Locked On Bengals - Daily Podcast On The Cincinnati Bengals - Shemar Stewart is missing valuable reps | Bengals still working on first round pick's contract

Episode Date: May 15, 2025

Shemar Stewart still isn't practicing for the Cincinnati Bengals, as far as we know, so he's missing potential development time. Jake Liscow and James Rapien discuss the importance of getting the Bengals' 2025 first round pick on the field as soon as possible, and what the hold-up is in contract negotiations. Plus, Cincinnati wants to host a draft before the end of the decade, and a few more thoughts on the 2025 Bengals schedule.Join the Locked On Bengals Insider Community! https://joinsubtext.com/lockedonbengalsFind and follow Locked On Bengals on your favorite podcast platforms:Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/locked-on-bengals-daily-podcast-on-the-cincinnati-bengals/id1159723162Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/7AObc0lh0WmQl5fJVgtajsGoogle Podcasts: https://podcasts.google.com/feed/aHR0cHM6Ly9mZWVkcy5tZWdhcGhvbmUuZm0vbG9ja2Vkb25iZW5nYWxz?sa=X&ved=0CAYQrrcFahcKEwio_sXtj8nuAhUAAAAAHQAAAAAQAgStitcher: https://www.stitcher.com/show/locked-on-bengalsSupport Us By Supporting Our Sponsors!GametimeDownload the Gametime app, create an account, and use code LOCKEDONNBA for $20 off your first purchase. Terms apply. Download Gametime today. What time is it? Gametime.Monarch MoneyTake control of your finances with Monarch Money. Use code LOCKEDONNFL at monarchmoney.com for 50% off your first year.FanDuelRight now, new customers can get TWO HUNDRED DOLLARS in BONUS BETS when your first FIVE DOLLAR BET WINS! Download the app or head to FANDUEL.COM to get started. Bet with FanDuel—Official Partner of the NBA. FANDUEL DISCLAIMER: 21+ in select states. First online real money wager only. Bonus issued as nonwithdrawable free bets that expires in 14 days. Restrictions apply. See terms at sportsbook.fanduel.com. Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER or visit FanDuel.com/RG (CO, IA, MD, MI, NJ, PA, IL, VA, WV), 1-800-NEXT-STEP or text NEXTSTEP to 53342 (AZ), 1-888-789-7777 or visit ccpg.org/chat (CT), 1-800-9-WITH-IT (IN), 1-800-522-4700 (WY, KS) or visit ksgamblinghelp.com (KS), 1-877-770-STOP (LA), 1-877-8-HOPENY or text HOPENY (467369) (NY), TN REDLINE 1-800-889-9789 (TN) Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

It's been a dramatic week for the Cincinnati Bengals. That drama does not relent today. Samar Stewart is still not practicing. Let's get into it. You are locked on Bengals, your daily Cincinnati Bengals podcast. Part of the Locked On Podcast Network, your team every day. What up Bengals fans and welcome to another episode of the Locked on Bengals podcast. Part of the Lockdown Podcast Network, your team every day.

I'm Jake Liscoe. He's James Rupin, and we've been covering the Cincinnati Bengals here on Lockdown Bengals since 2016. The everydayers already know that. Welcome back to those of you who make us part of your everyday routine, all of you who make Locktown Bengals your first listen. If you're looking to join either of those wonderful clubs of Bengals fans, you can hit that subscribe button to make sure you don't miss an episode, as we'll have you updated on all of the drama and what a dramatic week it has been all offseason long. and of course into the regular season, the schedule of which we are now aware.

We talked a lot about the schedule yesterday. We'll circle back to that a little bit more today after having some time to digest it. But we're going to start with what's going on with Shamar Stewart continues to, as far as we know, not participate in Bengals practices. We've got a little bit of a tidbit about Cincinnati wanting to host a draft in the future.

