Without a doubt, the Bengals have one of the best receiving trios in the NFL. Ja’Marr Chase burst onto the scene as a rookie, contributing 1455 yards receiving and 13 TD’s. Tee Higgins is one of the best number 2’s in the league. In his two seasons, he is only one yard shy of 2000, and he has also hauled in 12 TD’s over that span. Tyler Boyd is the longest tenured WR on the Bengals roster. While he has taken somewhat of a back seat to Chase and Higgins, Boyd continues to be a solid, reliable option for the Bengals, and one of the better slot receivers in the game. With how good the top three is, however, it seems to be overshadowing some issues that lie further down the depth chart.
The depth after the top three is quite thin, especially after Auden Tate’s departure. Trent Taylor is probably the most established of the group. However, despite showing promise earlier in his career with the 49ers, injuries set him back and he spent most of this past year on the Bengals practice squad. While he is in the running to be the primary punt returner, which would land him a spot on the roster, the 4th spot seems high for him, especially considering he primarily plays in the slot and doesn’t have much inside/outside versatility. After Taylor, Mike Thomas has played sparingly on offence, being used mainly as a gunner. Stanley Morgan, meanwhile, has shown little as a receiver, with his value also coming as a gunner, as well as a run blocker. Adding a guy like Fuller would be a major boost to the team’s depth, and would give them a better option should they need more snaps from their 4th guy.
Additionally, Fuller would add speed and versatility to the Bengals offence. Higgins and Boyd are both great players, but neither one is known for his speed. Further, while Ja’Marr Chase is a threat down the field, his style is mainly north/south. Fuller brings a different style. One that includes more quickness that he can combine with speed, and more ability to play east/west in addition to north/south. He is able to win vertically over the top, but can also run the more complicated routes down the field with precision. His ability to separate is outstanding. As well, Fuller is someone that can be highly effective running jet sweeps and gadget plays, an element that could potentially take the Bengals offence to another level.
When a player of this calibre is available late into the offseason, there are usually some concerns. This is the case with Fuller. His injury history is quite extensive. He has missed games in every season, and at least 5 games in each season after his rookie year. He also missed time late in 2020 and early in 2021 due to a PED suspension. Fuller signed a 1 year deal with the Dolphins last offseason, after his rookie contract. Unfortunately, he would only play in 2 games with them, eventually ending up on IR with a broken thumb.
These concerns are certainly something to consider, but there are also ways to mitigate them. Up to this point, Fuller has always been a major part of the offence he played in. However, in Cincinnati, he would be 4th on the depth chart, which would allow the Bengals to be more selective with how they use him. Picking and choosing the right times for him to see the field and touch the ball could allow for a solid amount of production, while also limiting his risk of injury.
Another benefit to signing Fuller is that his contract should have little risk attached. Given the injury history and how late in the offseason it is, he likely won’t be signing more than a 1 year prove it deal. After he flopped in Miami, the price should be a lot more affordable than what he got last year. And for Fuller, playing in a high powered offence with less pressure to perform could be just what he needs to revive his career.
Signing Will Fuller would come with some risk, but given the circumstances, the upside seems to be much greater. After an unfortunate season in which injuries cost him more games, he should be a lot cheaper. As well, given the fact that the Bengals top three is already set, they would be able to manage his snaps and limit the injury risk. If he can stay healthy over the course of the season, Fuller would upgrade the Bengals depth, serve as another option that can stretch the field, and also add more of an east/west element that you could argue they’ve been missing. With training camp just a couple of months away, it is a move the Bengals should look into making in the near future.
