The Cincinnati Bengals have been active in NFL Free Agency, but they have lost a couple key contributors along the way. The offensive line was the top priority for the team going into the offseason, but it has not yet been addressed. Here is the Bengals free agency news thus far.
Farewell to Carl Lawson and William Jackson III
The Bengals elected not to re-sign defensive end Carl Lawson and cornerback William Jackson III. These were the two premier players that the Bengals had hitting the market. They both received big pay days elsewhere that the Bengals were not willing to match.
Carl Lawson is only 25 years old and is just now entering his prime. His 5.5 sacks don’t tell the whole story of how dominant he was in his final season as a Bengal. He recorded 64 total pressures and 32 QB hits, with a PFF grade of 76.3, as the Bengals top pass rusher.
William Jackson III is coming off one of his best seasons with Cincinnati. He cashed in as one of the top shutdown corners hitting the market, at 28 years old. The Bengals were more focused on spreading their money around to multiple players, as opposed to giving big contracts to their own free agents.
Revamped Defense | Signing Mike Hilton, Chidobe Awuzie and Trey Hendrickson
The Bengals replaced Lawson with the signing of DE Trey Hendrickson, who posted 13.5 sacks with the New Orleans Saints last season.
Hendrickson had the luxury of being on the opposite side of Pro Bowl DE Cam Jordan, so it will be intriguing to see how he performs as the top edge rusher.
The Bengals were also able to land two young cornerbacks in Chidobe Awuzie and Mike Hilton to replace Jackson. The latter which they were able to take from their division rival Pittsburgh Steelers.
Trae Waynes and Awuzie will be the top corners on the outside, while Hilton will be the primary slot corner. Hilton will replace Mackenzie Alexander, who reportedly has an offer on the table from the Minnesota Vikings.
Other Bengals Free Agents Moving On
The Bengals have a multitude of other unrestricted free agents that they have lost so far, while others are presumably gone.
WR A.J. Green has signed a one-year deal with the Arizona Cardinals worth up to $8 million. One of the most accomplished receivers in Bengals history will look to bounce back after a disappointing season.
WR John Ross has signed a one-year deal with the New York Giants, as he tries to redeem his career.
The Bengals were unable to re-sign TE/FB Cethan Carter, who signed a three-year deal with the Miami Dolphins.
Who Have the Bengals Re-Signed So Far?
The Bengals have inked new deals with numerous unrestricted free agents of their own, such as:
- CB Tony Brown
- RB Samaje Perine
- S/KR Brandon Wilson
- QB Brandon Allen
- LS Clark Harris
- CB Jalen Davis
Potential Remaining Targets
The Bengals still have positions that need to be filled, and they have salary cap to sign numerous players. Here are some free agents that the Bengals should pursue:
- C Austin Reiter
- OG Trai Turner
- WR Kenny Golladay
- LB K.J. Wright
- C David Andrews
- DT Sheldon Rankins
- OT Riley Reiff
