The Bengals have some big decisions to make in the coming weeks. Free agency doesn’t open up until March, but before that, the team will be looking to re-sign some of their own free agents. On offence, the Bengals were one of the league’s best last season. There are some key free agents on that side of the ball, including Tee Higgins and Mike Gesicki. What direction should the Bengals go in with each of their offensive free agents?
UFA’s:
WR, Tee Higgins
It goes without saying that Higgins is the Bengals’ most notable free agent. In fact, many have him listed as the top pending free agent in the league. Extension talks last offseason did not go anywhere, and Higgins ended up playing on the franchise tag. The feeling was pessimistic for most of the season, in regards to his chances of being re-signed. However, when he switched agents, the vibe changed.
There is still no guarantee that he sticks around. Of course, the Bengals can still franchise tag him for a second time. I would think that they do this before letting him walk for just a compensatory pick. But in a perfect world, the two sides are able to work something out.
Spotrac has his market value projected at 4 years/$101,774,648. This brings an AAV of $25,443,662. PFF, meanwhile, has his projected deal a bit higher, at 4 years/$112M, with an AAV of $12M. $25M seems to be on the low side of things, with some reports out there suggesting that he could get $30M on the open market. If Higgins is franchise tagged again, that would pay $26M, so it is likely that an extension would have to be higher.
Assuming PFF’s projection of a $28M AAV is accurate, this is something that the Bengals can afford. They enter the Offseason with over $46M in cap space, and can clear another $40M+ by making some roster cuts. Further, the contract can be structured in a way that lowers his cap hit for next season. The Bengals offence has been great due to the abundance of talent, and keeping the band together should be a priority. Even after a Higgins extension, there would be plenty of money left over to address the OL, improve the defence, and solidify depth at other offensive positions.
Verdict: Re-sign.
DT, BJ Hill
Hill is probably the team’s second best player set to hit free agency. However, this decision is a bit tougher.
On one hand, Hill has been a solid contributor and a leader in the room. He is decent against the run and a decent pass rusher. But on the other hand, he is much better suited as a complimentary player, as we saw when he was in a rotation with Larry Ogunjobi back in 2021. PFF projects him to get a 2 year/$20.5M deal. While the team can afford that, paying for average isn’t a concept that I am generally into.
This is one where, if you can get him at a good price, you pull the trigger. However, if the cost is too high, a better idea is to spend more on a higher impact player at the position. After all, the iDL is a unit that is in need of a significant upgrade from last year’s.
Verdict: Re-sign at the right price, but let him walk if it gets too high.
CB, Mike Hilton
This one may be a tough decision. Hilton fit Lou Anarumo’s defence like a glove, but things might be a little different under Al Golden. Hilton is a great tackler, run defender, and one of the best blitzing CB’s in the league. But the reality happens also to be that he isn’t the quickest guy, which leaves him vulnerable, at times, in coverage. In Anarumo’s system, the consensus seemed to be that the shortcomings in some areas were worth the exceptional qualities he brought in other ones. However, in a new system, the Bengals will have to be mindful about the contract they’d be giving out.
At the right price, I’m sure the Bengals would like to have him back. His leadership and knack for making clutch plays have been great for the team. Spotrac has his market value projected at 3 years/$37,017,330. That comes out to an AAV of over $12.3M. That is simply way too expensive. PFF’s projection is a bit lower, at 3 years/$33M. But that is still more than the Bengals should be paying for a slot CB with below average athleticism.
In several past offseasons, the market for slot guys ended up being much weaker than projections indicated. If this ends up being the case, and the Bengals can get him closer to the AAV of his last contract, it is a deal worth considering. However, considering guys like Dax Hill and DJ Turner are both capable of kicking inside to the slot, moving on from Hilton would be the wiser move, if the above projections end up being accurate.
Verdict: Let him walk, unless he can be signed at a cheaper price.
TE, Mike Gesicki
Gesicki was an underrated part of the Bengals passing attack this past season. He wasn’t always heavily involved in the game plan, but saw his looks increase during the games that Tee Higgins missed due to injury. With his large frame and big catch radius, he was able to make some tough contested catches. As well, he possesses the athleticism to create separation.
Spotrac currently projects his market value to be an AAV of $6.7M, while PFF is projecting $6M flat. The team had him at $2.5M last season, and I wouldn’t be surprised to see him come in lower than the projections. While we have seen guys like CJ Uzomah and Hayden Hurst get significant raises in the past, after playing with Burrow, this situation might not be totally the same.
