The cutdown deadline has come and gone, and a flood of players will be hitting the waiver wire. The Bengals announced their initial 53 man roster, but the waiver period is an opportunity to make further changes that might be able to help the team. It would be unusual to find a high impact player through this method, but it is an opportunity to potentially add guys who can bolster depth at areas of need. After browsing through the roster cuts from around the league, I have found a few players that the Bengals should take a look at.
OT, Dan Skipper
Skipper is actually a veteran, and not subject to waivers. Thus, the Bengals could sign him immediately if the two sides had mutual interest. The soon to be 31 year old was a bit of a surprise cut by the Detroit Lions. He has served as their swing tackle for some time now, earning a reputation as a glass eater and fan favourite. Skipper is a leader in the room and would also help the Bengals at a position where they need it. Cody Ford is currently penciled in as first off the bench at OT, but Skipper would give them an upgrade.
G, Cole Strange
Strange was just waived by the New England Patriots, but comes with a 1st round pedigree (even if he was a reach at the time, too) and plays a position that the Bengals are in need of depth at. He has had some good moments in the NFL, but consistency has been an issue. Strange is an athletic player, and perhaps the Bengals could find some untapped potential, should they land him on the waiver wire.
OT, Logan Brown
Brown is a rookie UDFA who is a bit of a project. But in his preseason games with the Minnesota Vikings, he had a couple of solid performances in pass protection. He struggled as a run blocker, but as a prospect who needs to bulk up, this isn’t surprising. His athleticism and decent enough floor as a pass protector give him something to work with. As he gets stronger, the hope would be that his run blocking, and overall game, improve. I see some upside here and would’t mind taking a flyer.
DT, Elijah Simmons
Another UDFA, this time of the Arizona Cardinals. He played a limited role in college, but when he was on the field, his ability to play the run really stood out to me. There is a skill set in an area that is still pretty shaky for the Bengals right now, and he could be worth a pickup.
OT, Trent Brown
A familiar face for the Bengals. Like with Skipper, Brown is a veteran and is not subject to waivers. He was cut by the Houston Texans and finds himself back on the open market. Look, we all know about the injury history. But when healthy, he is an upgrade over what the Bengals have currently. On a minimum deal, I’d have no problem having Brown backing up at OT.
S, Jalen Mills
Mills continues the common theme of veterans who were cut, rather than placed on waivers. He was also let go by the Texans on Tuesday, but is known for his time in Philly. Although he is 31 and in the back portion of his career, Mills can still play at a solid level for a backup and potential spot starter. The Bengals lack depth at S, especially with Daijahn Anthony starting the year on IR. Mills would bolster the depth and add a vet to the room.
S, Mike Edwards
Cut by the Kansas City Chiefs, Edwarts hits the open market, as a veteran. He brings a lot of experience, is capable in coverage, and good down low. If he winds up in a depth role, he can also bring it on special teams. At a position of need, Edwards would strengthen the team’s depth.
S, Justin Simmons
Simmons stands alone as the player in this list who was not let go on cutdown day. He is, and has been, a free agent. It seems like he is waiting for the right opportunity, and I think that could be in Cincinnati. Though not the player he once was, the veteran is still a high IQ player, and his ball hawking tendencies would be a welcomed addition to the defence.
LB, Eugene Asante
Asante is another rookie UDFA. He was just waived by the Miami Dolphins. The highly athletic LB actually had a strong preseason, showing out well in coverage and as a tackler. I was high on him during the draft period, and would love it if the Bengals were able to make this addition. Asante is a high upside player, and can be a strong special teams contributor while he continues to develop.
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