The goal is clear: to be serious contenders for the 2025 NFL season and aim for a deep playoff run. To achieve this, reinforcing the roster in the best possible way is imperative for the Cincinnati Bengals. In their pursuit of this goal, the franchise has decided to release a teammate of Joe Burrow who already has Super Bowl-winning experience with another team, in order to create salary cap space.
Alex Cappa joined the Bengals in 2022 after his time with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, where he reached the pinnacle of success, winning Super Bowl LV alongside Tom Brady. The veteran guard will not continue in Cincinnati, as the franchise has released him ahead of the next season.
The news was reported by NFL insider Ian Rapoport, who, via his official X (formerly Twitter) account @RapSheet, shared details of one of the latest moves within Zac Taylorâs team.
âThe #Bengals have released veteran G Alex Cappa, who had a $10.2M cap number,â Rapoport stated. From now on, it remains to be seen how the franchise will address the void left by Cappa, who will now look for a new destination.
Joe Burrow #9 and Alex Cappa #65 of the Cincinnati Bengals on the field after a win over the Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Raymond James Stadium on December 18, 2022 in Tampa, Florida.
At the beginning of 2022, Cappa signed a four-year, $35 million contract with the Cincinnati Bengals. While he played in every game last season, his performance didnât meet expectations: he finished last among NFL guards in pressures (51), hurries (36), and sacks allowed (8).
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The day Cappa became a Super Bowl champion
Hailing from Humboldt State, Alex Cappa was selected in the 2018 NFL Draft by the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in the third round with the 94th overall pick. From there, he gradually became a key piece of the team.
Shortly before the start of 2021, during a Wild Card matchup against the Washington Football Team, Cappa suffered a fractured ankle, which unfortunately sidelined him for the remainder of the postseason as he was placed on injured reserve.
One week later, his team, led by Tom Brady, dominated the Kansas City Chiefs and Patrick Mahomes to claim victory in Super Bowl LV, marking Alex Cappaâs first and only Vince Lombardi Trophy of his career.
Rob Gronkowski #87 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers reacts after scoring a touchdown against the New York Giants in the third quarter with Joe Haeg #73 and Alex Cappa #65 at MetLife Stadium on November 02, 2020 in East Rutherford, New Jersey.
Becoming contenders again in the AFC North
Last season, the Bengals fell far short of the expectations set at the start. A disappointing third-place finish behind the Steelers and Ravens kept Joe Burrowâs team out of the playoffs, undoubtedly a harsh blow for the franchise.
The restructuring of their roster has one main goal: to build a competitive team that can once again place the Bengals at the forefront. Cappaâs departure marks one of the first steps in this process, which could evolve over time. However, itâs clear that if the objectives are ultimately achieved, nothing will have been in vain.
