Bengals Remaining Free Agent Targets, Reds Split vs. Cardinals, Blake Dunn Breakout

Bengals Practice Takeaways Ft. Shemar Stewart & Dexter Lawrence, Chase Burns Excellence, Reds Back On Track, Brendan Sorsby Latest

On today's show, we discuss another impressive outing for Chase Burns as the Reds have seemingly gotten their season back on track. Plus, Bengals practice takeaways from Dan Hoard ft. Joe Burrow, Shemar Stewart and Dexter Lawrence. Also, a Brendan Sorsby update as court date approaches. The Stone Shields Show sponsors: Book an appointment at Richter & Phillips today: https://richterphillips.com/pages/chatterbox-sports Learn more about our friends at QC Kinetix! Call (513) 655-3356 or visit qckinetix.com  Anthony Muñoz 78 Cigars! Get your box today: https://www.anthonymunoz.com/anthony-munoz-78-cigars   Apply today at Sharefax Credit Union: Sharefax.org or call 513-753-2440 Chase Burns continues to pitch like one of baseball’s emerging superstars, and Tuesday night against the New York Mets was simply the latest example. The hard-throwing right-hander overpowered New York in the Major League Baseball matchup, leading the Cincinnati Reds to a convincing 7-2 victory at Citi Field. Burns worked 5 1/3 innings, allowed just two runs, struck out eight, and once again looked completely in control against a lineup featuring dangerous hitters like Juan Soto. For most of the night, the Mets had no answers for Burns’ elite combination of velocity and movement. His fastball touched 100 mph multiple times, while his devastating slider generated swing-and-miss after swing-and-miss. According to MLB coverage, Mets hitters went just 1-for-7 against the slider with six strikeouts, continuing a trend that has made Burns one of the toughest pitchers in baseball to square up this season. The only real blemish came in the sixth inning, when Soto launched a two-run homer to right field. Even then, Burns never appeared rattled. He attacked hitters aggressively, worked efficiently, and carried a one-hit shutout deep into the outing before Soto finally broke through. By the time Burns exited, the Reds had already built a comfortable lead thanks to timely offense from Elly De La Cruz, Eugenio Suárez, and Tyler Stephenson. What stands out most is Burns’ consistency. The 23-year-old improved to 7-1 with a 1.96 ERA and has now won four straight starts. Over his last four outings, he owns a sparkling 1.54 ERA, and in May he has looked every bit like a future ace. The Reds believe they have a cornerstone pitcher, and performances like Tuesday’s are proving them right. Music from #InAudio: https://inaudio.org/ Track Name Holy (Trap). Music from #InAudio: https://inaudio.org/ Track Name Exercise (Rock). #Bengals #Reds #TheStoneShieldsShow

Bengals Keeping Or Cutting TJ Slaton? Shemar Stewart Year 2 Expectations, Nick Lodolo Returns To Form vs. Mets

On today's show, we discuss Nick Lodolo looking like his typical self in a strong 6-inning outing vs. the Mets. Plus, are the Bengals thinking about cutting TJ Slaton to free up cap space? Shemar Stewart year 2 expectations and why Myles Murphy has the right mindset after Cincinnati decided not to pick up his fifth-year option. The Stone Shields Show sponsors: Book an appointment at Richter & Phillips today: https://richterphillips.com/pages/chatterbox-sports Learn more about our friends at QC Kinetix! Call (513) 655-3356 or visit qckinetix.com  Anthony Muñoz 78 Cigars! Get your box today: https://www.anthonymunoz.com/anthony-munoz-78-cigars   Apply today at Sharefax Credit Union: Sharefax.org or call 513-753-2440 Cincinnati Bengals EDGE Myles Murphy enters the 2026 season with more pressure than at any other point in his career. Drafted in the first round in 2023, Murphy was expected to become a cornerstone pass rusher opposite Trey Hendrickson. Instead, his first three seasons have produced flashes of talent without the consistent dominance the Bengals envisioned when they invested a premium pick in him. That is why 2026 feels like a true make-or-break campaign. Cincinnati already declined Murphy’s fifth-year option, a major signal that the organization still is not fully convinced he deserves long-term star money. The Bengals have also aggressively rebuilt the defensive line, adding veterans and drafting more edge rushers, creating immediate competition for snaps and future roster spots. To Murphy’s credit, there were signs of growth late in 2025. He posted career highs in tackles and sacks while finally showing the disruptive ability that made him a standout at Clemson. Bengals coaches and executives still believe his best football could be ahead of him, but belief alone will not earn him a second contract. Production will. The timing also matters for Cincinnati as a franchise. The Bengals remain built around Joe Burrow and an elite offense, but the defense has consistently held the team back during recent playoff pushes. Murphy now has a chance to become the impact defender this roster desperately needs. If he breaks out with double-digit sacks and consistent pressure, he could secure a lucrative extension and solidify himself as a long-term building block. If he struggles again, however, the Bengals may decide to move forward with younger and cheaper pass rushers. For Murphy, 2026 is no longer about potential. It is about proving he can finally become the player Cincinnati drafted him to be. Music from #InAudio: https://inaudio.org/ Track Name Holy (Trap). Music from #InAudio: https://inaudio.org/ Track Name Exercise (Rock). #Bengals #Reds #TheStoneShieldsShow

