Free agency is fast approaching. The Bengals have over $50M in cap space to play with, and that is before you account for the likelihood that Trae Waynes is cut. While a good portion of that money will be spent on retaining their own free agents, the Bengals are still highly expected to be big time players in the outside free agent market. There are various positions on both sides of the ball that the team will be looking at, but with the struggles of the offensive line in recent years, you have to figure that addressing it is at the top of the list. Let’s take a look at who they may target in free agency.
– C, Ryan Jensen (Tampa Bay Buccaneers)
Ryan Jensen is one of the top OL available, despite being over the age of 30. He is a strong player who brings a mauler type attitude. His ability to anchor in pass protection is outstanding and he is someone who you can leave in one on one situations without much worry. In addition to the strength, he possesses the athleticism necessary to block on the move.
Trey Hopkins has been the team’s starter over the past few seasons. The team can save around $6M by cutting him, but it remains to be seen if they will do this. The Bengals have been linked to Jensen and, should they sign him, will have to make a decision on Hopkins. In a perfect world, he takes a pay cut and either starts at guard or serves as a valuable depth piece. As for Jensen, a deal for him looks like it will be in the range of $10M AAV.
– G, Alex Cappa (Tampa Bay Buccaneers)
Cappa was a raw small school prospect with intriguing traits when the Buccaneers drafted him in 2018. Since then, he has cleaned up his technique and worked his way up to start on a Bucs OL that has been one of the best in football in recent years. Now a free agent, the Bengals could look to bring in Cappa, who would slot right in at RG.
– OT, Terron Armstead (New Orleans Saints)
Armstead is probably the top tackle on the free agent market. Armstead brings great athleticism and is tough to beat around the edge. He is also very good in the run game. The downside? He has had some injury problems in past seasons and will likely command/receive over $20M AAV.
– G, Austin Corbett (Los Angeles Rams)
Corbett isn’t a physical specimen by any means, but he has been a solid player for the Rams. His sound technique makes him a reliable player that you know won’t make too many mistakes. Corbett is still young and could be a nice long term option for the Bengals.
– OT, Orlando Brown (Kansas City Chiefs)
UPDATE: The Chiefs have used the franchise tag on Brown since this article was written.
Brown has been one of the better tackles in the league over the past four years. He isn’t the most athletic guy, but is an absolute tank. His huge frame and long reach is a chore for edge rushers to get around. As a run blocker, his road grading style is one that running backs love. Like Armstead, Brown is likely to get over $20M per season.
– G, Laken Tomlinson (San Francisco 49ers)
Tomlinson (29) is coming off an impressive season with the Niners in which he played well in both pass protection and the run game. San Francisco has had one of the best rushing attacks over the past few years. Despite shuffling RB’s in and out, they have put up big numbers, thanks largely due to good blocking. Bringing some of that to Cincinnati certainly wouldn’t be a bad thing.
– G, Connor Williams (Dallas Cowboys)
Williams has very good pass protection statistics in terms of pressures and sacks given up. Trait wise, he isn’t the strongest player you’ll find at the position, but on the flip side, he is a plus athlete. The biggest problem with him was that he committed a significant number of holding penalties. Overall, he would be an upgrade for the Bengals OL, but the roughly $15M price tag might be a bit steep.
– G, James Daniels (Chicago Bears)
Daniels is extremely athletic for an OL and it helps him in pass protection and in the run game. Daniels was young and raw coming out of the draft, but has since found some consistency at RG. Still a young player, there is even more room for improvement. Daniels still struggles at times against power rushers, but overall, would be an upgrade over what the Bengals have had at the position in recent years. He is likely to get something in the ballpark of $8M AAV.
– C, Bradley Bozeman (Baltimore Ravens)
Bozeman doesn’t possess the most physical upside, but he has been a solid, reliable starter for the Baltimore Ravens. The former 6th round pick is technically sound as a blocker and is a reliable player. He would be a solid upgrade for the Bengals.
– OT, Cam Robinson (Jacksonville Jaguars)
UPDATE: The Jaguars have used the franchise tag on Robinson since this article was written.
Robinson is a physically gifted player with more room to grow. He had his best year in pass protection this past year. While consistency has been an issue throughout his career, his tape suggests that he is progressing towards taking that next step. That said, the question is if he can keep it going or instead regress. He is a boom/bust player, and his $15M+ projected cost is enough to make you think hard.
– OT, Trent Brown (New England Patriots)
Brown has proven in the past that he can be an excellent RT. He has a massive frame and especially excels as a run blocker. If you’re getting him for 17 games, he’d be well worth the $10M+ contract he’ll likely be demanding. However, injury issues make him a risky signing at that price.
– OT, Morgan Moses (New York Jets)
Moses is now into his 30’s and likely not a long term solution. However, he is still able to play at a solid level and could be a nice short term option for the Bengals. He likely wouldn’t cost as much as some of the other options and would buy them time to develop a young draft pick.