That could be a lot of fun. Then we'll finish by circling back to that schedule. But starting James with some, with Shamar Stewart as the Bengals rookie first round pick continues not to practice. And we've, I think, kind of touched on this a little bit this week, but we haven't had time to dig into it. The contract isn't signed. And allegedly, there are issues with the Cincinnati Bengals waiver that covers rookies

from injury that every team in the NFL uses before their pick or before their contract is signed and that's why Stewart is still sitting up. And it's, uh, if that's the case. And I say if because I, we're not in the, the room, right? So just to make sure that's the case. So I'll give that disclaimer. It is the dumbest thing ever. I just, I cannot get over it. It does not make any sense. And there are going to be people that are like, come on, for Mars should go out. And it's like, well, yeah, he should. He should go out there and practice. But if he gets hurt, it should be covered. His contract's going to be guaranteed anyway the moment he signs it. It's going to sign it. All of these things are inevitable. And so I don't care about the Bengals

negotiating tactics. We talked to a lot about that with Trey. This isn't like that. This is apples to Clementine. I mean, this is much different, right? Those little cuties. Those are pretty good, by the way. Daughter eats like four in a row. But it's, it's comparing two different things. But you need Shamar on the field. I talked to. to, I want to see how far I want to go with this. I talked to someone that would know how important it is to get reps as a rookie coming in and how hard it is to get after the passer. That's how I'll put that.

And this was not on camera or anything like that. This isn't a tease of that happening. I was like, pretty important to have him on the field, isn't it? And the player said, yeah, it would be great for him to get reps and get acclimated. with Jerry Montgomery and get used to life in the NFL. So I don't think that any of those things can be overstated, like the importance of him, regardless of what is going on from a negotiating standpoint

or what his agent saying or what the Bengals are saying or the hang up, whatever. Let's just block all that out for a second. How important is it for the Bengals to get Shamar Stewart on the field so Shamar can get up to speed so he can help the Bengals? And everyone listening and watching right now want Shemar Stewart to be productive. Even if you didn't want them to take him, even if you hated the pick, you want him to be productive. And the best chance he has to be productive right away is to get going on the field, to get comfortable, to start to learn things that he's going to have to do in this defense.

And so these are valuable reps, really, really valuable reps for him. One of the most important things for Shamar Stewart is going to be his ability to play fast in the NFL, his ability to understand what his his responsibilities are within the structure of the defense. And once you understand your job on the defense, you can start to understand how opposing teams are going to attack you in doing that job. And once you can understand how opposing teams are going to attack you and opposing teams are going to understand what your job is and they're going to try to make that job hard for you, that enables you to come up with ways to deal with that, right?

And so there are these steps in this learning process, where you're going to a new defense at a new level with better players that make all of these reps valuable. Now, missing rookie camp last week was something that we minimized. It was not a significant workout in any way, shape, or form. It was an acclimatization. Is that the words? Acclimation period.

Yeah, acclimation. Yeah. And so that's not a huge deal, but missing continued time at this part of the offseason when there is a little bit more intensity on the field and it will only continue to ramp up from here does start to add up. And so while we don't necessarily know for sure that Samar Stewart didn't practice on Wednesday or Thursday, those practices close to the media, we've seen no evidence that he practiced. We don't have evidence. Maybe you do know for sure, James. I don't know. Maybe you've talked to somebody, but I don't know for sure.

And I do think that the negotiating bit is interesting. I do think that the injury protection part of it is interesting. and we can talk about those things. We've talked about them a little bit in the past. But whatever it takes between these parties, getting this player on the field that you knew as an organization was going to need to develop seems to behoove everybody involved.

It will be good for tomorrow. It will be good for the Bengals. It will be good for everyone. If they can figure out whatever the impasse is and get him these reps as much as they can, especially with trades out there too. No doubt. I mean, that's what's great.

