Cincinnati Bengals Should Address Major Need By Signing Two Veteran Free Agents

CINCINNATI — The Cincinnati Bengals should obviously find a way to keep Trey Hendrickson on the team in 2025 and beyond.

The NFL's sack leader needs to be on the roster if they're going to build a championship level defense.

Instead of going into the draft with big question marks at defensive end and defensive tackle, the Bengals should fill those needs with two proven veterans.

Cincinnati should sign Za'Darius Smith and Calais Campbell.

Both veterans are still playing at a high level, even if they're no longer in their prime.

Smith had nine sacks last season for the Browns and Lions. Meanwhile, Campbell is the ageless wonder. He had 52 tackles, 12 quarterback hits and five sacks for the Dolphins.

Both veterans played in all 17 games.

If the Bengals signed Hendrickson to an extension and added two proven veterans like Smith and Campbell, it would completely open up their draft board.

They wouldn't have to take a defensive end or tackle with their first round pick. They could focus on the top talent and not their top needs.

Of course, guard is another need they have to address in free agency. Once they do that, everyone will focus on the defense.

If the Bengals added two proven pieces that could give their pass rush a real boost, then they could take the best player available at 17, instead of feeling obligated to address a key need.

The idea of taking Tyler Warren or Ashton Jeanty or Colston Loveland shouldn't sound crazy to people. Throw Malaki Starks, Nick Emmanwori and Jihad Campbell in that discussion too.

The Bengals need playmakers. So how can they put themselves in a position to take the best player when they're on the clock and not feel obligated to take the best pass rusher?

If they signed Smith and Campbell, it would shore up their defensive front in a big way. Both veterans are looking to win a ring.

Of course they'd love to come to Cincinnati and help stabilize a defense that needs to improve significantly if they're going to contend for a championship this season.

This is a no-brainer for all involved.

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