Could the Bengals’ Decision to Release Alex Cappa Backfire This Season?
In a shocking offseason move, the Cincinnati Bengals have officially released veteran guard Alex Cappa, a decision that has left many fans and analysts questioning whether the team is making a critical mistake ahead of the 2025 NFL season.
Cappa, a key part of the Bengals’ offensive line since signing a four-year, $35 million deal in 2022, was expected to be a long-term protector for Joe Burrow. Instead, the Bengals cut ties with him just two years into the contract, sparking concerns about how this will impact the team’s offensive stability moving forward.
Why Did the Bengals Release Cappa?
The Bengals’ decision to move on from Cappa appears to be a salary cap-related move. By releasing him, the team saves nearly $7.4 million in cap space, giving them more financial flexibility to:
- Potentially extend Ja’Marr Chase’s contract
- Work out a long-term deal for Tee Higgins (or tag and trade him)
- Make room for future free-agent signings or draft picks
However, is this short-term financial gain worth the risk of weakening Burrow’s protection?
How This Move Could Backfire
While the Bengals might feel confident in their decision, this move carries major risks, especially considering:
1. Joe Burrow’s Injury History
Burrow has already suffered two significant injuries behind shaky offensive line play. Cappa was one of the team’s more consistent linemen, and replacing him with an unproven player could jeopardize Burrow’s health in 2025.
2. Lack of Proven Replacements
The Bengals currently have no clear-cut replacement for Cappa. Their depth at guard is thin, and unless they land a top free agent or draft a stud, Burrow could be left more vulnerable than ever.
3. Super Bowl Window Closing?
The Bengals have been knocking on the door of a Super Bowl for the past few years, but with every season that passes, the window gets smaller. Moves like this could create more problems than solutions, especially if the offensive line regresses in 2025.
What’s Next for the Bengals?
With Cappa gone, the Bengals will need to address the guard position quickly. Will they look to sign a veteran replacement, target a lineman in the draft, or trust an internal option?
One thing is for sure—if the Bengals struggle to protect Burrow this season, fans will not forget this decision anytime soon.
