The NFL free agency period is right around the corner. Back in January, I took a look at each of the Bengals in-house free agents. Now, I will look at which outside free agents they could potentially look to bring in. This article will look at the defensive side of the ball and special teams, with another to follow that will look at the offence.
DT, Christian Wilkins
Every year, we always have a few hopes for free agency that are probably a bit unrealistic. I’ll get mine out of the way quickly, in Christian Wilkins. The interior pass rush has been an issue for the past couple of seasons, as the Bengals have not been able to fill the void that Larry Ogunjobi left following the 2021 season. Well, Wilkins would not only fill the void, but go well beyond. He is a high end pass rusher, and is also good against the run, making him a complete player. However, Wilkins might end up pricing outside of the range that the Bengals will feel comfortable with, as some projections have him approaching or surpassing $20M AAV.
DT, Sheldon Rankins
Rankins is not in the same tier as Wilkins, but he has stepped up his game over the past two seasons. Run defence isn’t always his strong suit, but he would provide a nice boost to the Bengals pass rush, in a tandem with BJ Hill. He would also be cheaper than WIlkins, with projections pegging him in the $13M AAV range.
DT, Javon Kinlaw
Sticking with the DT position, we look at Kinlaw. Highly touted as a draft prospect not long ago, it took some time for him to find his footing in the NFL. Though his run defence is still an issue, we saw the upside that he possesses as a pass rusher. This is a signing that would make sense for the Bengals given the cheap contract projections for Kinlaw. You likely get him on a prove it deal for a few million, and if he takes another step forward, it could provide tremendous value for the upcoming season.
DT, Maurice Hurst
Hurst has been injury prone throughout his career, but highly effective when on the field. The injuries will prevent him from getting much money, and probably any guaranteed money. This makes him a great player to target. If the Bengals can limit the risk by getting him on an incentive-based deal, the upside would be outstanding. Hurst can rush the passer and play the run.
DT, Grover Stewart
We’re continuing on with more interior defensive linemen, but now the focus shifts from pass rushers to run stuffers. These next couple specifically will be options if the Bengals are unable to retain DJ Reader, who is a pending free agent. Stewart fits the bill. Not known for his pass rushing, but he has been highly consistent against the run over the past several seasons. It would likely take a little over $10 AAV to bring him in, but this is a position the Bengals should be spending on, either on Reader or on his replacement.
DT, Teair Tart
Tart had a down year and was subsequently let go by the Titans part way through last season. Though it seems that some behind the scenes grumblings might have played a part. All that being said, Tart has generally been a good player, if you exclude last season, and the Bengals did apparently show some interest in claiming him off waivers. He wouldn’t quite be able to fill Reader’s shoes, but he would still give them, at the very least, someone adequate to put in the NT position. As well, he is someone the Bengals could potentially add as a rotational/depth piece, even if they do keep Reader or land someone like Stewart to start at NT. Tart should not be too expensive, and would bolster the team’s depth.
DT, Folorunso Fatukasi
Fatukasi was let go by the Jaguars after a disappointing season. He is a few years removed from his best play, but at this stage, could probably be had as a cheaper depth piece. Fatukasi has played well against the run in the past, and the Bengals are thin at the position. With lower expectations that he had after his last contract, he is a candidate to bounce back.
DE, Carl Lawson
The former Bengal ended his tenure with the Jets on a disappointing note, after previously looking like the guy we saw in Cincinnati. Injuries have continued to be an issue for Lawson, though last year he did manage to remain healthy, albeit in a significantly reduced role. Now back on the market, the talent is undeniable, and the Bengals are in need of a situational rusher that can come off the edge. After last season, Lawson is far from someone who will break the bank, and will likely take a 1 year prove it deal. A return to Cincinnati could make sense.
DE, Derek Barnett
Barnett is a former 1st round pick who was about average as a player in Philly. He was waived during the season, and after being claimed by the Texans, really took off. With only a small sample size of this kind of play, he shouldn’t break the bank. Barnett would be a great rotational piece for the Bengals, should they be able to land him.
DE, Josh Uche
Uche is coming off a down season, but was playing at a high level just one year earlier. He is a situational pass rusher, something the Bengals may be in the market for. Uche may have to take a 1 year prove it deal, which for the Bengals, would be a tremendous deal if he can get back to his double digit sack production.