For Gesicki, I think you can argue that his ability as a receiver was already well known before this season. What he showed with the Bengals was nothing new. The reason why his market was on the colder side last offseason is because he is a one dimensional player, offering little as a blocker. Nothing has changed in that regard. So while he likely gets a raise from the $2.5M he made last year, I would not expect Gesicki to break the bank.
Verdict: Re-sign.
DE, Joseph Ossai
Ossai entered the league with expectations that he could be an impact pass rusher. However, injuries were partly responsible for derailing things. This past season, fully healthy, he had a mini breakout. He wasn’t playing at the level that most were hoping for in the early days, but he became a solid rotational guy on the edge, who also has the ability to kick inside on some downs.
This past season, in 17 games, he put up 5 sacks, surpassing the 4.5 he tallied in his previous 30 games. He quietly became a solid rotational piece. Spotrac has his projected market price at an AAV of $2.3M. This is a reasonable deal for a rotational DE, and anything in this ballpark is something the Bengals should be willing to do.
Verdict: Re-sign.
OT, Trent Brown
Brown signed a cheap 1 year deal last offseason to serve as a bridge starter at RT. As has been the case for much of his career, unfortunately, his season was ended pretty early, forcing Amarius Mims into the starting role.
Now, Mims is established as the guy at RT. But, Brown was solid when on the field. The injury history was a concern last offseason, and is obviously still a concern now. However, it will continue to bring down his price to a point that makes the risk quite low. I can’t imagine him getting more than he did last offseason. In fact, it surely will be less than the $4.75M contract he got. Brown is a good enough player when healthy, at a position that is hard to find depth at. I’d keep him around another year on a cheap deal. Spotrac’s projected market value of $1.2M AAV seems about right.
Verdict: Re-sign
LB, Akeem Davis-Gaither
Davis-Gaither has been one of the team’s best special teamers, and served as a captain of the unit this past season. As well, when needed on defence, he has generally shown to be solid in coverage and against the run.
Spotrac projects his market value at an AAV of $3.6M. It is hard to say if this is a number the Bengals would be willing to match for a guy who doesn’t start for them. In recent seasons the LB market has ended up falling short of projections. With this being another strong free agent class at the position, something closer to his $2.7M from last season could definitely be in play. Given his ability on special teams, and reliability as a fill-in starter, Davis-Gaither is someone who, hopefully, will be back in stripes next season.
Verdict: Re-sign.
S, Vonn Bell
Bell was a big part of the team’s run to the Super Bowl in 2021, and just as important when the Bengals made it to the AFC Championship the following season. After a 1 year stint in Carolina, his return to Cincinnati came with much hype. However, as the first few weeks of the season went by, it was clear that he had lost a step. Eventually, Bell lost his starting spot to Jordan Battle, and wasn’t too happy about it either.
The good times were very good, but those days are in the past. At this point, it would be a surprise if either side was interested in a new deal. It seems as though a fresh start is best for both parties.
Verdict: Let him walk.
OL, Cody Ford
Ford has been a depth guy on the Bengals OL for the past couple of seasons. He hasn’t exactly played at the highest level when on the field, but the versatility he brings is an asset. At various points, he has filled in at OT and G. As for his play, for a backup, I’ll give him a pass.
He isn’t someone that I’d be scrambling to keep, but his ability to play multiple positions is something that the coaching staff likes. I wouldn’t expect his new deal to cost much more than the minimum, and under those conditions, he is someone who is worth bringing back in a depth role.
Verdict: Re-sign.
TE, Tanner Hudson
Mike Gesicki will be a higher priority at the TE position, when it comes to internal free agents. However, Hudson has also proven to be a solid member of the passing attack, when on the field. At this point in his career, the veteran won’t be breaking the bank. A cheap deal should work for both sides.
Verdict: Re-sign.
CB, Marco Wilson
Wilson was an in-season waiver claim from the New England Patriots. He joined the Bengals at a time when injuries were beginning to pile up. While he wasn’t perfect all of the time, Wilson put some solid flashes on tape, suggesting that there might be some more upside to his game. His next deal will be a cheap one, and he looks like a worthwhile project to take into the offseason. Working with the coaches, perhaps they can help his game reach another level at some point in the future. Worth another look, at the very least.