I mean, the Bengals defensive line is worse right now. Well, far worse than it was at any point last season. Right now, if you look at it that way, and that's with a nose tackle for the first time since DJ Reader left town and T.J. Slayton. But just to be very clear or fair or whatever you want to say, because we don't know exactly. If it's the other way, if it's because Shamar's agents being a dweeb and being hard-headed. Well, it's in Shamar's best interest to be out there too. And I'm not saying that's the case, by the way. I'm not calling him.

And I don't even know who Shamar Stewart. I haven't gone that far yet. Just haven't. It's been a fun, a fun week. So I don't know who that is. But Shamar should be motivated as well to get his butt on the field, to prove everybody wrong. I talked to him after rookie minicamp. And I'm paraphrasing.

I forget exactly what he said. But I said, what would you say? to all the people that said, I just four and a half sacks, where's your production? I was like, I talk about the Bengals every single day,

Shamar. Every single day I talk about them. Fans think of your lack of production all the time. What would you say to them? And he basically said, just watch. Watch me work. Well,

I want to watch you work right now, right? And I think he wants to, but either the advice he's getting, the Bengals, a mixture of both is getting in the way. I don't think this is a Shamar thing, by the way. You're talking about a 21,

year old that's going to get advice and listen to that advice of whoever's advising him and you're talking about the Bengals who let's be honest it they could i could totally see the the medical waiver thing being an issue right like that's not out of the realm of possibility so i really don't care figure it out and get them on the field like that that's that's where i'm at a week basically a week removed from from rookie minicamp when he sat out and that was that was nothing you're right but these workouts on the field now they matter. It's just another instance this off season of like, hey, you got any teeth to pull? You got some pliers here. Do you want to make this a little bit more painful this off season? You want to just rip a tooth out of your mouth? Like, that's what this, that's what this off season has felt like so often.

It's pulling teeth. And I mean, that's what this front office has a history of. It's not like this is new. Not breaking anything here, but boy, does it feel concentrated this year. And then last year with Jamar. And it's really like, Trey Hendrickson said it himself like it's wearing on people. Kind of at the end of the rope on this stuff. Yeah, I think. Well, that's by like with trade to just make it a damn decision one way or the other. Like if you decide you wanted to trade him just do it. But like someone was like, man, it's been a pretty negative offseason.

You guys are pretty negative. Someone messaged me that. And I'm like, yeah, have you paid attention this offseason? Like we're not going to sell you sunshine and rainbows if it isn't sunny. And it's poor me. I just remember last year, people were so mad at. us because we were talking about our expectations for the team. Then they start one in they start with the one win lose a bunch of games.

We think they're going to win and they're like, oh, you guys are gassing them up. Why couldn't you just give us realistic expectations? Like look, we're doing our best here. We're talking about what we see and how we see it. And so. And they shouldn't have started one in three. It's still stupid. It's still so dumb.

Last season was so dumb. This offseason has been so dumb. Got any teeth to pull. I do want to touch on what the points of contention. might be, Winston Mark Stewart. We'll finish that up and then get into this conversation around Cincinnati hosting a draft. That could be fun and positive. This will be fun.

Yes. Today's show is brought to you by game time. I was having the conversation today about the Eastern Conference Finals because, well, the Indianapolis or the Indiana Pacers playing in Indianapolis, they made it to the Eastern Conference Finals. And I'm going to try to sneak my way. Spoiler. I'm going to try to sneak my way down to Indianapolis for a night. watching an NBA Eastern Conference Finals game. And that's the beauty of game time is I can make that call last minute.

