NBC Sports, Cincinnati Enquirer, Sports Illustrated, Bleacher Report|4 minute read

Cincinnati Bengals: The Unraveling Drama with Xavien Howard and Leonard Fournette

The Cincinnati Bengals are stirring the pot this NFL season, and the stakes just got a hell of a lot higher. With both Xavien Howard and Leonard Fournette on their radar, the Bengals are making waves in the league. But hold your horses, because it looks like things are about to get a bit messy.

Xavien Howard: A Cornerback's Chase for a New Home

Let’s kick things off with Xavien Howard, one of the top cornerbacks to ever don a Miami Dolphins jersey. The dude is a beast, yet, it seems he’s playing hard to get. After the Bengals made an enticing offer, word on the street is that Howard isn’t biting—not yet, anyway. Mike Garafolo of NFL Media broke the news, leaving many fans scratching their heads.

When a player of Howard's caliber is in the mix, you can bet your bottom dollar that other teams are circling like vultures. The Chiefs are eyeing this situation closely, hoping the Bengals’ rejection gives them a shot at snagging the cornerback. The AFC playoff race is heating up, and every team is looking for an edge.

Leonard Fournette: The Running Back Hunt Intensifies

Now let’s switch gears to Leonard Fournette. The former LSU star is still trying to find his footing in the NFL, and the Bengals are rolling out the red carpet for him ahead of their Week 11 showdown against the Los Angeles Chargers. You know what they say: desperate times call for desperate measures.

Fournette’s visit is a clear sign that the Bengals are not satisfied with their current running back situation. With the clock ticking and the playoffs on the horizon, they need a game-changer like Fournette—someone who can bulldoze through defenses and make plays happen. But will he sign on the dotted line? Or will he pull a Howard and leave the Bengals hanging?

What’s the Deal with Both Players?

Reports are swirling that both Howard and Fournette have left the Bengals' facility without signing contracts. This could be a tactical play or just a matter of the players weighing their options. On one hand, you’ve got a cornerback who’s been injured and is looking for a fresh start, and on the other, a running back who’s trying to prove he still has gas left in the tank.

According to Bleacher Report, both players reportedly turned down offers after their visits. The Bengals are left at a crossroads, needing to rethink their strategy while the clock ticks down to the playoffs. This is the NFL, baby! You either get on board or get left behind.

What’s Next for the Bengals?

As the Bengals navigate these choppy waters, their playoff hopes hinge on making the right choices. The absence of either a strong cornerback or a dynamic running back could spell disaster as the season progresses. It’s all about making the right moves at the right time, and the pressure is palpable.

The Bengals can't afford to be playing patty-cake with free agents. They need to make an assertive move that sends a message to the rest of the league. If they want to stand tall in the AFC, they better figure it out fast.

Final Thoughts

The drama surrounding the Cincinnati Bengals, Xavien Howard, and Leonard Fournette is a perfect example of the unpredictability of the NFL. One minute you’re in talks to sign a star, the next you’re left holding your breath as they walk out the door. It’s a cutthroat business, and the Bengals are in the thick of it.

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