Right now, everyone on Twitter will tell you that training camp is officially open for all 32 NFL teams. That's technically correct, but the Bengals aren't doing anything on the practice field quite yet. That'll begin on July 27 - four days after rookies reported to camp and one day after veterans arrived.
Still, it's an excuse for the team to make some moves and hold a press conference - one where owner Mike Brown made an appearance. So what'd they talk about?
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Mike Brown on Joe Burrow's Contract Extension
Amidst various comments about revenue streams and how the team's performance last season helped ticket sales, Brown provided some commentary on the contract extension for quarterback Joe Burrow that everyone anticipates on the horizon.
"Right now, our obvious, most important issue will be with our quarterback," Brown said. "It's not quite ready or ripe yet, but it's right down the track. We see the train coming."
The subject of Burrow's future was broached alongside those of receivers Ja'Marr Chase and Tee Higgins and safety Jessie Bates III, but Brown made his most interesting comments in regard to Burrow, referencing the extension quarterback Patrick Mahomes agreed to with the Kansas City Chiefs.
"I like what Mahomes said," Brown said. "He wasn't bothered by all those big quarterback contracts that came after his because he had enough to set him up for a lifetime anyway. I can't tell you how this is going to unfold. I can tell you that we couldn't be happier with Joe Burrow. He's everything you would wish for, especially for a quarterback in Cincinnati. Our whole focus is going to be on keeping him here."
The praise for Burrow is welcome and warranted, but expected. Brown's point in publicly endorsing his quarterback is self-evident; his point in invoking Mahomes is less clear. Of course he'd like Burrow to take Mahomes' perspective, but whom does he serve by saying that to the media?
More to the point, three quarterbacks - Aaron Rodgers, Deshaun Watson, and (most recently) Kyler Murray - have already signed extensions paying them a higher yearly average than Mahomes. That number will only go up by the time negotiations with Burrow begin, especially if Justin Herbert reaches an agreement with the Los Angeles Chargers first. Jalen Hurts having a strong campaign with the Philadelphia Eagles and earning himself a similar contract is within the realm of possibility as well.
If Burrow wants to negotiate like Mahomes, he will. If he continues to play like he did in 2021 and wants to become the richest quarterback alive, he will. The only thing up to Mike Brown is whether that's in Cincinnati or elsewhere.
Status Update on Jessie Bates
Bates has yet to sign his franchise tender and, consequently, wasn't among the veterans that reported to camp on Tuesday. None of the coaching staff seemed overly concerned.
"Whenever he gets here," defensive coordinator Lou Anarumo said, "we trust and respect he will be in great shape and be ready to go whenever that is."
"Jessie's a great player and a great leader on this team," head coach Zac Taylor said. "He'll be in shape ready for when he does show up."
Brown was similarly positive about Bates, alluding to the possibility of an extension at the end of the season but remaining noncommittal, noting the looming extensions of the Bengals' key offensive players.
"Jessie's a good guy. We like him. He's been an excellent player. He fits with us. We're two years in trying to extend him. We weren't able to get there. I regret that we didn't," Brown said.
Taylor mentioned that "the communication with [Bates] has been good." The expectation remains that Bates will report ahead of the opener on September 11.
Other Bengals Camp Stories
Dax Hill, the team's 31st overall pick in the 2022 NFL Draft, remains the primary beneficiary of Bates' absence. Hill took Bates' snaps during spring activities and will likely prepare to be the team's starting free safety until Bates arrives. Anarumo elaborated on the team's plan for Hill once that transpires.
"I think we have a pretty good plan for that as we go through practice," Anarumo said. He's a smart kid, so being able to do a number of different things, I think he'll be able to handle it just fine."
Notably, Anarumo said Hill wouldn't be playing much in the slot, instead mentioning the possibility of Hill getting a look at outside cornerback. Given Mike Hilton's performance in (exclusively) the slot, it makes sense to focus Hill's practices elsewhere.
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La'el Collins, Alex Cappa and the Offensive Line
Two of the Bengals' touted signings from the 2022 free agency period - offensive linemen La'el Collins and Alex Cappa - will likely miss some time in training camp while recovering from injuries. Neither player is expected to be rushed back, nor are they expected to still be unavailable by the regular season.
With those two projected to hold down right guard and right tackle, respectively, attention will shift to a potential battle at left guard between Jackson Carman and 2022 fourth-round selection Cordell Volson. Offensive coordinator Brian Callahan said Carman has an advantage due to his past experience, but said he thinks "that's going to be the most fun battle to follow on offense."
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Special Teams - Kicks, Punts and Those Returning Them
"The only way you can make the team is if you're going to be the punt returner," Special teams coordinator Darrin Simmons told Pooka Williams and Kwamie Lassiter II, per Geoff Hobson. With Brandon Wilson sidelined, competition for the returner gig(s) will ensue between the two former Kansas Jayhawks, Trent Taylor, Trenton Irwin, and running back Chris Evans. Evans notwithstanding, it's unclear how many roster spots will be available for any of these players who don't get the job as the primary return man.
Beyond them, competition will ensue at punter and long snapper with Drue Chrisman and Cal Adomitis challenging incumbents Kevin Huber and Clark Harris. Chrisman is entering his second year in the league after several stints on the Bengals practice squad in 2021. Adomitis is a rookie undrafted free agent signing.
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Tegray Scales, Raymond Johnson III, and Domenique Davis
The Bengals signed three free agents on July 25, getting their roster up to 90 players ahead of opening camp. Linebacker Tegray Scales enjoyed a brief stint on the Bengals' practice squad last December before the Steelers signed him away. Defensive end Raymond Johnson III played 166 snaps for the Giants last year, recording four tackles and a sack. Defensive tackle Domenique Davis played for the Houston Gamblers of the USFL this year, recording 57 tackles and 3.5 sacks.
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White Alternate Helmet and Uniform Schedule
The Bengals have spent the past several weeks teasing a new alternate white helmet. Now, we know when they'll wear it (alongside their white Color Rush uniform).
The game will open Week 4 of the regular season on Thursday night, with the Bengals hosting the Dolphins.
– Andy Hammel is the Managing Editor for the Bengals at Full Press Coverage.
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