ESPN Names Justin Madubuike, Tee Higgins as Top Free Agent Fits For Bengals
CINCINNATI — ESPN's Matt Bowen released his top fits for all 50 of the NFL's best free agents this offseason and he has two players as good Bengals' options: Ravens defensive tackle Justin Madubuike and Tee Higgins.
Cincinnati has a big hole on the defensive line with DJ Reader's contract ending after this past season.
"Look for the Ravens to make a strong play to retain Madubuike, who had a career-high 13 sacks in 2023," Bowen wrote. "But I also like him in Cincinnati for a defense that needs to add more speed and playmaking ability to its front seven. The Bengals allowed a league-worst 6.0 yards per play last season. Madubuike has the foot quickness and first-step juice to leverage blockers and make an impact on the pocket."
The former third-round pick exploded in Mike Macdonald's scheme in 2023, entering the season with a career total of eight sacks. He doubled his season career-high in pressures with 64 in 2023.
It would be pretty surprising to see Madubuike hit free agency as he's a strong candidate to get franchise tagged, just like Higgins.
"If Higgins does make it to free agency, Carolina would also be a fantastic fit, as the Panthers need a WR1," Bowen wrote. "But I have him staying in Cincinnati on the franchise tag, and with a healthy Joe Burrow back to start the 2024 season and Ja'Marr Chase on the other side of the field, this move could make the Bengals a Super Bowl contender once again. In four seasons with Cincinnati, Higgins has 24 touchdown receptions."
Retaining Higgins and somehow adding Madubuike all this offseason is highly unlikely.
Catch NFL football on fuboTV throughout the 2023 season! Start your free trial here.
For more on the Bengals, watch the video below and subscribe to our YouTube Channel.
Make sure you bookmark All Bengals for the latest news, exclusive interviews, film breakdowns and so much more!
You May Also Like:
Look: Joe Burrow Leads NFL Quarterbacks in Clutch-Time Statistic This Century
A Pre-Combine Look at Cincinnati Bengals' Top Options in 2024 NFL Draft
Look: Bengals Hold Third-Best Betting Odds to Draft Georgia Tight End Brock Bowers
Former Bengals Assistant Coach Reuniting With Mike Zimmer, Joining Cowboys' Staff
Report: Patriots Release Possible Bengals Defensive Line Option Lawrence Guy
Look: Joe Burrow Reminds Everyone That He'll Be Back From Wrist Injury
The 33rd Team Power Ranks Joe Burrow Outside NFL's Top-Five Quarterbacks
Joe Mixon on Bengals Potentially Cutting Him: 'That's Clown Behavior'
Bengals Select Oregon State Offensive Tackle Taliese Fuaga in Latest ESPN Mock Draft
Look: Bengals Hold Third-Best Betting Odds to Land All-Pro Defensive Tackle Chris Jones
Sports Illustrated's Connor Orr Boldly Predicts Bengals to Win Super Bowl LIX, Lead NFL in Offense
Look: Joe Burrow Reminds Everyone That He'll Be Back From Wrist Injury
Cincinnati Bengals Release Veteran Quarterback AJ McCarron
NFL Odds: Cincinnati Bengals Among Favorites to Win Super Bowl LIX
Andrew Whitworth: Patrick Mahomes is Football's Michael Jordan
Orlando Brown Jr. Picks Joe Burrow Over Patrick Mahomes and Lamar Jackson
-----
Be sure to keep it locked on All Bengals all the time!
Subscribe to the All Bengals YouTube channel
Follow AllBengals on Twitter: @AllBengals
