Local 12 digital sports columnist and editor Richard Skinner was joined by Rick Broering one final time to say goodbye and discuss a variety of topics. Those topics include: *What the Reds will do at the trade deadline *Predicting the Bengals' record for next year *UC, UD, OSU, and XU are playing an exhibition event at the Lindner Family Tennis Center *Kerr Kriisa has been indicted in alleged scam for millions *The final round of #AskSkinnyAnything

Local 12 digital sports columnist and editor Richard Skinner was joined by Rick Broering to discuss a variety of topics. Those topics include: *Team USA advances in World Cup *ESPN was not impressed by the Dexter Lawrence trade *Where do the Bengals' skill players stack up against the rest of the NFL *Enquirer columnist Jason Williams says Marty Brennaman wouldn't get hired today *UC & XU basketball coaches testify in court *#AskSkinnyAnything

Local 12 digital sports columnist and editor Richard Skinner was joined by Rick Broering to discuss a variety of topics. Those topics include: *How should Reds handle infield rotation with Elly De La Cruz back? *Will Bengals actually change how they use Joe Burrow this year?  *NFL tells Brendan Sorsby it's not holding supplemental draft this year *NCAA approves new age-based eligibility rule *#AskSkinnyAnything

Joe Burrow believes the Bengals have assembled a championship-caliber roster, and now he's making sure everyone in the locker room feels the same sense of urgency. That was one of the biggest takeaways from Burrow's final media session before the Bengals broke for the summer following mandatory minicamp. Local 12 digital sports columnist and editor Richard Skinner and Mike Petraglia from CLNS Media discussed on their recent podcast how Burrow appeared more confident, relaxed and focused than he has in recent offseasons, a reflection of both the roster Cincinnati has built and the expectations that come with it. Burrow told reporters Wednesday that he's tried to become a tougher leader this offseason, how it's out of his comfort zone but somewhere that he's improving. Bengals offensive coordinator Dan Pitcher later offered a different description, calling Burrow "blunt" when giving feedback to his teammates. Burrow's comments came as the Bengals wrapped up an offseason program that coach Zac Taylor considered productive enough to cancel the final two scheduled practice days of minicamp. Taylor's decision effectively gave players an early start to their summer break, something Skinner viewed as a reward for a roster that showed up, stayed healthy and embraced the offseason program. "I think that's kind of a little pat on the back to say, 'Yeah, you guys put in a lot of good work,'" Skinner said on the podcast. The Bengals also avoided the contract disputes and distractions that dominated previous offseasons. Unlike last year, when first-round pick Shemar Stewart had not yet signed, the team's focus remained almost entirely on football. That focus appears to start with Burrow. Both Skinner and Petraglia noted Burrow repeatedly stayed after practice throughout the offseason to throw extra passes and work on mechanics. Even after minicamp concluded, Burrow spent additional time throwing and lifting weights. "I just think that he realizes that this is the time to win now," Skinner said. "This is the best roster they've had since the 2021 and 2022 teams, and you don't want to waste it." Burrow echoed that belief Wednesday when he compared his feelings about the 2026 Bengals to the confidence he felt before LSU's national championship season in 2019. "Given how the Bengals have restructured the roster, I don't see how going into the season, going into training camp in late July and August, how it could be set up any better," said Petraglia. Perhaps the most revealing moment came when Burrow discussed pressure. The Bengals enter the season with expectations as high as they've been since their Super Bowl run in 2021, and Burrow made it clear he's embracing them. Skinner said Burrow's demeanor during a 25-minute media session reflected a player who believes the Bengals are positioned to contend immediately. "He looked about as relaxed and confident as I've seen him in a couple of years," Petraglia said. "I just got this quiet sense of confidence from Burrow that he's finally going into a summer break of four or five weeks before they reconvene in late July, that he has a better idea of what this team could really do this year." The Bengals report to training camp in late July, carrying the weight of heightened expectations and a quarterback who appears eager to embrace them.

Local 12 digital sports columnist and editor Richard Skinner was joined by Rick Broering to discuss a variety of topics. Those topics include: *Can Reds still compete for postseason once healthy? *Why did Bengals shorten mandatory minicamp? *Takeaways from Katie Blackburn's conversations with media *UC & Miami will play a football game at FC Cincinnati *Brendan Sorsby leaves NCAA football *#AskSkinnyAnything

Local 12 digital sports columnist and editor Richard Skinner was joined by Rick Broering to discuss a variety of topics. Those topics include: *What will the Bengals do with the extra cap space from restructuring Joe Burrow's contract?  *Will the NCAA or Big 12 figure out a way to keep Brendan Sorsby off the field this season after he got his injunction from the court?  *Why are Reds fans at a breaking point?   *Bob Huggins to be inducted into Cincinnati athletics Hall of Fame *#AskSkinnyAnything

