Free agency is right around the corner, and the Bengals will be focused on making improvements, following a disappointing 9-8 record in 2024. I already touched on each of the team’s internal free agents, so naturally, the discussion is now progressing to outside options. The focus of this article will be on potential targets for the offence. It seems as though G will be the biggest offensive need in free agency, but there are some interesting options at other positions, as well.
G, Dalton Risner
After Cappa and Volson were two of the league’s worst starters at G, the Bengals will be in need of an upgrade. While his run blocking leaves some to be desired, Risner is very solid in pass protection. As well, he would be a cost effective stopgap while the team searches for a longer term solution. The 29 year old should make something between $3-3.5M on a short term deal, which is something the Bengals would certainly be able to afford.
G, Kevin Zeitler
How about a reunion? Almost 35, Zeitler is getting up there in age, but is still one of the better G’s in the league. After stints in Cleveland, New York, and Baltimore, he spent this past season in Detroit, where he was part of one of the top OL units. Zeitler is good in pass protection and as a run blocker. PFF’s AAV projection is a bit on the cheap side, at $6.25M, while Spotrac’s number is higher, at $9.2M. Whether on the low end, high end, or somewhere in between, this is a price range that the Bengals can easily afford, especially if you factor in the large amount they can save from releasing Cappa. The question is if Zeitler would want to return after negotiations back in 2016 might have left a little bad blood. At least on the Bengals end, there should be a lot of interest here.
G/OT, Mekhi Becton
The Bengals had interest in Becton last offseason, but the two sides ultimately could not reach a deal. Instead, Becton signed with the Eagles and won a Super Bowl. After some injury riddled seasons with the Jets, Becton found his footing at G with the Eagles. He has a massive frame, which especially allows him to stand out in the run game. His projected AAV is somewhere between $9-10M, which is a bit risky, given his injury history. However, the soon to be 26 year old is a significant upgrade over what the Bengals have gotten at the position. His inside/outside versatility is also an added bonus.
G, Will Fries
A 7th rounder in 2021, Fries seemed to put it all together this past season, performing well in both phases of the game. After a relatively poor first couple of seasons in the league, he showed some improvement in 2023. But this past season was a stark difference from the rest of his career. Projections have him getting up to $15M AAV, and as a young player, it is a contract he’ll be worth if he maintains this level of play. However, as someone who has only played at that level in one season, there is some risk as well.
G, Ben Bartch
Bartch was placed on IR after only playing a handful of snaps last season. However, in limited action, he looked good. He is, by no means, a lock to be this spectacular pickup, but he shouldn’t cost more than $2-3M AAV. For the low cost, I like the upside. He is someone that could compete for a starting spot, or serve as quality depth if he loses out.
G/C, James Daniels
A torn achilles makes him a little risky, but should also cause his price to drop a little. Daniels has G/C versatility, but in the last while, seems to have found a home at G. He has been solid in consecutive years, and then took a massive step forward in Pittsburgh this past season, before the injury. He should cost somewhere between $5-8M, which is money the team could get from cutting Alex Cappa. Daniels would be a nice upgrade at a solid price.
G, Brandon Scherff
Scherff isn’t the elite player he once was, but in his 30’s, he is still a decent enough starter. Especially as a pass protector, he would be an upgrade over what the Bengals have gotten over the last few years. At his age, a 1 year deal is most likely, and the cost could be in the $5M range. My preference would still be one of the players mentioned above, but Scherff is still someone to take into consideration.
G, Will Hernandez
Hernandez had a slow start to his career, but found his footing over the last few seasons. He is moreso in the “first guy off the bench” or “compete for a starting spot” categories, as opposed to someone I’d want to pencil in. But nevertheless, he would be a solid signing to pair up with another higher profile one. Along with a draft pick and some other guys already on the roster, Hernandez could bring some stability to the position at an affordable price, given that he is coming off a season ending injury.
OT, Andre Dillard
The Bengals seem to have their starting OT’s, in Amarius Mims and Orlando Brown. That being said, upgrading their depth should still be on the to do list. Dillard has been up and down throughout his career. But he brings a 1st round pedigree. As well, the peak moments of his career are better than what you would find out of most swing tackles. And with how hard OL talent is to find, some blips are to be expected from depth guys. Overall, Dillard is someone who can give you a higher ceiling at the position, should you need someone to come in off the bench. He should also be affordable.
OT, Jedrick Wills
Wills got benched in Cleveland, and then seemed to sour on the organization afterwards. He’ll be looking for a fresh start. I’m not sure if he’ll be able to land a starting job or not. If that is what he’s after, he won’t find it in Cincinnati, barring injury. And his top 10 pedigree might land him a chance. However, the projections I’ve seen up to this point have been cheap, so I decided to throw him into the mix. If he gets signed for a few million, Wills is definitely someone I’d take a flyer on as a reclamation project. He’d be a swing tackle here, but with a fresh start, he could be someone that reaches his potential. Of course, in Cincy, it would take an injury for him to get that chance.
WR, Marquise Brown
At the time of writing this, the feeling is that Tee Higgins will be a Bengal in 2025. If that is the case, Brown can be crossed off this list. He is someone I am including here as a potential replacement option in case it happens that Tee Higgins is traded (traded as opposed to being lost in free agency because reports are indicating that he will be franchise tagged).
WR, TuTu Atwell
Atwell was a WR3/4 with the Rams, and could bring a spark to the Bengals offence in a similar role. At this point, I guess you could say the upside is still there with Burton. However, in no way can he be counted on. While Iosivas had some solid moments as the WR3, there were a lot of times where he disappeared. Iosivas is a big receiver who brings straight line speed. Atwell is a bit different, as a smaller guy with speed and a lot more agility. A signing like this would bring some competition to the position, and give you two guys who are capable in a complementary role.
WR, Olamide Zaccheaus
Zaccheaus is a similar, but probably a lesser version of Atwell. Could be had for cheap, but still contribute in a complementary role. He brings speed and agility to the table. Can make plays down the field or as a gadget guy.
WR, DJ Chark
Chark is someone I wouldn’t mind giving a chance to on a vet minimum deal. QB play didn’t do him any favours in his Carolina days, and an injury pretty much killed his stint with the Chargers before it even began. Healthy heading into the offseason, he is someone that I think might still have something left in the tank. Could prove to be a good depth option.
TE, Harrison Bryant
My preference is to re-sign Mike Gesicki and Tanner Hudson. But looking for a cheap fallback option from the list of UFA’s, Bryant stood out to me. Fell behind on the depth chart in Cleveland, but has quietly shown some flashes when given opportunities. If the Bengals need a cheap option for depth that can contribute as a pass catcher, Bryant is one to consider.
Thumbnail Image Via: Peter Bond (CC)