trade chatter. ESPN's Matt Bowen ranks him as a mid-tier candidate, noting his $6 million 2026 base makes him affordable for contenders like the Colts, who need linebacker depth. Hypothetical packages bundle him with others, such as a Colts deal for Wilson, Taylor-Britt, and Hendrickson in exchange for multiple picks.

Cornerback Cam Taylor-Britt, a 2022 second-rounder known for his ball-hawking (four interceptions last year), appears in speculative trades as a high-upside piece. Ranked No. 20 on trade lists, he's eyed by teams like the Cowboys in mocks involving CeeDee Lamb or Trevon Diggs swaps. The Eagles and others view him as a gamble amid Bengals' secondary woes, especially with his recent absence due to injury

While Hendrickson's rumors dominate, Wilson and Taylor-Britt's inclusion hints at a potential fire sale if Cincinnati falters against the Jets and Bears. Bengals brass remains noncommittal, but ownership's history of frugality fuels the speculation. A trade spree could reshape the AFC North, but for now, it's all whispers until deadline day.

Music from #InAudio: https://inaudio.org/ Track Name Holy (Trap).

Music from #InAudio: https://inaudio.org/ Track Name Exercise (Rock).

#Bengals #NFL #TheStoneShieldsShow

On today's show we discuss whether the Bengals are facing a trap game this Sunday against the Jets, Stone has his NFL power rankings going into Week 8 and we preview the 2025 NBA season which tips off tonight.

n Sunday, October 26, the winless New York Jets (0-7) invade Paycor Stadium to face the Cincinnati Bengals (3-4) in a Week 8 AFC showdown that screams opportunity—and desperation. Kickoff is set for 1 p.m. ET on CBS, with Cincinnati favored by 6.5 points and an over/under of 44, per BetMGM odds. For the Jets, mired in last place in the AFC East and on pace for the No. 1 overall draft pick, this is a must-win to salvage their season under new coach Aaron Glenn. Their offense ranks a dismal 31st in total yards (284.1 per game), plagued by quarterback woes with Justin Fields struggling mightily—netting just minus-10 passing yards in a recent loss to Denver. Yet, New York's defense has been a revelation lately, surrendering just 13 points in back-to-back shutouts against Denver and Carolina, making them a sneaky cover candidate. Running back Breece Hall remains a bright spot, but the Jets' injury-riddled line—key pieces like Alijah Vera-Tucker (triceps, IR) and Israel Abanikanda (shoulder, IR)—leaves them vulnerable to Cincinnati's front seven.

The Bengals, clinging to second in the AFC North behind the 4-2 Steelers, are riding high after a thrilling 33-31 Thursday night upset over Pittsburgh—their first win in four tries. Veteran Joe Flacco, freshly acquired and slotted as starter over Jake Browning, orchestrated the victory with poise, tossing TDs to Tee Higgins (96 yards, score) and Ja'Marr Chase, who etched his name in history with 6,000 career receiving yards and 50 TDs in just five seasons. Chase Brown erupted for 108 rushing yards, fueling a ground game ranked fifth league-wide (135.7 ypg). But short rest from Thursday could breed fatigue, and Cincinnati's defense, leaky at 30.6 points allowed per game, must contain Hall to avoid a trap. Key absences include TE Mike Gesicki (pectoral, IR until Week 12) and OT Cordell Volson (shoulder, IR), testing depth against the Jets' stout secondary. DE Trey Hendrickson (hip) is questionable but logged limited practice, offering hope for a pass rush boost.

Analysts give Cincinnati a 74% win probability, but the Jets' defensive grit could grind out a low-scoring affair. Expect Flacco to lean on Chase early, while New York's secondary forces turnovers. In a matchup pitting Jets' resolve against Bengals' firepower, Cincinnati should prevail 27-17, inching toward playoff contention while dooming New York deeper into despair.

Music from #InAudio: https://inaudio.org/ Track Name Holy (Trap).

Music from #InAudio: https://inaudio.org/ Track Name Exercise (Rock).

#Bengals #NFL #TheStoneShieldsShow

On today's edition of The Stone Shields Show we breakdown a thrilling 33-31 Bengals victory over the Steelers on Thursday Night Football. A performance where Joe Flacco and Ja'Marr Chase shined and the Bengals changed the trajectory of their season. Also we preview this week in college football and discuss LSU vs. Vanderbilt, Tennessee vs. Alabama, Ole Miss vs. Georgia and Stone has his best bets of the weekend.

Off The Bench is back weekdays from 10a to 11a followed by The Stone Shields Show from 11a to noon!

In a heart-stopping AFC North showdown last night at Paycor Stadium, the Cincinnati Bengals (3-4) edged the Pittsburgh Steelers (4-2) 33-31, ending a four-game slide with a dramatic, last-second triumph. Joe Flacco, stepping in for an injured Joe Burrow, delivered a vintage performance, throwing for 342 yards and three touchdowns. His poise under pressure shone in the final minute, leading a surgical drive that set up Evan McPherson’s game-winning 36-yard field goal with seven seconds left.

