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The Cincinnati Bengals have not had a great trip to NFL free agency over the last few days.
Those Bengals got off to a hot start via reported agreements with safety Bryan Cook and defensive end Boye Mafe. But it has been radio silence ever since.
So, looking at the rough remains of the NFL free agency market right now, only a few notable targets at positions of major need remain at this stage.
If the Bengals want to get more rotational edge help, Joey Bosa might be a good way to go. He’ll be 31 next season, but is effective when on the field. His injury history will prevent him from getting a bigger contract than the Bengals want to pay.
Dre Greenlaw is an under-30 impact player at linebacker who can start right away. Otherwise, he’s a nice veteran option that fits the mentorship role they’re looking for while Demetrius Knight and Barrett Carter develop.
The Bengals have boundary starters with Dax Hill and DJ Turner. Slot is a major need after Josh Newton hasn’t emerged. Cobie Durant is an under-30 plus-starter who can play inside full-time.
Jonathan Allen is fading a bit over the age of 30 now, but he played 17 games last year and had 3.5 sacks. He could help the rotation at a price point the Bengals like.
Can the Bengals overlook the age? Bobby Wagner will be 36 next year, but he just put up 9.5 tackles per game last season. He’s the perfect mix of production and veteran leader the linebacker room desperately needs.
The reunion feels almost inevitable at this point. Problem is, the Bengals need interior pass-rushers. DJ Reader is a run defender. Being stout against the run is nice, but this wouldn’t plug a major need. Even so…they desperately need veteran leaders in the locker room, too.
With any luck, this one is inevitable. Joe Flacco has been open to a Bengals return…provided another team doesn't provide him with a chance to compete for a starting job. Timing may be a problem here, as he can wait and see for months.
This article originally appeared on Bengals Wire: NFL free agency: 7 signings Bengals could still make
Continue reading...
Those Bengals got off to a hot start via reported agreements with safety Bryan Cook and defensive end Boye Mafe. But it has been radio silence ever since.
So, looking at the rough remains of the NFL free agency market right now, only a few notable targets at positions of major need remain at this stage.
Bengals top free agent targets left on market
Joey Bosa, Edge
If the Bengals want to get more rotational edge help, Joey Bosa might be a good way to go. He’ll be 31 next season, but is effective when on the field. His injury history will prevent him from getting a bigger contract than the Bengals want to pay.
Dre Greenlaw, LB
Dre Greenlaw is an under-30 impact player at linebacker who can start right away. Otherwise, he’s a nice veteran option that fits the mentorship role they’re looking for while Demetrius Knight and Barrett Carter develop.
Cobie Durant, CB
The Bengals have boundary starters with Dax Hill and DJ Turner. Slot is a major need after Josh Newton hasn’t emerged. Cobie Durant is an under-30 plus-starter who can play inside full-time.
Jonathan Allen, DT/Edge
Jonathan Allen is fading a bit over the age of 30 now, but he played 17 games last year and had 3.5 sacks. He could help the rotation at a price point the Bengals like.
Bobby Wagner, LB
Can the Bengals overlook the age? Bobby Wagner will be 36 next year, but he just put up 9.5 tackles per game last season. He’s the perfect mix of production and veteran leader the linebacker room desperately needs.
DJ Reader, DT
The reunion feels almost inevitable at this point. Problem is, the Bengals need interior pass-rushers. DJ Reader is a run defender. Being stout against the run is nice, but this wouldn’t plug a major need. Even so…they desperately need veteran leaders in the locker room, too.
Joe Flacco, QB
With any luck, this one is inevitable. Joe Flacco has been open to a Bengals return…provided another team doesn't provide him with a chance to compete for a starting job. Timing may be a problem here, as he can wait and see for months.
This article originally appeared on Bengals Wire: NFL free agency: 7 signings Bengals could still make
Continue reading...