– G, Mark Glowinski (Indianapolis Colts)
Glowinski (29) has been a solid starter for the Colts over the past few seasons. He has played well in pass protection, while also contributing to Jonathan Taylor’s impressive statistical production. He isn’t the biggest name on the market, but would be a solid addition for the Bengals.
– G, Andrew Norwell (Jacksonville Jaguars)
The veteran guard has been at the top of his position in past years. While those days might be behind him, he can still be a solid contributor. He isn’t the most athletic guy you’ll find, but Norwell brings strength and toughness to the table. He is able to hold up against the stronger pass rushers, while also being able to pave lanes in the running game.
– C, Brian Allen (Los Angeles Rams)
After a number of injury problems in past years, Allen came into his own as a starter in 2021. He will not blow you away, but the consistency he showed is something that teams will take to. Zac Taylor is familiar with Allen from his days with the Rams and could look to bring him in. Allen would likely be cheaper than some of the other options, making him a solid under the radar candidate.
– CB, Darious Williams (Los Angeles Rams)
Williams has been a solid producer at CB for the Rams, even despite having somewhat of a down year in 2021. Nevertheless, Williams is someone who possesses a good amount of upside and could start opposite of Awuzie, should they choose to let Eli Apple walk.
– CB, Donte Jackson (Carolina Panthers)
It is hard to say what the Bengals will do at CB. It is possible that Eli Apple returns, and a high draft pick is also a possibility. Should they need to look to the open market for one, Donte Jackson is an option. Generally, he hasn’t been great in man, but he has the athletic ability to improve. But he does well in zone and should fit Anarumo’s system.
– CB, Sidney Jones (Seattle Seahawks)
Jones was an anticipated draft pick of the Eagles, but did not live up to the hype. After a failed stint with the Jaguars, he ended up in Seattle where he finally started to show some flashes. While I wouldn’t want to rely on him to start, he could be a nice low risk pickup with some upside, similar to when the Bengals signed Eli Apple last year.
– TE, Rob Gronkowski (Tampa Bay Buccaneers)
A few years ago, I don’t think anybody on this planet would have thought Gronk to the Bengals would be even a remote possibility. Yet, here we are. With Tom Brady retiring, Gronkowsi expressed a desire to play with Joe Burrow. Gronk, despite his age and injury concerns, still played well last year. He is a threat as a pass catcher and can also block at a high level. He’s not someone I’d break the bank for, but if he is willing to take a bit less to help the Bengals win a Super Bowl, I’d be all for it.
– TE, Mike Gesicki (Miami Dolphins)
UPDATE: The Dolphins have used the franchise tag on Gesicki since this article was written.
Gesicki is probably less realistic than Gronk, as he will be commanding a contract that pays well into the mid teens. However, if the Bengals are willing to fork over that kind of cash, he would give them a receiving threat at TE that they haven’t had since Tyler Eifert was in his prime.
– WR, Jakeem Grant (Chicago Bears)
Although he is nearing 30, Grant could be a useful addition for the Bengals. The team would benefit from adding a gadget type player with some speed, and Grant is just that. He is a threat with the ball in his hands. He can be used on end arounds, quick screens, and passes down the field. As well, he is a dynamic returner. Best of all, he is not someone that would break the bank.
– WR, Will Fuller (Miami Dolphins)
Fuller is a dynamic deep threat when at the top of his game. However, injuries seem to follow him wherever he goes. After a failed stint in Miami due to, you guessed it, injuries, he may have to settle for a cheaper contract on a 1 year deal. If that is the case, he could be a good risk/reward signing.
– WR, AJ Green (Arizona Cardinals)
Yes, I included AJ Green for the nostalgia. How nice would it be to bring back an old friend and make another run at a Super Bowl? And speaking of old friends, anyone know what Geno Atkins is up to now? But anyways, if I had to find a way for this to make sense, I’d argue that the Bengals do need some depth at the position. However, it is admittedly unlikely, with the Bengals likely looking for speed, and Green looking for a larger role than the Bengals can offer. But I can dream, right?
– DE, Derek Barnett (Philadelphia Eagles)
Barnett hasn’t lived up to his 1st round billing, but he has still shown to be a solid rotational piece. He has shown flashes as a pass rusher, and is also solid against the run. Wouldn’t be a bad rotational signing for the Bengals.
– QB, Andy Dalton (Chicago Bears)
I’ll end off with another old friend, but this one *could* be a bit more realistic. If you haven’t closed the tab yet, hear me out. Allen has proven to be a capable backup, and I do expect him back, but if given the chance to upgrade or provide competition, they should consider it. At this point in his career, Dalton will likely not be able to find any suitors willing to start him, at least this year. I would expect him to be cheaper than a lot of the other top backups, like Bridgewater and Fitzpatrick. If that number is low enough, it could make sense to bring him back as Burrow’s backup.
