This page lists all the 2025 NFL Signings for the Cincinnati Bengals. I’ve listed all of the NFL Free Agent Signing Grades here, which included the Signings. Because I’ve begun posting polls for the Signings, I thought it would make sense to list just the NFL Signings here, so archiving the voting would be easier.
For updates follow me @walterfootball
- Total Signings: 7
- Average Grade: B- (83)
March 2025 – Signings
Bengals sign G/C Lucas Patrick (1 year, $2.1 million): B+ Grade
signed on 3/21/2025
The Bengals finally gave a contract this offseason to someone not named Ja’Marr Chase, Tee Higgins, or Mike Gesicki. This player also happens to play on the offensive side of the ball, as Lucas Patrick was added for $2.1 million.
Patrick isn’t a very good blocker, but he’s capable of being a mediocre starter or a great backup. Patrick is very well suited for the latter because he can play guard and center. He might be needed in the starting lineup with the pedestrian Alex Cappa gone.
Comment on the other free agent signings below.
Follow me @walterfootball for more hiring/signing grades and updates. Also, you can view theAd-Free Version of WalterFootball.com here!
Bengals re-sign WR Ja'Marr Chase (4 years, $161 million) and WR Tee Higgins (4 years, $115 million): A Grade
signed on 3/17/2025
The drama has finally come to an end. It was unclear when or even if the Bengals would re-sign their two dynamic receivers, but they finally did so Monday morning. Chase’s contract has made him the highest-paid non-quarterback in NFL history, while Tee Higgins has become the highest-paid No. 2 receiver of all time.
I don’t need to tell you that the Bengals did well to re-sign their two excellent weapons. They had a ton of money this offseason, and it’s not like they were going to spend it on the open market. Given how horrible Cincinnati’s defense is, the team needed to keep its elite offensive group intact. I normally don’t give non-bargains like this an “A” grade, but I think it’s appropriate in this case, given that the Bengals are often frugal with their money.
Comment on the other free agent signings below.
Follow me @walterfootball for more hiring/signing grades and updates. Also, you can view theAd-Free Version of WalterFootball.com here!
Bengals sign LB Oren Burks (2 years, $5 million): A- Grade
signed on 3/10/2025
The Bengals have poor personnel on defense, so they need all the help they can get, which includes depth. Oren Burks filled in very well last year when Nakobe Dean got hurt. He can serve a similar role in Cincinnati, all while playing well on special teams. This is a quality signing.
Comment on the other free agent signings below.
Follow me @walterfootball for more hiring/signing grades and updates. Also, you can view theAd-Free Version of WalterFootball.com here!
Bengals sign DT T.J. Slaton (2 years, $15.1 million): C- Grade
signed on 3/10/2025
The Bengals sorely missed many of their departed free agents last year, including D.J. Reader. It’s not a surprise that they obtained a new defensive tackle, but I imagine Cincinnati supporters were hopeful for something better.
T.J. Slaton should just be a mediocre-at-best rotational piece for the Bengals. Slaton struggled against the run last year and didn’t add much of a pass rush, but he’s a big body who should be better versus the rush.
Comment on the other free agent signings below.
Follow me @walterfootball for more hiring/signing grades and updates. Also, you can view theAd-Free Version of WalterFootball.com here!
Bengals sign RB Samaje Perine (2 years, $3.8 million): B Grade
signed on 3/10/2025
It was initially reported that Samaje Perine signed a 3-year deal worth $22 million. That would have earned the motherload of all Millen grades. This was an error, however, as Perine’s deal is worth just $3.8 million over two seasons. This makes sense, as the Bengals needed a backup behind Chase Brown, and Perine is very familiar with the offense.
Comment on the other free agent signings below.
Follow me @walterfootball for more hiring/signing grades and updates. Also, you can view theAd-Free Version of WalterFootball.com here!
Bengals re-sign DT B.J. Hill (3 years, $33 million): B Grade
signed on 3/10/2025
The Bengals have some work to do this offseason to improve their horrible defense. Re-signing B.J. Hill was one of those tasks. Hill is an excellent run defender who can generate quarterback pressure occasionally.
The only issue here is Hill’s age. Hill is now in his 30s, so he could regress. I would have been more comfortable with Cincinnati giving him two years instead.
Comment on the other free agent signings below.
Follow me @walterfootball for more hiring/signing grades and updates. Also, you can view theAd-Free Version of WalterFootball.com here!
Bengals re-sign TE Mike Gesicki (3 years, $25.5 million): C Grade
signed on 3/8/2025
I imagine that Ja’Marr Chase and Tee Higgins are frustrated right now. They’ve been waiting for their big contracts, yet they saw a tertiary receiving option, Mike Gesicki, get paid a deal that will give him more than $8 million per season.
Gesicki’s had his ups and downs in his career. He seemed to have a bright future in Miami, but then fell out of favor and became a journeyman. He resurrected his career in Cincinnati with 665 receiving yards last year, however, as he developed a great rapport with Joe Burrow. Gesicki is still in his 20s (albeit 29), so there’s a chance he’ll continue to play well. This isn’t guaranteed, however, and there’s a dubious history of non-elite tight ends being overpaid, so I’m not a huge fan of this contract.
Comment on the other free agent signings below.
Follow me @walterfootball for more hiring/signing grades and updates. Also, you can view theAd-Free Version of WalterFootball.com here!