The game was an offensive slugfest. Pittsburgh’s Aaron Rodgers, now fifth all-time in passing yards, struck early, finding Jonnu Smith for a 10-yard touchdown. The Steelers’ Pat Freiermuth dominated, hauling in four receptions for 106 yards, including a 68-yard score that gave Pittsburgh a 31-30 lead with 2:21 remaining. But Cincinnati’s defense answered, with Jordan Battle’s interception of a Rodgers deep ball to DK Metcalf shifting momentum.

Ja’Marr Chase was the Bengals’ catalyst, setting a franchise record with 16 catches for 161 yards and a touchdown, joining elite company with his second 14-catch game this season. Tee Higgins added six receptions for 96 yards and a score, while Chase Brown powered the ground game with 108 yards on 11 carries. The Bengals racked up 479 total yards, exploiting a Steelers defense that couldn’t contain Cincinnati’s playmakers late.

Pittsburgh’s T.J. Watt pressured Flacco, but the Bengals’ offensive line held firm in crunch time. A controversial overturned call on a Chase touchdown kept the game tight, but Flacco’s 28-yard strike to Higgins on the final drive sealed it. Rodgers was efficient but undone by two interceptions. This electrifying win, fueled by Flacco’s heroics and Cincinnati’s relentless attack, signals the Bengals’ resurgence in a fiercely competitive division, keeping playoff dreams alive.

Music from #InAudio: https://inaudio.org/ Track Name Holy (Trap).

Music from #InAudio: https://inaudio.org/ Track Name Exercise (Rock).

#Bengals #BengalsSteelers #TheStoneShieldsShow

On today's editon of The Stone Shields Show we preview the Bengals vs. Steelers Thursday Night Football matchup, discuss whether Dallas won the Micah Parsons trade and take a look at NFL betting lines for the Week 7 slate.

Off The Bench is back weekdays from 10a to 11a followed by The Stone Shields Show from 11a to noon!

In a clash of AFC North titans gone awry, the surging Pittsburgh Steelers (4-1) invade Paycor Stadium to face a reeling Cincinnati Bengals squad (2-4) on Thursday Night Football. What was once a marquee rivalry now feels like a tale of two trajectories: Pittsburgh's three-game win streak has vaulted them to the division lead, while Cincinnati's four straight losses—capped by a 27-18 defeat to Green Bay—have sparked desperation. Joe Burrow's toe injury sidelining him until December forced a midseason pivot, trading for veteran Joe Flacco from Cleveland. The 40-year-old gunslinger debuted last week with 219 yards and two scores, injecting life into an offense dormant under Jake Browning.

Pittsburgh, meanwhile, rides Aaron Rodgers' renaissance. The 41-year-old maestro boasts a career-best 105.4 passer rating through five games, with 10 touchdowns and just three picks, slicing defenses for 1,021 yards. His rapport with DK Metcalf has been lethal—Metcalf's four straight TD catches include a scorching 80-yarder—exploiting yards after catch like no other. The Steelers' ground game, turbocharged by Arthur Smith's "Jumbo" packages featuring 290-pound TE Darnell Washington, has averaged 4.4 yards per carry against Cincy's porous 28th-ranked run D.

Cincinnati counters with firepower: Ja'Marr Chase erupted for a late TD last outing, and Flacco's familiarity with Pittsburgh—he's 11-11 lifetime against them—could neutralize Mike Tomlin's schemes. Yet injuries loom large: Bengals DE Trey Hendrickson (hip) is questionable, thinning their pass rush (just 3.7% sack rate sans him), while Steelers miss WR Calvin Austin III (shoulder) and S Miles Killebrew (knee). Betting odds tilt toward Pittsburgh as 5.5-point road favorites (O/U 44.5), with sharp money sniffing Bengals value at +225 ML.

This gerontocratic QB duel—the third in NFL history pitting 40+ starters—promises fireworks under the lights. Expect Metcalf to feast (Over 70.5 receiving yards) and Pittsburgh's D to force turnovers (Cincy leads the league with 11 giveaways). Steelers pull away late in a 27-20 thriller, solidifying North supremacy. But don't sleep on Flacco's upset magic—after all, these helmets hide Bengal stripes.

Music from #InAudio: https://inaudio.org/ Track Name Holy (Trap).

Music from #InAudio: https://inaudio.org/ Track Name Exercise (Rock).

#Bengals #BengalsSteelers #TheStoneShieldsShow

On today's edition of The Stone Shields Show we discuss Shemar Stewart being cleared to play Thursday, Logan Wilson's benching and other Bengals topics going into Thursday Night Football. Also, Stone has his college football Top 10 going into Week 8, disaster for Mike McDaniel in Miami and is John Harbaugh on the hot seat?

Off The Bench is back weekdays from 10a to 11a followed by The Stone Shields Show from 11a to noon!

On October 16, 2025, Paycor Stadium in Cincinnati will host a pivotal AFC North showdown as the Pittsburgh Steelers (4-1) invade the reeling Cincinnati Bengals (2-4) for Thursday Night Football. Kickoff is set for 8:15 p.m. ET, exclusively on Prime Video. With the Steelers riding a three-game win streak and eyeing sole possession of the division lead, this matchup pits a surging defense against a Bengals squad desperate to halt a brutal four-game skid.