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And by the way, the NFL schedule, obviously it just dropped. We had a whole special on our last show breaking down the Bengals schedule. You better believe now's the time to look ahead to the games, say that Green Bay game, that ticket to Lambo that's going to cost you. Well, save money with game time. It's going to make it so much easier to get tickets to any of your NFL games. If you're like me and an NBA head to NBA playoff games as well. So check out the GameTime app by downloading the GameTime app.

creating an account in using code locked on NFL to get $20 off your first purchase. Terms apply. Again, create an account and redeem code L-O-C-E-D-O-N-N-FL-N-FL-N-FL-N-FL-N-FL-N-FL-T-E-L-T-L-T-E-L-T-E-L-T-E-L-T-E-L-T-E-R-E-T-E-R-E-R-E-R-E-R-E-R-E-R-E-R-E-R-E-R-E-E-R-E-E-R-E-E-R-E-E-E-R-E-E-E-E-E-E-R-E-E-E-E-E-E- there are only so many things that can be negotiated in first round pick contracts. One of those things is, will money be paid out as a roster bonus at the beginning of the league year, which is in March, will it be paid out in salary? And probably where they're discussing this is in the final year of that rookie deal, because that's where the biggest salary is. There's about a million dollars that could either go into the salary or into a roster

bonus. Either way that money will be paid, either way that money is guaranteed. It's just do I get the money six months earlier and then the start of the season or is it paid out weekly in my salary checks and my game checks? That's what's being negotiated between the front office and Shamar Stewart. Now, why is taking so much time? I mean, this isn't just a Bengals. There are a number of teams still negotiating with their first round picks. And there could be language involved as well.

But when you boil it down to like we're talking about. $900,000 to a million out of an $18 million deal. And we're talking about six months, seven months of a difference and when that's getting paid. It seems insane that this is keeping someone off the field out of an $18 million fully guaranteed contract. So that's one part of it. That seems crazy to me. The other part of it is the part that we haven't been able to verify. And again, we've talked about this.

There have been reports, Kelsey Conway from the Cincinnati Inquirer, the most reputable report on this. And certainly a reputable report. there is an issue with the injury protection in the participation agreement according to a source. And I would bet you a sizable amount of money that that's Shemar Stewart agent source, Zach Hiller, the agent for Shemar Stewart. I did know his agent. We talked about this. You did talk about it.

Yeah, we did. And I don't think we were on it, but we talked about it. According to that agent or that report, it is unrealistic to expect from Mark to participate in voluntary practices until either there's a contract or more protection in the participation agreement. Demetriusite is practicing. So whatever those protections are are satisfactory to Demetriusite and his agent, this hasn't been an issue for the Bengals before. I don't know if there is, we don't know the specifics here. I don't know if there's anything wrong with the Bengals' participatory. agreement or not. We don't know those specifics. We do know that the representation for

Samar Stewart thinks there's a problem with it. Now, is that something that should be easy to resolve? Probably. Do I think it should also be easy to resolve the timing of paying out a small fraction of the $18 million fully guaranteed dollars due to Shamar Stewart? Also, yes, this should all be easy. But that's just, I guess, not how things were to get your teeth to pull. James make this a little bit harder yeah I I get like I get that it takes time most of the first round is still unsigned like I'm I'm fine with that I just hate that he's not on the field now it's just so important for him like I especially if you probably listen to our episode from draft night to now I see the the logic and the vision once from our and so now it's like all right

we'll put that vision together and on the field. Like I see the potential. Now do it. And by the way, the potential in year one. And this just doesn't feel great. That's all. It doesn't mean anything. Maybe he goes out there and wins defensive rookie of the year.

Yeah. But you're trying to set a certain standard. I did ask him about playbook wise, though, by the way. He didn't seem overwhelmed by that at all. Seemed like he was digesting it well. know how much of the defensive playbook he's gotten either i think that's i wonder the approach there but uh just figured that's a another little nugget but regardless get him on the field it's important i don't need trey hendricks in practicing right now i'd kind of prefer he not to be

honest just from a it not that it hurts anything he's working out anyway but shamar needs these reps it just does it just does especially if he's going to go sack shader sanders week one there is this whole idea with Al Golden. A couple things. One, simplifying the defense. Hopefully these guys are understanding the playbook because whatever approach Al Golden is taking to running the defense is digestible and understandable

and is going to enable these guys to play fast and understand what they're doing. Two, we've heard this coaching staff all offseason talk about having a plan, an action plan for the players who are drafting and the players that are on the roster to bring them along. Can't implement an action plan if the guy's not practicing.

