Free agency is right around the corner. The Bengals have already re-signed several of their in-house free agents, but soon, they will be able to negotiate with outside ones as well. With how the last two seasons have gone, the defensive side will clearly be the team’s focus. However, some patchwork and depth pickups will still be needed on the offensive side. Below, I’ll look at some potential targets the Bengals could have on that side of the ball.
G/OT, Matt Pryor
Pryor brings experience at both G and OT, and has made 40 starts in his career. In 2024, he played over 1000 snaps for the Bears, and quietly had a solid year. In Philly for the 2025 season, he was limited to just over 100 snaps in a depth role, but he was still good in his limited action. The versatility is good for a depth guy, but his consistency is also something that would bring more stability to the Bengals offensive line depth. Spotrac has his market value at just over $1.2M AAV. Targeting him should be a no brainer.
OT, Larry Borom
Borom was forced into action for the Dolphins at RT due to injury. Miami’s offensive line, as a whole, was pretty bad. Borom, however, held his own. Is it enough to land him an opportunity to compete for a starting spot somewhere? Perhaps. But Spotrac has his market value set at just over $2.4M AAV. At an affordable price, he is someone the Bengals should have on their list to potentially sign as a swing tackle.
OT, Trent Brown
The former Bengal’s injury history is well documented. As a depth player for the Texans, Brown saw more than 500 snaps when his services were needed at RT. He showed that he can still play at a decently high level in both phases. I don’t see anyone considering him for a starting spot. Further, PFF’s has his market value at $2.13M AAV, while Spotrac is at just over $2.4M. If the price is in that range, it would be enough to overlook the injury history and bring him back as a depth option behind Amarius Mims.
G, Teven Jenkins
Risner has finally been re-signed, but the Bengals still need depth behind him and Dylan Fairchild. Perhaps they re-sign Lucas Patrick too, but he didn’t instill the most confidence last year. Jenkins has struggled with injuries which, in part, have prevented him from being a full time player. However, his play has improved with each season, and his road grader mentality is what you want from an offensive lineman. Jenkins would be a nice addition as a depth guy who can hold his own if needed. Spotrac has his market value at just over $2.3M AAV which, if accurate, would further justify Jenkins as a top option on the offensive side of the ball.
G, Will Hernandez
Hernandez was a popular name last offseason, but didn’t fare too well with the Cardinals. A previous injury led to his season getting off to a late start. When he finally did see the field, he was underwhelming, before then landing on IR for other issues. This, you’d figure, would be a minimum deal. Could be worth a shot to see if he can bounce back with a full offseason to get ready.
G, Ben Bartch
An injury derailed Bartch’s 2025 season, but he was pretty solid when on the field for the 49ers. The price will likely be close to the minimum, and he is still relatively young. He could be an under the radar option to serve as depth behind Fairchild and Risner.
WR, Olamide Zaccheaus
The Bengals don’t have too many needs on the offensive side of the ball, but a slot receiver who brings speed and agility would be a nice contrast to the other weapons. Zaccheaus has never been a full-time player, but in both Atlanta and Chicago, I have really liked the flashes. He brings both of those traits, and is able to separate downfield out of the slot. Additionally, he brings some value as a gadget guy. The Bengals won’t be looking to break the bank on any offensive exposition. Spotrac’s market projection of just over $1.65M AAV fits what they should be looking for.
WR, TuTu Atwell
Atwell is a higher profile name than Zaccheaus. An injury sidelined him for much of last season, and when he returned, he was buried down on the Rams depth chart. This could potentially allow the Bengals to get a good deal. Atwell is a deep threat with dynamic speed. It would be a nice contrast to, say, Andrei Iosivas. Spotrac’s market value is set at just over $2.6M AAV. More than some of the other options, but understandable, as Atwell has more on his résumé. It should still be doable for the Bengals.
WR, Greg Dortch
Dortch has had his moments in Arizona, but like Atwell, has often been overshadowed by other players. His skill set is similar to the other two, and he is one more option to add to the list. Spotrac’s market rate is just over $1.6M AAV, which would fit for the Bengals.
TE, Dallas Goedert
Goedert is the highest profile name on this list. It is interesting, PFF has his market rate at $12M AAV, but Spotrac’s number is half that, at $6M. Either way, this would be a tough one to swallow, given the needs on defence. Still, I included Goedert on the list because I think he might tempt the Bengals. They have Sample who can block, and Gesicki who can catch. But we know they have been looking for one who can do both at a high level, with some past experiments, like Noah Fant, having not worked out. I’d say this one is still unlikely, but don’t rule it out completely.
TE, Charlie Kolar
Kolar is a TE option that should be more cost effective. I liked the player in his draft year, and I still do. He has shown flashes with the Ravens, showing the ability to contribute in both phases. However, when stuck behind guys like Mark Andrews and Isaiah Likely, it will always be hard to carve out a role. But I could see him being impactful with a bigger opportunity. Perhaps it can be with the Bengals.
TE, Harrison Bryant
Bryant has shown some flashes for the Browns as a pass catcher. His profile isn’t as complete as Kolar’s, but Bryant could be someone they bring in to compete for a spot in camp. On a minimum deal, I do think there is some upside, especially with his ability to high point.
QB, Sam Howell
Jake Browning is likely heading out the door after being demoted to 3rd string after the Flacco trade. I’m sure the Bengals would still like Flacco back, but that isn’t guaranteed to happen, given that another team might allow him to compete for a starting spot. Last season, Howell was buried on the Eagles depth chart, serving as QB3 when everyone was healthy. In the past, Howell has shown promising moments as a starter. While he has his poor moments, he brings the kind of upside that the Bengals should be looking for in their backup. Should Burrow go down again, Howell has the talent to still keep things afloat, especially with the weapons that would be at his disposal.
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