Final cuts have been made across the league, and now is the time where teams are scouring the waiver wire for any last minute improvements that they might be able to make to their roster. These kinds of pickups aren’t usually ones that end up filling bigger holes, but they can help solidify depth at a position of need. For the Bengals, it is an opportunity to upgrade some of their depth, especially at positions like QB, TE, and the OL. As always, there are some intriguing names that have been waived by their respective teams. These are some that the Bengals should consider putting in a claim for.
QB, Nathan Rourke
Submitting a claim is a no brainer here for the Bengals. Rourke is coming off a tremendous preseason for the Jaguars, backed by a tremendous season last year in the CFL with the BC Lions. Rourke has the arm, mobility, and IQ to make for a solid backup. Additionally, the trajectory of his development from college to this point suggests that he can still improve quite a bit.
QB, Will Grier
Grier would be another solid option for the Bengals backup job behind Joe Burrow. Grier took some time, but his flashes from college have become more consistent, and he has done a better job of limiting mistakes. He is certainly still rough around the edges, but has better tools and more upside than Browning.
TE, Matt Bushman
Bushman has the talent to be an excellent receiving TE in the NFL. Unfortunately, injuries have plagued him over the last few years. But in between injuries, he has not failed to flash tremendous potential. The cost would be next to none, and if he could stay healthy for the Bengals, Bushman could prove to be a big steal.
DT, Jaylen Twyman
Twyman is a twitchy athlete who can really thrive as a pass rusher from the inside. He played quite well for the Dolphins this preseason as a pass rusher, but perhaps his smaller size and inconsistencies against the run contributed to him getting cut. Still, for the Bengals, he could provide value as a situational pass rusher, with room to grow as a run defender.
OT, Jalen Mayfield
Mayfield’s NFL career has gotten off to a rocky start, but in college at Michigan a short time ago, he showed the potential to be a quality starter. The Bengals are hurting when it comes to OL depth, and Mayfield is probably worth a look over someone like Cody Ford.
TE, Zack Kuntz
The rookie 7th rounder is a bit on the raw side. But with his elite athletic testing and 6’7” frame, it is easy to see why he got a lot of pre-draft hype. He likely isn’t someone that would contribute a lot right away, but Kuntz would make for a good developmental prospect at the back of the roster.
QB, Bailey Zappe
Zappe was released by the Patriots after a poor preseason. However, he did show some solid flashes last year in some spot duty. I prefer Rourke or Grier, who were mentioned above, but Zappe would be an upgrade over Browning, as well. With a few solid options at QB on the waiver wire, the hope is that the Bengals can come away with one, or at the very least make an attempt, and show that they won’t just stick to the status quo.
WR, Matt Landers
Landers would be more of a luxury claim. The Bengals are well off at WR, but Landers’ combination of size and athleticism would be enough for me to consider bringing him aboard. Only 6 WR’s made the initial roster, and the Bengals often keep 7, so adding a body isn’t completely out of the question.
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