NFL agents reveal the league’s most unstable franchise

A new poll of NFL agents offered up an unsurprising choice for the league’s most unstable franchise.

Washington Commanders reporter Ben Standig polled 24 agents on the most troubled franchise in the league, and the Cincinnati Bengals received the most votes. The Bengals got 5.5 votes, ahead of the 3.5 votes the Dallas Cowboys received.

Agents anonymously told Standig that the Bengals have a poor reputation around the league due to their haggling with contracts. First-round pick Shemar Stewart had issues with the team over unusual contract language, while star edge rusher Trey Hendrickson was embroiled in a contract dispute for much of the offseason.

One anonymous agent even referred to the Bengals as “mom and pop ownership” and that their setup is “difficult to navigate.” Mike Brown, the son of franchise co-founder Paul Brown, has owned the franchise since his father’s death in 1991.

The Cowboys also ranked highly, mostly due to Jerry Jones’ influence throughout the organization.

The Bengals have an outstanding core of talent, led by quarterback Joe Burrow and wide receiver Ja’Marr Chase. They should really be contending for Super Bowls, but there always seems to be something overshadowing the on-field product. That remains the case this year.