Verdict: Re-Sign
RB, Khalil Herbert
Herbert was acquired by the Bengals from the Bears for a 7th round pick at the trade deadline. At this point, Chase Brown looks like the starter going into next season. As well, it is probable that they add to the position in the draft. Minimal spending at the position has often proven to be the best strategy. Herbert as a cheap veteran, along with Brown and a draft pick, seems like a solid path forward at RB, especially with Zack Moss being a cut candidate.
Verdict: Re-Sign
DT, Jay Tufele
Tufele was a draft prospect I liked, way back when. But he has only developed into a depth guy. He is fine for the back-end of a roster. That being said, the Bengals added two players to the position group through the draft last offseason, and will surely be adding more this year, both through free agency and the draft. While Tufele is a fine depth guy, an influx of new faces could leave the roster without any room for him. A fresh start might be best for both sides.
Verdict: Let him walk.
LB, Joe Bachie
Bachie has been a reliable depth player for the Bengals over the last several years. More recently, we haven’t needed him on defence very much, but still, he has been a quality special teamer. On a cheap deal, I wouldn’t mind bringing him back again. His spot would not be guaranteed, but for the Bengals, he would be good insurance, even if it ends up being on the practice squad.
Verdict: Re-sign.
DE, Cam Sample
Sample, unfortunately, missed this past season after sustaining an injury during training camp. Before that, he had been a reliable, yet unspectacular presence in the DL rotation. His deal will be the minimum, so I wouldn’t be surprised to see him back on a 1 year deal. That said, with new members likely to be added through free agency and the draft, and with Sample coming off an injury, moving on might be best.
Verdict: Let him walk.
RB, Chris Evans
Evans showed some tremendous flashes when he was able to get on the field early in his career. However, for some reason, he was always pushed down on the depth chart. After a season ending injury in training camp, the writing seems to be on the wall for his tenure in Cincinnati. I don’t see him coming back.
Verdict: Let him walk.
RB, Trayveon Williams
Williams has been the RB3 and a special teamer for a little while now. However, he hasn’t shown much in very limited action. Assuming a draft pick gets added to the room, along with Chase Brown and either Herbert or another veteran, there is no more room for Williams. It is time to move on.
Verdict: Let him walk.
OT, D’Ante Smith
There was some hype for Smith after he showed some flashes as a rookie. However, that was the peak of his Bengals tenure. Since then, ineffective play and injuries have been his story. He missed this past season after sustaining a training camp injury. At this point, I don’t see the Bengals keeping him around.
Verdict: Let him walk.
RFA’s:
LS, Cal Adomitis
There were one or two blips this season, with the missed field goal in OT against the Ravens being the notable one. However, since taking over for Clark Harris, Adomitis has generally been solid. As well, he is quite good at getting down the field to help out the coverage. I’d be surprised if the Bengals look to move on. He is a restricted free agent, so the team holds most of the negotiating leverage. Though they probably don’t need it. This should be an easy deal to get done.
Verdict: Re-sign.
ERFA’s:
P, Ryan Rehkow
Rehkow was a rookie undrafted free agent last season. Originally signed by the Chiefs, the Bengals scooped him up when he was cut and did not look back. As a rookie, Rehkow was sharp, showing off his booming leg. His directional punting also seemed to be improved from his college tape. As an ERFA, he can only negotiate with the Bengals, meaning, he doesn’t really have many options. This deal also shouldn’t take too long to get done.
Verdict: Re-Sign.
OL, Jaxson Kirkland
Kirkland brings OT and G versatility. After a strong preseason, he made the roster out of camp. Unfortunately, his season ended after just a single snap on the field in the regular season. As I mentioned above, ERFA’s have very little negotiating power. If the Bengals want him back, he’ll be back, and I don’t see why they wouldn’t. If he can bring more of the same into the upcoming preseason, he should have a legitimate chance to again crack the roster.
Verdict: Re-sign.
K, Cade York
York filled in when Evan McPherson got hurt, doing a fine job, overall. He did miss a kick in OT against the Broncos, but was solid for the most part. That being said, the Bengals won’t be picking him over McPherson. If he is retained, it is to bring an extra body at the position into the offseason. He’d be depth and injury insurance. Although he is an ERFA, it would not be surprising to see the Bengals give up his rights and let him go into unrestricted free agency. I’d be fine keeping him as offseason depth, but since McPherson established himself, the team has never carried two kickers.
Verdict: Let him walk.
