Five Players the Cincinnati Bengals Should Target in Free Agency

The legal tampering period starts at Noon ET on Monday, March 11.

Author:
James Rapien
Publish date:
Mar 10, 2024 9:05 PM EDT

In this story:

CINCINNATI — The Bengals are expected to make multiple key additions to their roster in free agency. All 32 teams can start negotiating with veterans on Monday at Noon ET at the start of the legal tampering period.

Here are five players that the Bengals should target in free agency:

Teair Tart, Defensive Tackle

Tart and the Bengals could be the perfect match. He's only 27 years old and has flashed plenty of potential. Does he have another gear? There's plenty of reasons to believe that he's just entering his prime.

Things may have ended awkwardly in Tennessee, but Tart is a difference maker and there's no reason why he couldn't come to Cincinnati and help solve their issues in the trenches.

If the Bengals lose DJ Reader in free agency, Tart makes a ton of sense.

Clyde Edwards-Helaire, Running Back

Dec 12, 2021; Kansas City, Missouri, USA; Kansas City Chiefs running back Clyde Edwards-Helaire (25) celebrates with guard Andrew Wylie (77) and offensive tackle Orlando Brown (57) after scoring against the Las Vegas Raiders during the first half at GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Denny Medley-USA TODAY Sports — © Denny Medley-USA TODAY Sports

If the Bengals want to move on from Joe Mixon and younger in the running back room, then targeting Edwards-Helaire would make a ton of sense.

He averaged at least 4.3 yards-per-carry in his first three seasons and fell out of the Chiefs' running back rotation over the past few years. Prior to that, he was productive in Kansas City, running for 803 yards and four touchdowns as a rookie.

Edwards-Helaire is never going to live up to his first round draft status, but he can be a productive player. He's only 24-years-old and would be a stabilizing force in the backfield at a low salary ($1.5-$2 million).

Jermaine Eluemunor, Offensive Tackle

Dec 24, 2022; Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA; Las Vegas Raiders guard Jermaine Eluemunor (72) prepares to block at the line of scrimmage against Pittsburgh Steelers linebacker T.J. Watt (90) during the first quarter at Acrisure Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports — Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports

Eluemunor makes too much sense for the Bengals. He has experience at both guard and tackle. He could be a plug-and-play right tackle if needed. He's a capable starter that should get somewhere from $7-8 million per year.

Combine that with his desire to beat the Chiefs in the playoffs and there's no reason why the Bengals shouldn't be interested in Eluemunor.

Mekhi Becton, Offensive Tackle

Offensive tackle Mekhi Becton addresses the media during the opening day of the 2022 New York Jets Training Camp in Florham Park, NJ on July 27, 2022. Opening Of The 2022 New York Jets Training Camp In Florham Park Nj On July 27 2022 — © Chris Pedota, NorthJersey.com / USA TODAY NETWORK

Becton could be high on the Bengals' list of targets. The former first round pick is just 25 years old and is looking to jump start his career after being the 11th overall pick in 2020.

Bengals offensive line coach Frank Pollack helped draft Becton when he was with the Jets. Becton had the best season of his career with Pollack.

This could be a low-cost one-year deal. Becton would likely have to compete with whoever the Bengals draft to win the starting right tackle job. He's young, athletic and full of potential. He's worth taking a chance on, especially at the price that he's expected to command ($5 million).

Sheldon Rankins, Defensive Tackle

Nov 26, 2023; Houston, Texas, USA; Houston Texans defensive tackle Sheldon Rankins (98) is introduced before playing against the Jacksonville Jaguars at NRG Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Thomas Shea-USA TODAY Sports — Thomas Shea-USA TODAY Sports

If the Bengals want to bolster their interior pass rush, then adding Rankins would be wise. The 29-year-old had six sacks for the Texans last season and would be a nice addition to the Bengals' defensive tackle room.

Rankins has had injury issues in the past, but has played in 46 regular season games over the past three years.

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