Bengals Remaining Free Agent Targets, Reds Split vs. Cardinals, Blake Dunn Breakout

On today's show, we discuss the Reds splitting their doubleheader with the Cardinals on Saturday: Is Blake Dunn trending towards being an everyday outfielder for the Reds? Plus, remaining Bengals free agent targets ft. Bobby Wagner & Joey Bosa and ESPN's Michael Wilbon isn't buying Joe Burrow's comments from last week. The Stone Shields Show sponsors: Book an appointment at Richter & Phillips today: https://richterphillips.com/pages/chatterbox-sports Learn more about our friends at QC Kinetix! Call (513) 655-3356 or visit qckinetix.com  Anthony Muñoz 78 Cigars! Get your box today: https://www.anthonymunoz.com/anthony-munoz-78-cigars   Apply today at Sharefax Credit Union: Sharefax.org or call 513-753-2440 The Cincinnati Bengals have already made aggressive moves to improve their roster, but a few veteran free agents could still help push them closer to championship contention. Players like Joey Bosa, Bobby Wagner, DeAndre Hopkins, and Kevin Zeitler all make sense as short-term targets depending on Cincinnati’s remaining cap flexibility and roster priorities. Bosa would give the Bengals another experienced edge rusher after losing Trey Hendrickson in free agency. While injuries have slowed him in recent years, he still flashes elite pass-rushing ability and would immediately raise the ceiling of Cincinnati’s defensive front. His Ohio State ties and relationship with quarterback Joe Burrow also make the fit appealing. Analysts have repeatedly connected Bosa to Cincinnati because of the team’s need for pass-rush help. Wagner could address another major weakness: linebacker depth and leadership. Even at his age, Wagner remains one of the NFL’s smartest defenders and a reliable tackler. The Bengals’ defense has lacked consistency in the middle of the field, and Wagner’s experience could help stabilize a younger unit while mentoring developing players. Several reports have identified linebacker as an area Cincinnati still needs to improve. Hopkins would provide Burrow with another dependable veteran target alongside Ja’Marr Chase and Tee Higgins. Although no longer a dominant No. 1 receiver, Hopkins still excels in contested catches and red-zone situations. His presence could give the Bengals valuable depth and insurance in a pass-heavy offense. Zeitler may be the cleanest fit of the group. Cincinnati’s offensive line has remained inconsistent, and the veteran guard is still respected for his toughness and reliability. With multiple guards departing in free agency, adding Zeitler could strengthen protection for Burrow while improving the running game. Music from #InAudio: https://inaudio.org/ Track Name Holy (Trap). Music from #InAudio: https://inaudio.org/ Track Name Exercise (Rock). #Bengals #Reds #TheStoneShieldsShow

Bengals NOT Discussing A Contract Restructure With Joe Burrow, Reds vs. Cardinals Series Preview, Jerrod Calhoun Lands 5-Star