The narrative couldn't be more dramatic: a battle of grizzled quarterbacks. Pittsburgh's Aaron Rodgers, 41 and thriving in his one-year Black-and-Gold stint, has injected precision into an offense that's clicked since his offseason arrival. The Steelers' attack averages 22.7 points over its last three games, bolstered by a line allowing just nine sacks. Rodgers faces a Bengals defense ranked near the bottom in QB pressure and sacks, ripe for exploitation. Meanwhile, Cincinnati turns to 40-year-old Joe Flacco, freshly traded from Cleveland, after Joe Burrow's season-ending Grade 3 turf toe surgery. Flacco's debut flop—a 27-18 loss to Green Bay—exposed vulnerabilities, but with Ja'Marr Chase) and Tee Higgins, the passing game could spark.

Pittsburgh's defense, a steel wall allowing 14.7 points per game lately, looms large. T.J. Watt (3.5 sacks) and Nick Herbig (4.5 sacks) terrorize from the edge, while Patrick Queen leads with 44 tackles. The Bengals' patchwork offensive line, plagued by injuries to guards Dylan Fairchild (knee) and Lucas Patrick (calf), will struggle to protect Flacco. Cincinnati's run game, led by Chase Brown, must grind to stay afloat.

Historically, the Steelers dominate, leading 71-40 all-time and 3-2 in the last five, outscoring Cincinnati by 26 points in those tilts. They've covered in five of six recent meetings, fueling their -5.5 spread favoritism (O/U 42.5). Yet, the Bengals boast a 4-1 home record against AFC foes, hinting at upset potential.

This rivalry, born in the 1970s merger madness, always delivers grit. Expect a low-scoring affair—Pittsburgh's five straight unders vs. Cincy scream caution. The Steelers' sharpness should prevail, but Flacco's veteran guile might force a nail-biter. In the end, Pittsburgh pulls away 24-17, extending Cincy's woes while solidifying divisional supremacy.

Music from #InAudio: https://inaudio.org/ Track Name Holy (Trap).

Music from #InAudio: https://inaudio.org/ Track Name Exercise (Rock).

#Bengals #BengalsSteelers #TheStoneShieldsShow

Stone breaks down the latest Trey Hendrickson trade rumors after comments from Dianna Russini and Boomer Esiason and explains whether he would move Hendrickson or not. Also, we have NFL power rankings going into Week 7 and the top James Franklin replacements at Penn State after he was fired on Sunday.

Off The Bench is back weekdays from 10a to 11a followed by The Stone Shields Show from 11a to noon!

The Cincinnati Bengals' potential trade of star defensive end Trey Hendrickson has gained traction following recent comments from NFL insiders and former players. Hendrickson, a three-time Pro Bowler who led the team with 17.5 sacks in 2024, has been at the center of speculation amid contract disputes and the Bengals' underwhelming 2025 season.

Dianna Russini of The Athletic first reported in March 2025 that the Bengals had granted Hendrickson permission to seek a trade, citing his desire for long-term security beyond his current deal, which runs through 2025 with a $15 million base salary. She noted significant interest from teams like the Washington Commanders, with Cincinnati demanding "significant trade compensation" in return. By August, Russini updated that the Bengals were actively engaged in discussions for weeks, not just seeking draft picks but also targeting defensive players to bolster their roster. One source told her that an earlier spring trade might have yielded a higher draft pick, complicated by salary cap issues for suitors. This comes as the Bengals prioritize extensions for Ja'Marr Chase and Tee Higgins, potentially squeezing Hendrickson's negotiations.

Adding fuel, former Bengals quarterback Boomer Esiason, on the October 13, 2025, episode of the "Up & Adams" show, urged the team to trade Hendrickson if he's healthy, emphasizing the need for draft capital to rebuild. "If he's healthy, I would trade him. If you could get some quality draft picks back, 'cause that's how they're gonna have to rebuild their team," Esiason said. His comments align with Cincinnati's struggles, including Joe Burrow's turf toe injury in September, which has derailed their playoff hopes and shifted focus to future assets.

A Hendrickson trade could net a first-round pick or equivalent, given his elite pass-rushing skills (12.5 sacks through Week 6 in 2025). Potential suitors include contenders like the San Francisco 49ers (post-Nick Bosa injury) or Carolina Panthers. However, Bengals GM Duke Tobin has historically resisted midseason deals, preferring to retain core talent. With the November 4 trade deadline looming, Hendrickson's situation remains fluid, balancing his production against team finances and rebuild needs. If moved, it signals a pivot toward youth, but keeping him could stabilize a defense ranked 22nd in pressures. Either way, these insider takes highlight Cincinnati's crossroads.

Music from #InAudio: https://inaudio.org/ Track Name Holy (Trap).

Music from #InAudio: https://inaudio.org/ Track Name Exercise (Rock).

#Bengals #BengalsRumors #BengalsNews