Bengals Free Agency: Three Thoughts on Trent Brown, Joe Burrow and Their Plans in the 2024 NFL Draft

Cincinnati has added multiple starters in free agency.

Author:
James Rapien
Publish date:
Mar 21, 2024 9:25 AM EDT

In this story:

CINCINNATI — The Bengals signed Trent Brown to a one-year contract on Tuesday afternoon. Here are three thoughts on their offensive line, their quest to protect Joe Burrow and their plans for the 2024 NFL Draft:

Pass Protection

Jan 20, 2019; Kansas City, MO, USA; New England Patriots offensive tackle Trent Brown (77) against the Kansas City Chiefs in the AFC Championship game at Arrowhead Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports — Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports

The Bengals want to throw the ball. They want to drop back, put Burrow in shotgun and let him get the ball to his weapons.

Brown thrives in pass protection. Listed at 6-8, 380 pounds, the Bengals' new right tackle should help give Burrow the best offensive line he's had in the NFL.

This group should thrive in pass protection, even when they have to deal with talented edge rushers like Myles Garrett and TJ Watt.

"I'm very comfortable doing that. That's what I do best," Brown said when asked about 1-on-1 pass blocking. "I think that's why I'm here. And like you say, you won't find another tackle in the league or in the game of football today that does that better than me."

Brown allowed the second-lowest pressure rate (7.1%) in 1-on-1 pass blocking situations in the NFL last season according to Next Gen Stats. Only Tyron Smith (6.7%) was better.

The Bengals added Brown, Zack Moss and Mike Gesicki on offense. All three veterans should fit well with Burrow, Ja'Marr Chase and Tee Higgins.

Health and Culture

Dec 12, 2022; Glendale, Arizona, USA; New England Patriots offensive tackle Trent Brown (77) against the Arizona Cardinals at State Farm Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports — Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports

Culture is a big reason why Brown came to Cincinnati and signed with the Bengals.

"I feel like I'll be worried less and be able to worry about playing football," Brown said. "I won't have to worry about any off-the-field things, and I'll be able to just enjoy coming to work on a day-to-day basis. And that was important as well when we talk about fit."

Brown reached out to Ted Karras before signing and even saw the Bengals' captain in the hot tub while touring team facilities.

"He said he loved it here. This is a great organization. It's like a family over here," Brown said. "I walked in the building this morning and he was in the hot tub getting ready to work out. That even added to it, him being here on March 19 and the offseason program doesn't start for another month almost. That was a huge thing right there, just being where we came from where people would get out of there for a release any chance we had."

Brown has dealt with injuries throughout his career, but Bengals head coach Zac Taylor is as player friendly as any coach in the league when it comes to health. Don't be surprised if the Bengals give Brown extra rest days in hopes of getting the most out of him on game day.

2024 NFL Draft Plans

Sep 30, 2023; Starkville, Mississippi, USA; Alabama Crimson Tide offensive lineman JC Latham (65) celebrates with a cow bell in Davis Wade Stadium at Mississippi State University. Alabama defeated Mississippi State 40-17. Mandatory Credit: Gary Cosby Jr.-Tuscaloosa News — Gary Cosby Jr.-Tuscaloosa News

It's reasonable to expect Brown to start at right tackle, but that doesn't mean the Bengals' draft plans will change. If a top offensive tackle is on the board, they'll still take him.

Adding Brown does give them more flexibility. They no longer have a gaping hole in their starting lineup. If Brock Bowers, Quinyon Mitchell, Byron Murphy or any other non-offensive tackle is the top option on their draft board, they can take that player. It would've been a tougher sell if they hadn't added Brown.

Offensive tackle would still be the betting favorite for the Bengals in round one. There are multiple prospects that could realistically be available. Adding a young, talented offensive tackle could bring stability to an offensive line room that has leaned on free agency over the past few seasons.

Brown had the perfect response when asked about potential draft plans.

"None at all," he said bluntly when asked if he was concerned about the Bengals potentially using their first round pick on an offensive tackle.

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