The NFL season is over, the Seahawks are champions, and the Bengals now turn their focus to Super Bowl 61 at SoFi Stadium — the site of their last heartbreak. Could 2026 bring redemption in Los Angeles?

Stone Shields breaks down Paul Dehner Jr.’s “10 things that need to go right” for Cincinnati to get back to the big game, adding his own strong opinions along the way. From a potential Maxx Crosby swing to fixing edge, linebacker, and safety the right way, Stone outlines what the Bengals must prioritize this offseason.

He also dives into a possible Trey Hendrickson tag-and-trade, protecting Joe Burrow, valuing the backup QB spot, and which extensions (Dax Hill, DJ Turner, Chase Brown) should come first.

If the Bengals are serious about contending again, this offseason will define it.

OTHER CHATTERBOX PROGRAMING:

Chatterbox Reds: https://linktr.ee/chatterboxreds

Chatterbox Bearcats: https://chatterboxbearcats.podbean.com/

The Stone Shields Show: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/west-4th-and-long/id1828384424

Off The Bench: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/off-the-bench-by-chatterbox-sports/id1643010062

The Flyin Lion (FC Cincinnati): https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-flyin-lion-fc-cincinnati-podcast/id1701368522

513 Golf: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLjPJjEFaBD7VUSfdVvGjbr1_CmCepLWpr

Stone Shields breaks down the Super Bowl week buzz surrounding Maxx Crosby and whether the Bengals should make a rare, all-in trade for the Raiders’ star pass rusher. He reacts to comments from Ja’Marr Chase and Tee Higgins, explains why Crosby would be an ideal fit in Cincinnati, and evaluates how realistic a deal actually is.

The episode also takes a hard look at the Bengals’ defensive tackle situation, why standing pat would be a mistake, and what realistic options exist through free agency, trades, or a potential DJ Reader reunion as Cincinnati tries to fix a long-standing defensive weakness.

OTHER CHATTERBOX PROGRAMING:

Chatterbox Reds: https://linktr.ee/chatterboxreds

Chatterbox Bearcats: https://chatterboxbearcats.podbean.com/

The Stone Shields Show: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/west-4th-and-long/id1828384424

Off The Bench: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/off-the-bench-by-chatterbox-sports/id1643010062

The Flyin Lion (FC Cincinnati): https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-flyin-lion-fc-cincinnati-podcast/id1701368522

513 Golf: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLjPJjEFaBD7VUSfdVvGjbr1_CmCepLWpr

Stone Shields breaks down a full mock offseason plan for the Cincinnati Bengals using Paul Dehner Jr.’s cap projections, with roughly $35 million in realistic spending power. He dives into key decisions on offense, including the backup quarterback debate, why Joe Flacco makes sense, and which young Bengals deserve extensions.

Stone explains why Cincinnati should largely run it back on offense, avoid overspending at wide receiver, and keep continuity along the offensive line—while still planning for the future. The episode then shifts to cut candidates, cap flexibility, and the tough choices facing the defensive line.

The most under-discussed topic of the offseason takes center stage: a potential Joe Burrow contract restructure and how it could unlock major spending power. Stone wraps with a deep dive into defensive upgrades, draft priorities, and why linebacker may be the best place for the Bengals to spend big in a critical win-now offseason.

OTHER CHATTERBOX PROGRAMING:

Chatterbox Reds: https://linktr.ee/chatterboxreds

Chatterbox Bearcats: https://chatterboxbearcats.podbean.com/

The Stone Shields Show: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/west-4th-and-long/id1828384424

Off The Bench: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/off-the-bench-by-chatterbox-sports/id1643010062

The Flyin Lion (FC Cincinnati): https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-flyin-lion-fc-cincinnati-podcast/id1701368522

513 Golf: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLjPJjEFaBD7VUSfdVvGjbr1_CmCepLWpr