Which free agents make sense for the Bengals?
The Bengals have dramatically improved their roster over the past few months.
They completely remade their defense and added multiple starters on offense, including No. 1 pick Joe Burrow.
Despite their best efforts, they still have holes. It's hard to shore up every weakness on the roster following a 2-14 campaign.
The Bengals are in position to sign another veteran player before the start of the season.
They'll have $16.5 million in cap space after they sign their 2020 NFL Draft class. That gives them enough room to potentially sign a veteran and extend Joe Mixon and A.J. Green.
Green's cap number won't change much if they do agree to an extension. The Bengals are already using $18 million of space on him this season. Mixon's number will go up if they get a deal done, but it won't be nearly enough to prevent Cincinnati from adding a veteran.
The Bengals are content with what they have in a lot of spots. They signed three cornerbacks in free agency, so no one should expect them to add another defensive back. The same thing goes for safety. Shawn Williams remains on the roster, even after the addition of Vonn Bell. The team really likes Jessie Bates' potential and believes he could thrive with Bell in the mix.
The Bengals drafted Tee Higgins, which is one of the many reasons they aren't in the market for a wide receiver. They completely overhauled their linebacker room. There's no way they add another veteran backer.
The argument could be made for a veteran signal-caller, but head coach Zac Taylor said the team is "set" at quarterback. If you're looking for insight on that, go here.
Cincinnati could use help in the trenches, both on offense and defense. Here are four free agents that make sense for the Bengals.
Larry Warford, RG — This would be a home run signing. He's a 28-year-old Pro Bowl guard that played his college ball at Kentucky. The Bengals can make the money work. Is he willing to play for a non-contender? If the answer is yes, then they should be in hot pursuit of the top offensive lineman on the market. For a thorough breakdown on Warford and how they can make the money work, go here.
Jason Peters, LT — Peters is another plug-and-play starter up front. Would he stay at left tackle? Are the Bengals willing to move 2019 first-round pick Jonah Williams to the right side? Those are the biggest questions when it comes to this signing. Peters would be an upgrade on the left and the right side. Age is a factor, but the 38-year-old wants to play for a few more seasons. Here's a comprehensive breakdown of how Peters would fit in Cincinnati.
Demar Dotson, RT — The 34-year-old could be a lower cost option at right tackle. He's had some productive seasons in Tampa Bay, but wasn't as dominant last season. Dotson still posted a 71 PFF grade in 2019, which was better than Bobby and Fred Johnson. The Bengals feel good about their offensive line, but adding an experienced veteran like Dotson makes sense. He made 15 starts in 2019 and has played at least 1,000 snaps in each of the past two years.
Jabaal Sheard, DE — Sheard would be a nice depth addition in the trenches. Carl Lawson has dealt with injuries throughout his career. If he were to go down or Carlos Dunlap were to miss time, there isn't much depth behind them. Sam Hubbard has exceeded expectations and continues to grow as a player, but fifth-round pick Khalid Kareem could have a significant role on the edge this season. Bringing in Sheard would give the Bengals another proven player at that spot, even if he isn't what he once was. He's played in at least 13 games in each of his nine NFL seasons. His durability and experience would be an upgrade in the trenches.
There are plenty of other free agents available. Here's a list of the top players that are still on the market.
Quarterbacks
Cam Newton
Joe Flacco
Matt Moore
Trevor Siemian
Drew Stanton
Josh McCown
Blake Bortles
Cody Kessler
Brandon Allen
Running Backs
Devonta Freeman
Carlos Hyde
Lamar Miller
LeSean McCoy
Theo Riddick
Bilal Powell
Isaiah Crowell
Ty Montgomery
Jonathan Williams
Corey Clement
Kenjon Barner
Buck Allen
Spencer Ware
Wendell Smallwood
Wide Receivers
Taylor Gabriel
Chester Rogers
Paul Richardson
Josh Gordon
Chris Hogan
Tavon Austin
Demaryius Thomas
Ryan Grant
Justin Hardy
Dwayne Harris
Jaron Brown
Jarius Wright
Jordan Matthews
Tight Ends
Delanie Walker
Charles Clay
Geoff Swaim
Jordan Reed
Ed Dickson
Luke Stocker
Lance Kendricks
Offensive Tackles
Jason Peters
Cordy Glenn
Kelvin Beachum
Demar Dotson
Jared Veldheer
James Hurst
Donald Penn
Greg Robinson
LaAdrian Waddle
Marshall Newhouse
Chris Clark
Jordan Mills
T.J. Clemmings
J'Marcus Webb
Offensive Guards
Larry Warford
Mike Person
Ron Leary
Kevin Pamphile
Josh Kline
Ted Larsen
Earl Watford
John Jerry
Centers
Justin Britt
Daniel Kllgore
Ryan Kalil
Hroniss Grasu
A.Q. Shipley
James Ferentz
Tony Bergstrom
Defensive Tackles
Damon Harrison
Mike Daniels
Damion Square
Corey Liuget
Brandon Mebane
Josh Mauro
Domata Peko
Kyle Love
Sylvester Williams
Akeem Spence
Defensive Ends
Jadeveon Clowney
Everson Griffen
Ezekiel Ansah
Michael Bennett
Cameron Wake
Jabaal Sheard
Vinny Curry
Kerry Wynn
Adam Gotsis
Billy Winn
Clinton McDonald
John Jenkins
Linebackers
Nigel Bradham
Terrell Suggs
Clay Matthews
Mychal Kendricks
Anthony Chickillo
Kareem Martin
Sam Acho
Pernell McPhee
Vontaze Burfict
Mark Barron
Wesley Woodyard
Alec Ogletree
Adarius Taylor
Darron Lee
Bryce Hager
Will Compton
Manti Te'o
Preston Brown
Cornerbacks
Dre Kirkpatrick
Logan Ryan
Prince Amukmara
Aqib Talib
Trumaine Johnson
Tramon Williams
Darqueze Dennard
Eli Apple
Brandon Carr
Ross Cockrell
B.W. Webb
Tramaine Brock
Akeem King
Morris Claiborne
Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie
Safeties
Reshad Jones
Eric Reid
Morgan Burnett
Tony Jefferson
Tavon Wilson
Clayton Geathers
Antoine Bethea
Jahleel Addae
Sherrick McManis
J.J. Wilcox
Johnathan Cyprien
Darian Stewart
Curtis Riley
Tedric Thompson
Josh Shaw