And so talk about the vision, talk about the plan all you want. You need to actually do the thing. Can't just have a plan. You need to then do the plan. Hopefully that happens sooner than later. You're right. It might not matter at all. And hopefully that's the case.

Hopefully, Marstiver gets all the experience he needs in the preseason from now until preseason games is what I'm talking about, like off-season program, training camp preseason, and there will be plenty of reps for him, especially with Trey Henderson trending toward missing some part of training camp. If he's going to hold true to his word and the Bengals don't get a deal done, that's certainly something possible. Could be a big opportunity, Bursamar Stewart.

It's a huge opportunity. Get him on the field. Go win defensive rookie of the year. Yeah. Abdul Carter, who? Like, who? Exactly. I don't even

New York Giants Giants Yeah It's funny because you get these really good players sometimes going to some of these teams and then you just They just memory hole them because of the the teams they go to That would be my mindset I'll tell you right now that would be my mindset Oh four and a half I'm going to have four and a half sacks

In two weeks to start my career Yeah Like that would So we'll see how it shakes out i i certainly hope next week when i'm there for for the the practice that's open to the media that we see 97 out there that he's out there that he's practicing and that this is resolved however it needs to get resolved because everyone wants to see him on the field because somebody sorry somebody what somebody might have a matchup with dewan jones in week

one oh see now this is a now we're going way back to the man should you have went after de juan jones anyways it's called draft talk speaking of the draft is it coming to the queen city we'll discuss that coming up next Cincinnati Bengals are making a push along with the city to host the draft the target being in 2028 or 2029 report from the Cincinnati business courier that would be fun that's exciting. Also, if they're going to host a draft in 2028 or 2029, that suggests that they will still be playing in Cincinnati. Just an interesting little tie-in to the ongoing

stadium lease negotiations with a Bengal statement coming out about some stuff. Stop it. On Thursday, but. Yes, they will still be in Cincinnati. It would be pretty cool to host a draft. And the first thing that I... Chicago land. The first thing that I saw...

Their quarterback didn't even want to play there. Go ahead. I don't know what you're talking about. The first thing that I was all about Chicago. Chicago land. Nonsense. The Chicago Bears quarterback didn't want to play there. Yeah, but why are you talking about Chicago?

Because of that silly idea that was tossed out there by that reporter that you don't like naming, that national guy, the Chicago land idea. I don't know. You didn't see that? Oh, yeah, like the Bengals moved to Chicago along with another team that's already there and make Chicago land. What is the dumbest thing? You really didn't see that? Dude, people like that mattered here.

There were like contract, like people that I would just randomly see would be like, hey, the Bengals aren't moving, are they? I was like, no, what are you talking about? They're not like, stop it. Blissfully under a rock on that one. But the report indicates that the Bengals are previously focused on 2027. that was delayed to allow for the completion of a new hotel. And so they're hoping to make a formal submission to host the event.

The next two drafts are spoken for, Pittsburgh and Washington in 2026 and 27. Baltimore expecting or hoping, sorry, hoping to host a draft in 29, 30, or 31. So the Bengals targeting 28 or 29. Some people are wondering where this would go and have some space concerns. I think that that could be resolved. I think it would be fun. I think that most NFL cities could do a good job of hosting the draft. And I think Cincinnati, the way that the space between the stadiums has been developed,

assuming that's where they would think about doing a lot of this stuff, will be a pretty cool venue for an NFL draft. Yeah, it would be awesome. I have no doubt about it. I think it would be awesome. I think a couple of things. You would use the convention center probably for the Fan Fest, convention center undergoing some renovations and stuff.

