- Joined
- May 8, 2002
- Posts
- 1,131,409
- Reaction score
- 59
The Cincinnati Bengals appeared to be in the running for top linebacker Devin Lloyd in NFL free agency to start the legal tampering period.
Despite throwing out $100 million in contracts on safety Bryan Cook and edge Boye Mafe, the Bengals popped up in speculation around Lloyd.
Lloyd went on to agree to sign with the Carolina Panthers on a three-year deal worth $45 million.
But if the Bengals were really in the mix on Lloyd as they look to upgrade arounds sophomores Demetrius Knight and Barrett Carter, they are likely to be interested in the next-best linebackers still available on the market, too.
One of the better-kept secrets in the NFL, Leo Chenal is just 25 years old and can play all over formations. He’s even spotlighted as a stand-up defensive tackle. He’s very good at tracking in the run game and has seven sacks and 28 pressures over four seasons, too.
Another overlooked star, Kaden Elliss is 31 years old but is about as versatile as it gets for an off-ball linebacker. He’s a chess piece, especially when rushing the passer and getting into one-on-one assignments out of the backfield.
If the Bengals really want to ignore age, it’s hard to care that Bobby Wagner is going on 36 years old when he just posted a 90.3 PFF grade while averaging 9.5 tackles per game. He’s not going to need to play that much in Cincinnati, but he’s productive and certainly the type of veteran leader they need.
This article originally appeared on Bengals Wire: Bengals free agent pivot targets after missing on Devin Lloyd
Continue reading...
Despite throwing out $100 million in contracts on safety Bryan Cook and edge Boye Mafe, the Bengals popped up in speculation around Lloyd.
Lloyd went on to agree to sign with the Carolina Panthers on a three-year deal worth $45 million.
But if the Bengals were really in the mix on Lloyd as they look to upgrade arounds sophomores Demetrius Knight and Barrett Carter, they are likely to be interested in the next-best linebackers still available on the market, too.
Bengals’ best free agent targets after missing Devin Lloyd
Leo Chenal, Chiefs
One of the better-kept secrets in the NFL, Leo Chenal is just 25 years old and can play all over formations. He’s even spotlighted as a stand-up defensive tackle. He’s very good at tracking in the run game and has seven sacks and 28 pressures over four seasons, too.
Kaden Elliss, Falcons
Another overlooked star, Kaden Elliss is 31 years old but is about as versatile as it gets for an off-ball linebacker. He’s a chess piece, especially when rushing the passer and getting into one-on-one assignments out of the backfield.
Bobby Wagner, Commanders
If the Bengals really want to ignore age, it’s hard to care that Bobby Wagner is going on 36 years old when he just posted a 90.3 PFF grade while averaging 9.5 tackles per game. He’s not going to need to play that much in Cincinnati, but he’s productive and certainly the type of veteran leader they need.
This article originally appeared on Bengals Wire: Bengals free agent pivot targets after missing on Devin Lloyd
Continue reading...
