As of May 12, 2025, the Cincinnati Bengals are actively preparing for the upcoming NFL season, making significant roster moves and addressing key developments.
### 🏈 Roster Updates
* **Geno Stone’s Pay Cut**: Veteran safety Geno Stone agreed to a pay cut, reducing his salary from \$6.5 million to \$4.9 million. While the team hasn’t specified the reason, such adjustments are often made to create cap space for potential signings or extensions. Stone’s decision may also reflect his uncertain future with the team. ([Cincy Jungle][1])
* **Brandon Scherff’s Potential Addition**: Pro Football Focus analyst Mason Cameron suggests that signing veteran offensive lineman Brandon Scherff could bolster the Bengals’ offensive line. Scherff, known for his strong pass-blocking, could enhance protection for quarterback Joe Burrow. ([Cincy Jungle][2])
* **Demetrius Knight Jr.’s Journey**: Linebacker Demetrius Knight Jr., drafted in the second round, signed a four-year, \$9.01 million contract. His path to the NFL included working as a DoorDash delivery driver during college to support his family. Knight is now poised to compete for a starting linebacker position. ([The US Sun][3])
### 🏟️ Stadium Lease and Relocation Speculations
Discussions are ongoing regarding the Bengals’ lease agreement with Paycor Stadium. While a new lease deal is reportedly near completion, sports analyst Mike Florio has suggested the possibility of the team relocating to a larger market, such as “Chicagoland,” to explore greater financial opportunities. ([The Times of India][4])
### 🏈 Rookie Minicamp and Upcoming Events
The Bengals have announced their 2025 undrafted free agent class, including players across various positions. Additionally, rookie minicamp concluded on May 11, with mandatory minicamp scheduled for June 10, 2025. ([Cincy Jungle][5], [Hog Haven][6])
These developments indicate the Bengals’ commitment to strengthening their roster and preparing for the challenges of the upcoming season.
[1]: https://www.cincyjungle.com/2025/5/12/24425794/geno-stone-pay-cut-contract-details-bengals?utm_source=chatgpt.com “More details emerge surrounding Geno Stone’s pay cut”
[2]: https://www.cincyjungle.com/2025/5/12/24426445/brandon-scherff-bengals-offensive-line-pff?utm_source=chatgpt.com “PFF: Bengals signing Brandon Scherff would amplify the offensive line”
[3]: https://www.the-sun.com/sport/14192983/demetrius-knight-jr-nfl-draft-cincinnati-bengals-doordash-driver/?utm_source=chatgpt.com “I’m an NFL Draft star signing a $9 million contract – but I had to work as DoorDash delivery driver during college”
[4]: https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/sports/nfl/news/is-there-a-new-lease-deal-for-the-cincinnati-bengals-why-does-heat-boil-over-paycor-stadium/articleshow/121023996.cms?utm_source=chatgpt.com “Is there a new lease deal for the Cincinnati Bengals? Why does heat boil over Paycor Stadium?”
[5]: https://www.cincyjungle.com/2025/5/9/24426941/cincinnati-bengals-2025-undrafted-free-agent-class-udfas?utm_source=chatgpt.com “Bengals announce 2025 undrafted free agent class”
[6]: https://www.hogshaven.com/2025/5/11/24423931/daily-slop-11-may-25-sunday-is-final-day-of-rookie-minicamp-mandatory-minicamp-scheduled-for-june-10?utm_source=chatgpt.com “Daily Slop – 11 May 25 – Sunday is the final day of rookie minicamp; mandatory minicamp
- scheduled for June 10th”