Do you use Union Terminal for the draft? And you go that way for the stage and stuff in the backdrop. I mean, it was used in Superman. By the way, that new Superman trailer came out. That looks pretty sweet. If you could get the people in there, there's a lot of landscaping around Union Terminal. But man, would it be picturesque? I mean, that is a justice.

Right? Like, it's a beautiful building. If they can figure out a way logistically to get people into that space with all landscaping and the way it's been developed, that would be awesome. That's one of the coolest visuals in Cincinnati, my opinion. Now, for me, see, selfishly, like,

I go to the stadium, then bounce back and try to get to the draft and do both. Could be kind of challenging, but guess what? I'm up for a challenge. I'll run back and forth, baby. Let's go. We'll take my mind. We'll do that. No, I would think, one, I think it would be

amazing. I hope it happens. It would be well-deserved. I think obviously it would be mostly Bengals fans, but I think Bengals fans would just be a static to have something like that. So yeah, I hope it's here. I just think it would be so much fun. I love the NFL draft. I'm the type of person that even long before, you mentioned it at the top, 2016, like talking about the Bengals a really long time, even before that, though, locked into the draft. I mean, I can remember draft takes from way back when. And so, yeah, that's,

that would be really, really cool. And you think Mel Kuiper will still be talking about Shador Sanders? Yes or no? I think because of Cincinnati, you're in the state where Shadur Sanders will ostensibly still be playing. And maybe not. Maybe by 2028, 2029, he's washed out, as happens to me.

Washed out. He's going to be a hundred million dollar quarterback. 100 million. Maybe he will be. But you never know what the Browns, man. He's going to, you've seen that jersey. Everybody's seen the jersey. It's dragging on the ground behind the guy at this point

With all the quarterbacks have been stitched onto it The Saints There are a couple teams I think that should have probably Probably gone after Shador earlier But no I was just kidding I think Kiper is He would be good And he'd be good in Cincinnati

He thinks like I mean he was the one who was defended Joe Like of course Joe's going to go to Cincinnati Remember that? I mean that's what's funny is The Shador stuff got annoying to some people but five years ago, he was the one guy on ESPN, really, that was like, of course Joe's going to go to Cincinnati where they had Boomer and they had Carson and they had all these guys that went there and thrived. Six years ago now, right?

How does time work? No, it's five. Isn't Joe going into his sixth NFL year? Yeah, but he was drafted five years and a month ago. It was like April 20th, 2020 or something like that. All right. Remember when he had the Athens shirt on with the area? I just can't count higher than four or five.

So you're asking a lot for me. You're supposed to be our analytics guy, though. So, you know. Yeah, there's spreadsheets that help with that. You're not doing the counting in your head. Last topic today, let's just circle back to the schedule. Draft would be cool. Agree with that.

Since we did our episode reacting to the Bengals schedule yesterday, we've had a chance, of course, to see the schedules across the NFL, the disparity in prime time across the NFL. The Ravens and even split of, home and away primetime games, which is, I think, as it should be, as close to even as possible, especially over time. The Bengals coming off a record-setting year for road primetime games get a negative split in that department.

The NFL schedule maker going on a bit of a podcast tour on Thursday, talking about, you know, we would love to get the Thursday night game in Cincinnati, but so do it is what I would say. I don't know what the obstacle is. It's crazy that the Bengals are playing three straight, short, week, road, primetime games in Baltimore. That still stands out as insane. But across the AFC North, one thing that stood out to me, James, is the Bengals were involved in both primetime games featuring AFC North themes this year. There's only two.

The Browns didn't get any primetime games this year. The Steelers and Ravens aren't playing in prime time this year, at least yet. And so the Bengals with one home, one road primetime game, both primetime AFC North games. Yep. Yeah, well, the Steelers are boring. That could change with Aaron Rogers, right? Yeah.