On today's show, we discuss the Bengals not going forward with a Joe Burrow contract restructure this offseason, a critical series for the Reds as they host the Cardinals this weekend, and Jerrod Calhoun landing a 5-star recruit from Princeton High School.  The Stone Shields Show sponsors: Book an appointment at Richter & Phillips today: https://richterphillips.com/pages/chatterbox-sports Learn more about our friends at QC Kinetix! Call (513) 655-3356 or visit qckinetix.com  Anthony Muñoz 78 Cigars! Get your box today: https://www.anthonymunoz.com/anthony-munoz-78-cigars   Apply today at Sharefax Credit Union: Sharefax.org or call 513-753-2440 The rivalry always feels louder when the Cardinals come to town, and this weekend’s series at Great American Ball Park arrives at a pivotal moment for the Reds. Cincinnati returns home carrying some momentum after a much-needed series win in Philadelphia, where the pitching staff tightened up and the lineup rediscovered some late-inning punch. From a Reds perspective, the formula is pretty clear: ride the energy of the home crowd, let the young stars create chaos, and pressure a Cardinals pitching staff that has been inconsistent despite St. Louis staying competitive in the NL Central race. Elly De La Cruz remains the centerpiece of everything Cincinnati does offensively. When he’s getting on base and forcing mistakes, the Reds become one of the league’s most dangerous transition offenses. Veterans like Spencer Steer and Tyler Stephenson also give Cincinnati needed balance against a Cardinals club that has leaned heavily on younger contributors this season. The biggest encouraging sign for the Reds lately has been the rotation stabilizing. Andrew Abbott continues to look like the dependable anchor Cincinnati desperately needed, and the bullpen has shown signs of regaining form after a shaky stretch earlier this month. Terry Francona’s club knows these divisional games carry extra weight, especially against a Cardinals team that appears ahead of schedule in its youth movement. The Cardinals will arrive confident, but this feels like an opportunity for the Reds to reestablish themselves in the division race. At home, with the weather warming up and the ball carrying at GABP, Cincinnati’s offense has the potential to turn this into an explosive weekend. If the Reds can grab Friday night’s opener and force St. Louis to play from behind, the atmosphere downtown could start feeling a lot like meaningful summer baseball again. Music from #InAudio: https://inaudio.org/ Track Name Holy (Trap). Music from #InAudio: https://inaudio.org/ Track Name Exercise (Rock). #Bengals #Reds #TheStoneShieldsShow

Joe Burrow Opens Up On Bengals Offseason, Reds Take Series In Philadelphia, Aaron Rodgers Retirement Tour

On today's show, we discuss some takeaways from Joe Burrow's press conference yesterday, as it felt like there was a newfound energy and confidence for the Bengals' QB1. Plus, the Reds take the series against the Phillies after a nice outing from Andrew Abbott, and Aaron Rodgers announces 2026 will officially be his last season in the NFL. The Stone Shields Show sponsors: Book an appointment at Richter & Phillips today: https://richterphillips.com/pages/chatterbox-sports Learn more about our friends at QC Kinetix! Call (513) 655-3356 or visit qckinetix.com  Anthony Muñoz 78 Cigars! Get your box today: https://www.anthonymunoz.com/anthony-munoz-78-cigars   Apply today at Sharefax Credit Union: Sharefax.org or call 513-753-2440 At his press conference on Wednesday, Joe Burrow sounded confident, energized, and more optimistic about the Cincinnati Bengals than he has in several years. The biggest headline from the session was his bold belief that the Bengals can win the Super Bowl this season. Burrow said the current roster is the most talented team he has played with since entering the NFL, pointing to the organization’s aggressive offseason moves as proof that the front office is fully committed to competing for a championship. Burrow praised the Bengals for adding experienced defensive talent, including Dexter Lawrence II, Boye Mafe, Bryan Cook, Jonathan Allen, and Kyle Dugger. He explained that those additions give the team more toughness, leadership, and consistency on defense. According to Burrow, the team now has veteran players who understand how to maintain a high level of play every week, which he believes is critical for a deep playoff run. He also discussed his own health and mindset after last season’s toe injury limited him to only part of the year. Burrow said he feels healthy again and appears motivated by the frustration of missing the playoffs for three straight seasons. He noted that there is noticeable excitement around the locker room and that players understand the urgency heading into 2026. Another interesting moment came when Burrow addressed former teammate Trey Hendrickson joining the Baltimore Ravens. Burrow said he was not surprised by the move and acknowledged that he understands Hendrickson’s mentality and competitive nature. Even so, he made it clear that AFC North matchups against Baltimore will now carry even more intensity. Overall, Burrow’s message was simple: the Bengals believe their championship window is open right now. Music from #InAudio: https://inaudio.org/ Track Name Holy (Trap). Music from #InAudio: https://inaudio.org/ Track Name Exercise (Rock). #Bengals #Reds #TheStoneShieldsShow