The legal tampering period of free agency is less than a week away. The Bengals have some big names set to hit free agency this year. If they don’t retain some of them, outside free agents could be solid replacement options. As well, the Bengals will be looking to bolster other positions, as they look to make another deep run in the playoffs. With big contract extensions for other players coming up, the Bengals might not be looking to dump a load of money on one or two high profile targets, like Javon Hargrave, but there are plenty of other options that can be impact players, or reliable depth options, at decent prices. Let’s dive into some potential targets.
- OT, Jermaine Eluemunor
Eluemunor is my top target for the Bengals, thanks to his recent play and projected contract value. He has long been a swing tackle in the NFL, but got an extended run as a starter with the Raiders, and performed admirably in pass protection. Despite that, Spotrac has his market value at only $5.6M AAV, while PFF’s projected contract comes at an average of $3.75M. At anything close to that, this would be an outstanding pickup for the Bengals. It would solidify their depth, giving them someone who can fill in at a high level, and perhaps even win a starting spot out of camp, depending on what happens with Le’el Collins.
- OT, Andre Dillard
Dillard hasn’t lived up to his 1st round billing. However, he would be a quality depth addition for a Bengals team in need of it at OT. Dillard brings a lot of athleticism to the position, and may still have untapped potential.
- WR, Olamide Zaccheaus
Zaccheaus has never been a huge part of an offence in the NFL, but showed big play ability in Atlanta. He can take the top off the defence and be used as a gadget guy. Zaccheaus would bring a different element to the Bengals offence, and would make for a solid WR 4 or 5, depending on what they do in the draft.
- WR, Darius Slayton
Slayton might be courted for a top 3 spot on a depth chart, after his impressive play in New York. However, if he can be had at the right price, Slayton would be a great add to the Bengals WR room. He can take the top off of the defence, and pick up yards after the catch. As well, should one of the Bengals top 3 options go down, he should be able to fill in without the offence missing a beat.
- WR, Marvin Jones
Jones fell down the Jaguars depth chart last year after they made some higher profile additions to the position. Still, he came up clutch in some big moments, and showed that he can still play, as he gets into the later part of his career. He can still threaten down the field, and at this point in his career, may be willing to accept a rotational role with the Bengals. Though not a long term option, he would be a quality depth signing for next season.
- WR, Damiere Byrd
Byrd is a lower profile free agent option, and should come cheap, if none of the other options come to fruition. Sticking with the theme, he brings speed to the table, and could situationally be used to change the pace on offence.
- DE, Justin Houston
Houston is nearing the end of his career, but is still highly productive as a pass rusher. He is at the stage of his career where a cheap deal to chase a ring is in play. Houston would be a big boost to the Bengals pass rush and depth at the edge position.
- DE, Yannick Ngakoue
Ngakoue broke out with the Jaguars, while on his rookie contract. He has since fallen from that peak, but has still been a productive pass rusher. Even with that being the case, he just can’t seem to generate the kind of market that he was looking for earlier on in his career. If that remains the case, he could be a value option for the Bengals, with the ability to contribute significantly as a pass rusher.
- DE, Ogbonnia Okoronkuro
Okoronkuro had good production for the Texans last year, racking up 5.5 sacks and putting up consistent pressure. He isn’t a big name, and doesn’t have great size for an edge rusher. A potential value free agent, he would be a nice boost for the DL.
- DE, DeMarcus Walker
Walker is coming off a good year as a pass rusher, and has also been pretty good against the run. He is someone that you can move around the DL. Versatility is something that Lou Anarumo looks for. Walker has battled injuries in the past, and may not break the bank. The former 2nd round pick should be high on the Bengals list of potential targets.
- DE, Clelin Ferrell
Ferrell hasn’t lived up to being a 4th overall pick, but he has still been a solid player against the run. As somewhat of a reclamation project, he likely won’t cost top dollar, and a change of scenery and less pressure might be able to unlock his untapped potential as a pass rusher. With the Bengals, he could prove to be a valuable member of the rotation, should they choose to sign him.
- CB, Jamel Dean
I debated including Dean, because I wonder if he might end up being outside of the Bengals price range. He has had some up and down moments with the Buccaneers, perhaps lowering his price just a bit. With Eli Apple a pending free agent, and Chidobe Awuzie coming off a torn ACL, a higher profile addition to the CB room might not be a bad idea. Dean is young and has shown that he can be a starter on the boundary. Price is the question mark.
- CB, Patrick Peterson
Peterson is a veteran option set to hit the market. He isn’t the elite player he was in his prime with the Cardinals. However, this past year in Minnesota, he still played at a pretty high level. If Apple walks, Peterson would probably still be an upgrade, and would allow the Bengals to not rush into things with Cam Taylor-Britt.