The Browns are boring. That could change with Shador Sanders. But yeah, I think I get that. I thought about it more. And so you know the Madrid-Spain thing. Everyone knows that the mayor was like, oh, yeah, the Bengals are coming to town. and someone speculated like, hey, you think the dolphins were like, hey, we would like

Joe Burrow, Jamar Chase, in the Bengals to be in Miami. And I think that that's what the NFL is kind of done here, is they're like, yeah, of course, we want them in New Orleans, and then we want them here, and then we want to get them there. and the thing that's annoying about that and the way that doesn't hold up is they always go to Baltimore. Every year they have to go to Baltimore. Why would you make that one a prime time? Like they could have totally fixed this by just flipping them, by just flipping them, one o'clock Baltimore Ravens at M&T Bank Stadium and then two weeks later, or you could flip them

the other way and then two weeks later Thursday night and go that way or the other way where it's Thursday night at home and then and I get it you don't want to give two Thursday night home games I guess why would that matter Bengals fans are Baltimore the excuse was also that Baltimore had a road Thursday night game in Miami and so they couldn't give Baltimore to road Thursday night games I couldn't give Cincinnati to home but like then don't give Baltimore you have all the power you're making those decisions man figure it out but then put it on Sunday and give them the Sunday 425 or Sunday night. You're telling you Lamar Joe doesn't sell.

Yeah, like what do we make Wednesday night football. Do Wednesday middle of the night football because everyone's going to watch because it's Joe and Jamar and you didn't have to Joe and Jamar. Oh, that's fun to say. Joe Jamar. Joe Jamar Lamar, do it. Joe Jamar Lamar. Joe Jamar. Ah, see.

Get back on. track here james get back to marl mar no but but that's it is i think it's uh it makes sense for the the teams like a few years ago they go on the road to arizona well that that game arizona that makes sense miami same thing like you want those stars there you didn't have to do that with the baltimore game and that's really the only hang up outside of that schedule makes sense like we knew they were going to go on the road to buffalo which is going be a fun one i have a lot of my just go personal unless you have any thoughts real quick i was going to say i have one other there we go i have two others uh we get to talk about our favorable early

schedule talking point again the bengals have the fifth earliest fifth easiest schedule based on predicted wins this is something that warren sharp put together in the first four weeks of the season so first four weeks in the season uh projected to be a a soft schedule for the bengals so We get to talk about how there's a favorable schedule again as last year to avoid a slow start. And the lesson we can learn from last year is that it doesn't matter how soft it is. Just do whatever you can, win the games. The other thing that I think we talked about a little bit yesterday, like there is one objective positive to the schedule that it should be a favorable weather schedule overall.

Should be maybe, you know, Buffalo, December. you're rolling the dice, but could be later, could be more wintry. It should be a relatively good weather schedule. Yeah. Yeah. Yeah, Buffalo in December, fine. It's fine with a little snow here, there. But yeah, I agree.

I mean, the Green Bay in October, and that's what I was going to say is got most of the travel booked. Don't know that I'm going to keep it all, but you try to get that stuff done early on. I know Bengals fans are going crazy. Good luck with finding lodging in Green Bay. I already know I heard that it was it was already tough and what was the other one that was tough? Oh, Pittsburgh Hotel. Dumb. Like, why would that be that hard?

It was. I don't know if there's an event up there or what. And then Cleveland's always kind of weird too. Downtown Cleveland finding hotel there, but we're good. We're good. There we go. Well, we're back. Well, fans do because fans are talking about leaks.

I know. They care about leaks and they want leaks so they can get on those air, Airbnb's and whatnot before they jack up the prices or sell out because that happens or hotels because that happens pretty quick. No doubt. We'll be back next week with another week in the Bengals offseason program. Surely there will be more drama. That's the offseason we've had.

We'll look for some more teeth tomorrow. No, no teeth. No teeth. No teeth. That's going to do it for this episode of the Lockdown Bengals podcast. Until next time, thanks for listening. Houdai. Have a good one.

Joe Jemar Lamar. Shamar.