After taking a look at some potential free agent targets on defence and special teams, we now shift focus to the offence in this article. The Bengals have some holes to fill and will have some money to play with. But they will also be mindful not to spend recklessly. It is a critical time for the Bengals, and how free agency plays out could end up having a big impact on their plans for the draft.
OT, Jermaine Eluemunor
Eluemunor is my top offensive target for the Bengals. In all likelihood, Jonah Williams will be leaving in free agency, meaning that the Bengals will have a hole to fill at RT. Eluemunor had been a swing tackle for most of his career, but after starting the last couple of seasons, he has proven to be effective. Not only could he fill a need for the Bengals, but he would also be cost effective, with his contract projections coming in at an AAV of around $7M-$8M. A bargain for a starting tackle.
G/OT, Mike Onwenu
Onwenu is a G by trade, but in recent times has kicked outside to OT, and played quite well. His versatility and reliability make him an attractive target for the Bengals, but he will be a lot more expensive than someone like Eluemunor. Onwenu is expected to get a contract in the mid to high teens.
OT, Tyron Smith
In terms of on field play, Smith is probably the best free agent option that the Bengals could go after. But a history of injuries makes things complicated for the 33 year old veteran. If the Bengals were to sign him to start at RT, additional focus would be needed on reliable depth, given Smith’s inability to finish seasons in recent years. The flip side of his injury history is that the price will be coming down as a result. A 1 year deal for roughly $10M should be able to get it done. Incentives could also be a big part of the deal.
OT, Trent Brown
Brown isn’t a super athletic player, but he brings tremendous size and strength. The ability is there to stonewall some of the most powerful rushers. He has had some ups and downs throughout his career, but the past few years have shown more consistency in his game. You can never be certain how prices will end up at this position, but the projections have him in the $10M range. Some have him closer to 7. Would be a good value signinging to get him at those numbers.
OT, Mekhi Becton
This is one that people will either love or hate. Draft people, I suspect, would be more willing to take a flyer here. Going back to his days as a prospect, the traits – especially size and strength – have been evident. Unfortunately, he hasn’t been able to put it all together thus far. Injuries have been an issue, and some reports have suggested some attitude concerns as well. But the upside is still right there, and he is in line for a cheap 1 year deal in free agency. Seems like a good risk/reward move that would not prevent the Bengals from adding other players at the position as well.
TE, Hayden Hurst
The former Bengal is back on the market after being released by the Panthers. He suffered a scary head injury last season, but the reports on his recovery have been positive since then, and he is continuing on. Hurst wouldn’t break the bank, and we know he can be effective in Zac Taylor’s system.
TE, Harrison Bryant
Bryant is a talented TE, but has been buried in the Browns TE room. He should be a cheap option, and I think there is untapped potential. If the bigger names price themselves out of consideration for the Bengals, Bryant is someone I’d be taking a look at.
TE, Mike Gesicki
Gesicki is listed as a TE, but doesn’t play much from the in-line position. He instead spends most of his time in the slot. Still, he would make for a solid addition in Cincinnati, as he comes with a large catch radius and good athleticism for a big guy. Could probably get him at a decent price as well.
WR, Marquise Brown
This one is only to be considered in the event that Tee Higgins is traded. If the Bengals trade Higgins, a replacement WR2 will be needed. Brown brings speed to the table in an abundance that the Bengals haven’t had in quite some time. He would likely cost around $12M-$15M, which is a lot less than Higgins on the tag.
WR, DJ Chark
This one is also dependent on the Higgins situation. Chark struggled to produce at times in Carolina, but their offence was not doing him any favours. Chark did flash at the end of the year with Bryce Young at QB, but I more so look back to one of his games earlier in the season. Andy Dalton was at QB and he peppered Chark with targets. It was one of his better games in Carolina. If the Bengals were to need a receiver, I think Chark could be a huge value signing, with a bounce back likely on a better team and in a better system.
WR, Jamal Agnew
Coming off a season ending injury, Agnew might not have a super strong market in free agency. But he is a dynamic player with the ability to add some big plays on offence and as a kick returner. If the price is right, Agnew would be a great depth signing who can situationally bring some speed to the field.
RB, JK Dobbins
I’ll go on record to say that I would not be looking to add a veteran RB in free agency. The minimalist spending approach at the position has been gaining traction in the NFL, and is the strategy that I would take. But of the free agents available, Dobbins is one that might have some appeal. With his injury history, the price shouldn’t be too bad, and he is a talented player. Could be a flyer similar to the one Philly took on D’Andre Swift last season.
RB, Rashaad Penny
Speaking of Philly, Penny is another talented but cheap RB they took a chance on last season. But with Swift grabbing hold of the starting spot, Penny didn’t see the field much. But the talent is still there and the price won’t be high. If a veteran needs to be added at the position, he is one to consider.
Modified Featured Image Via: KA Sports Photos (CC)