- CB, Greedy Williams
Williams was a very good prospect coming out of college at LSU. Though he has had some strong moments in the NFL, injuries and inconsistency has overshadowed them. He would be a nice low risk, high upside reclamation project for the Bengals, kind of like Eli Apple was a couple of years ago.
- CB, Byron Murphy
Murphy is a former 2nd round pick. Like Williams, he has also been hampered by injuries and some inconsistencies on the field. However, he has shown some elite flashes as well, from both the slot and boundary. I don’t think he will break the bank, but he won’t be cheap either. With Mike Hilton aging and nearing the end of his contract, perhaps Murphy could be his future replacement, and line up on the boundary in the meantime.
- DT, Larry Ogunjobi
Ogunjobi had a very good year with the Bengals in 2021, before signing with the Steelers in 2022. He is back on the market, and the Bengals could use more pass rush help from the interior. Perhaps the Bengals can reunite Ogunjobi with BJ Hill, a rotation that had plenty of success in 2021.
- G, Nate Herbig
The Bengals need more quality depth along the interior of the offensive line. Herbig has had his ups and downs, but has really come into his own in recent times. He has especially played well as a run blocker. Herbig could compete for a starting spot. Regardless of who wins the battle, the depth would be upgraded.
- G, Will Hernandez
Henandez hasn’t lived up to his billing as a 2nd round pick, but has improved quite a bit after a rocky start to his career. Though he still has work to do in the run game, he has quietly become a solid pass blocker. He brings strength and a mean streak, something that Frank Pollack looks for in offensive linemen. Henandez shouldn’t break the bank, and would upgrade the Bengals depth at G.
- C, Corey Levin
Levin came off the bench for the Titans to fill in for an injury, and ended up playing impoprtant snaps. His performance was very respectable, and his play in pass protection was especially good. Behind Ted Karras, the Bengals only have Trey Hill, who has had some shaky performances in the preseason. Levin has positional versatility and would help upgrade the Bengals depth.
- LB, Anthony Walker
Germaine Pratt is a pending free agent. If the Bengals don’t retain him, Akeem Davis-Gaither may take over as the starter next to Logan Wilson. Still, you don’t want to hand him the job. Anthony Walker would be great veteran competition, and a solid replacement for Pratt, given his ability in coverage.
- LB, Leighton Vander Esch
Vander Esch had a great start to his career, before injuries derailed things a bit. He bounced back last season, but still seems to be flying under the radar enough for his price to not be so bad. LVE brings an all around skill set, and veteran leadership. Should Pratt walk in free agency, a combination of Vander Esch and Davis-Gaither should be solid enough to patch up the hole.
- S, Juan Thornhill
Thornhill would be a potential replacement option, should the Bengals lose BOTH Jessie Bates and Vonn Bell in free agency. He won’t blow you away, but he is generally solid both as a run defender and in coverage. Thornhill comes with plenty of experience, but also a few injury concerns.
- S, Julian Love
Love is another potential replacement for Bell, should he leave in free agency. Love can play in the box and is a sure tackler. That said, he isn’t a one dimensional player, and can hold up in coverage, as well.
- S, Donovan Wilson
Wilson is decent enough in coverage, but is clearly at his best when in the box, taking advantage of his physicality. Wilson has been successful as a blitzer, something that Anarumo seems to like in members of his secondary.
- RB, Jacques Patrick
Patrick is currently playing in the XFL, but will be seeking an NFL opportunity once their season is finished. He spent each of the last two offseasons with the Bengals, and did well enough to make the team. For the Bengals it doesn’t make financial sense for both Joe Mixon and Samaje Perine to be here. With an eye to the future, a speedy back could be added in the draft, while Patrick would bring plenty of power to the RB room, on a minimum deal.
- TE, Mike Gesicki
I am dreaming a little bit here, as I wouldn’t expect the Bengals to pay what Gesicki will likely be commanding. However, if his market dries up a bit, Gesicki would add a dynamic receiving threat to the offence. The Bengals haven’t had a receiving TE of this calibre since Tyler Eifert was in his prime.
- QB, Andy Dalton
People will roll their eyes seeing Dalton on this list. However, I don’t think anyone would argue that Dalton would be an upgrade over Brandon Allen for the backup position. Higher profile backups are usually a bit more expensive than I would like. But, with plenty of younger QB’s entering the league via the draft, notable veterans, like Dalton, Jameis Winston, Baker Mayfield, Carson Wentz, and others may end up lower down on depth charts than they have been in the past. If the price is low enough, Dalton would be a quality option as a backup to Burrow.
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