The Cincinnati Bengals created salary cap space this week by restructuring quarterback Joe Burrow's contract, a move that longtime observers say reflects an unusually aggressive offseason for the franchise. According to multiple reports, the restructuring frees up approximately $10 million in salary cap space and comes after the Bengals acquired All-Pro defensive tackle Dexter Lawrence in a blockbuster trade. The move is notable because Cincinnati has historically avoided restructuring contracts to push salary cap charges into future seasons. “I think one of the biggest things for me, quite frankly, is that it shows this continues to be an atypical offseason,” Local 12 digital sports columnist and editor Richard Skinner said to Mike Petraglia of CLNS Media. “From trading for Dexter Lawrence to overspending at a couple of positions of need, it continues that trend.” While some of the newly created cap space helps account for Lawrence's contract, Skinner said the move also gives the Bengals flexibility to address other roster needs, including adding a veteran linebacker or offensive tackle. The restructuring came just minutes before the Bengals announced the signing of second-round draft pick Cashius Howell, officially putting all seven members of the team's 2026 draft class under contract. Unlike a pay cut, a restructuring converts salary into a signing bonus that can be spread across future years of the contract. “They did the best of both worlds,” Skinner said. “It gives you the flexibility to still add to the roster today without just kicking the can way down the road.” Petraglia noted the Bengals could have freed up nearly twice as much cap space but chose a more measured approach. “By converting only enough salary to free up the $10 million, I think the Bengals showed a layer of restraint,” Petraglia said. “It's the best of both worlds for the Bengals in this particular case.” The discussion also highlighted several emerging storylines from organized team activities. One is veteran safety Kyle Dugger, who joined Cincinnati after stops with New England and Pittsburgh. Skinner described Dugger as a potentially valuable veteran presence and a candidate to contribute in defensive packages featuring three safeties. The pair also discussed rookie linebacker Boye Mafe, whose versatility could allow defensive coordinator Al Golden to deploy more varied fronts featuring players who can rush the passer or drop into coverage. Both agreed that Lawrence remains one of the most intriguing additions heading into training camp. “I cannot wait to see Dexter Lawrence line up against somebody else,” Skinner said. “He's just going to overwhelm some people at times.” Mandatory minicamp begins next week, when coaches and media will get a clearer picture of how the Bengals' revamped roster fits together heading into the 2026 season.

Local 12 digital sports columnist and editor Richard Skinner was joined by Rick Broering to discuss a variety of topics. Those topics include: *How much will Edwin Arroyo and Noelvi Marte impact the Reds *Takeaways from Bengals OTAs *Top NFL QB/Head Coach combos  *Kentucky's Mark Pope made a huge splash for next season's roster *#AskSkinnyAnything

The sight of Bengals stars Ja'Marr Chase and DJ Turner at organized team activities this week is helping fuel the energy around a team that believes it has made major offseason upgrades, according to Local 12 Digital Sports Columnist and Editor Richard Skinner. Skinny joined Mike Petraglia of CLNS media for a podcast Wednesday and discussed how Chase, Turner and Tee Higgins all taking part in OTAs sends a message that the team is “all in” after an offseason that included a major addition on defense. “It adds energy and enthusiasm,” Skinner said of the attendance at the voluntary workouts. Turner, who is entering the final year of his contract, said he wanted to be present because he wants to be part of the team’s new vibe. Skinner said Chase’s appearance also stood out, even though the star receiver had previously suggested he would be present for mandatory minicamp. Higgins took part in some of the seven-on-seven work and made a highlight-reel catch over defensive back Dax Hill. The offseason additions on defense, including the trade for defensive tackle Dexter Lawrence, have raised expectations in Cincinnati, Skinner said, and the team’s early workouts appear to reflect that confidence. Skinner also said the Bengals’ OTAs are helping show how the team plans to use some of its personnel, including tight end Erick All, who is returning from serious knee injuries. Skinner said All moved well in drills and may be part of more two-tight-end sets if he remains healthy. The Bengals continue OTAs next week before moving into mandatory minicamp.

The Bengals announced five new nominees Wednesday for the team’s Ring of Honor ballot, adding former stars Geno Atkins, Carlos Dunlap, A.J. Green, Leon Hall and Andrew Whitworth ahead of the 2026 voting process. The additions join returning nominees Jim Breech, James Brooks, Cris Collinsworth, David Fulcher, Max Montoya, Bob Trumpy and Reggie Williams on the 12-player ballot that will be voted on by season ticket members beginning June 1. During their latest podcast, Local 12 digital sports columnist and editor Richard Skinner and Mike Petraglia of CLNS Media discussed how the addition of several modern-era stars could split votes among newer candidates while longtime Bengals legends continue waiting for induction. Skinner said he believes Brooks and the late Trumpy remain deserving candidates, especially as the Bengals prepare to reduce future Ring of Honor classes from two annual inductees to one beginning in 2027. “James Brooks is honestly overdue,” Skinner said. The pair also discussed how several current Bengals players — including Joe Burrow, Ja’Marr Chase and Tee Higgins — could eventually become future Ring of Honor candidates if the team breaks through with a Super Bowl title. Petraglia and Skinner also touched on the Bengals’ unusually drama-free offseason, praising the organization’s businesslike approach after major roster additions on defense and contract extensions for key offensive stars. The conversation also highlighted rookie defensive lineman Landon Robinson, with Skinner praising the former Navy standout’s discipline, maturity and work ethic after recently graduating from the Naval Academy.