S, Geno Stone
Rumours are swirling about the Bengals interest in exploring the safety market in free agency. Dax Hill was meant to replace Jessie Bates at FS, but he may be better suited to move around the field a bit more. As well, the Nick Scott signing did not work out. With a flooded safety market, the Bengals should be able to get a good player at a good price. Stone can play in single high looks, and would allow the Bengals to use Hill in different ways.
S, DeShon Elliott
Elliott isn’t quite in the same tier as stone, but he would be cheaper, and is still a very reliable player. He can play in coverage, and is a hard hitter. He has ability against the run as well. Elliott in a rotation with Dax Hill should be more effective than the Hill-Scott combination that the Bengals were working with last season.
S, Justin Simmons
Simmons was recently a cap casualty of the Denver Broncos. If the price isn’t too high in what should be a buyers market at safety, Simmons would be an outstanding addition. Probably the best of the players being discussed in this article at safety. He plays well in coverage, and has also been good in run support. As someone who was cut, he would also not count against the compensatory pick formula. Something that may attract the Bengals.
S, Kevin Byard
Byard was traded by the Titans to the Eagles prior to last season’s trade deadline. Now, he finds himself on the open market. He has consistently been one of the league’s better safeties over the past several seasons. As mentioned before, it will be a buyer’s market at this position, so perhaps the Bengals could get a good player on a value deal. And like with Simmons, Byard being a recent cut, as opposed to a player on an expired deal, makes him more attractive, since he does not count against the compensatory pick formula.
CB, CJ Gardner-Johnson
Gardner-Johnson is a talented player, but an injury cost him most of last season. Now projected to take a 1 year deal for $5M-$6M, the Bengals should have some interest if they are unable to retain Chidobe Awuzie. If Awuzie is lost, they will need reliable depth, and Gardner-Johnson would give them someone who can play at a high level, without forcing them to rush things with DJ Turner.
CB, Shaquill Griffin
The veteran CB has fallen off over the past couple of seasons, but is still able to play at a solid level. The Bengals would like for DJ Turner to take over as the CB2, but some veteran insurance will be needed. Hopefully Awuzie sticks around a little bit longer, but if he leaves, other vet options will need to be considered. Griffin is among them.
CB, Rock Ya-Sin
Ya-Sin never lived up to his draft billing, but has been a little more consistent in recent times. Turner would likely step into the CB2 spot in this situation, but Ya-Sin would give them someone who can step in if Turner needs more time.
CB, CJ Henderson
Henderson is a former high draft pick with a lot of talent, but it hasn’t panned out for him so far in the NFL. He’ll be getting a cheap contract, and perhaps the Bengals could take a flyer. They gave Eli Apple a bit of a jump start a few years ago when he was in a similar situation. Maybe Anarumo could tap into Henderson’s potential.
CB, Eli Apple
Speaking of Eli Apple, the former Bengals is back on the market after a year with the Dolphins. If the Bengals lose Awuzie and are priced out of contention for others at the position, a reunion could make sense. Though not the most popular guy, Apple is solid enough for a CB4, and we have seen that he can be effective in Anarumo’s system. A cheap 1 year deal is something to consider here.
LB, Troy Dye
Akeem Davis-Gaither is a free agent and, while it would be good to keep him, he may seek out more opportunity elsewhere. If he does leave, the Bengals will need to find a depth replacement who can hold his own on defence, while also being good on special teams. Dye fits the profile. The former 4th rounder has athletic ability and has been solid in limited defensive snaps. He has also excelled on special teams. Someone to look out for if Davis-Gaither walks.
P, Tommy Townsend
Townsend has been one of the better punters in the league since going undrafted in 2020. The Bengals, meanwhile, have had issues at the position for a few years now. Drue Chrisman replaced Kevin Huber part way through the 2022 season, but hang time issues caused the Bengals to draft Brad Robbins in the 6th round last year. But Robbins struggled mightily, and the Bengals seem to be in the market for a punter again. Townsend will cost a few million, which is a bit high for the position, but he would bring some much needed stability.
P, Corey Bojorquez
Bojorquez was used often last season in Cleveland, and was consistently able to flip the field for them. He is another option that would fill the need. The cost would probably be similar to Townsend, but at this point, the stability might be worth it.
P, Braden Mann
Mann has had some consistency issues since entering the NFL, but seemed to hit his stride this past season with the Eagles. He is a talented player with a booming leg, and his directional punting has improved. Mann would be cheaper than the other two options mentioned above, and should still provide the Bengals with an upgrade.
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