A Game of Survival in Cincinnati: The Bengals’ Cap Crunch Dilemma
Cut season in the NFL signifies a period of tough financial choices for teams aiming to enhance their roster. This annual ritual often leads to the departure of valuable players solely based on financial considerations, and the Cincinnati Bengals are no exception to this trend.
The Likely Casualties: Alex Cappa, Geno Stone, and Sam Hubbard
Bleacher Report has identified guard Alex Cappa as the Bengals’ prime cap casualty candidate due to his substantial cap hit of nearly $10.3 million in 2025. The argument centers on the mismatch between Cappa’s performance and his price tag, suggesting that parting ways would allow the team to reallocate resources more effectively.
According to Bleacher Report, “The Bengals primarily need to revamp their defense, but a few offensive players might face the chopping block. Alex Cappa likely leads that list. The 29-year-old ranked 107th out of 135 in pass-blocking grade by PFF, conceding eight sacks. Sports Info Solutions also highlighted a subpar season from the veteran, showcasing a significant increase from 16 to 32 blown blocks in pass protection between 2023 and 2024.”
The prospect of Cincinnati moving on from Cappa appears probable, given the pressing need to bolster the interior offensive line. Similarly, the potential departure of Hubbard, despite its challenging nature, remains a plausible scenario.
Hubbard’s performance in 2024 was lackluster, evidenced by decreased statistical output across the board. Registering only 41 total tackles, his lowest since his rookie year, and matching a career-low of two sacks, Hubbard struggled to apply consistent pressure on opposing quarterbacks during the season, possibly exacerbated by a nagging hamstring injury. At 29 years old, Hubbard’s peak might be in the rearview mirror, and the Bengals stand to gain over $9 million in cap space by releasing him this offseason.
In the mix of potential casualties is Geno Stone, who displayed improvement towards the end of the season but failed to meet expectations during his debut year in Cincinnati. Will his late-season resurgence suffice to secure his spot on the roster, especially considering the team’s thin depth at safety? While Stone appears to be the least likely of the trio to face the axe, his future with the Bengals remains uncertain.
The Bengals are confronted with challenging choices ahead, setting the stage for an intriguing offseason in Cincinnati. The looming decisions will not only shape the team’s composition but also shed light on their strategic direction moving forward.
