After the Cincinnati Bengals asked veteran running back Giovani Bernard to take a pay cut, he asked for his release from the team. Bernard was a second-round pick for the Bengals in 2013 and was one of the most vocal leaders in the locker room.
This places more of a bourdon on starting RB Joe Mixon, because he has struggled mightily pass blocking on third downs. He has shown improvements in that area since being drafted, but it is not one of his strengths. Either the organization feels confident he has improved more in that area, or they have an idea of a replacement in the NFL Draft or in NFL Free Agency. Because, as of today, they do not have a viable replacement for Bernard on their roster.
Samaje Perine is more effective running between the tackles and RB Trayveon Williams has not developed the way the Bengals had hoped he would. Bernard was an extremely reliable option whenever Mixon went down with injury, which was somewhat frequently. Replacing Bernard will be critical for this team moving forward from a production and leadership standpoint.
Bengals Free Agency Targets to Replace Giovani Bernard
There are numerous enticing free agency options still available at RB, most likely because teams are waiting to see if they can fill that void through the NFL Draft. Here are some Bengals free agency targets at the RB position to replace Giovani Bernard.
Duke Johnson
Duke Johnson is similar to Bernard is many ways. He is an excellent receiver out of the backfield, and he is two years younger than Bernard. Johnson would be extremely cheap and has shown flashes of being an effective backup, which would be beneficial if Mixon were to get injured for a couple games. He has never posted less than 44 catches in his five-year career, and he averages 4.4 yards per carry over his entire career. Johnson has had to step in and start multiple times throughout his career and has been very effective, so signing him to a cheap one-year deal would be a perfect fit.
Dion Lewis
Dion Lewis is 30 years old and, considering how short the life span is for running backs, his career could be over soon. But he has the pedigree to fill Bernard’s shoes. Lewis has been to multiple Super Bowls with the Patriots, so he understands what it takes to win. He could provide great veteran leadership that this team desperately needs. He is an excellent pass blocking and receiving running back, and he would not command too many touches. Lewis had an excellent career with the Patriots, but after signing with the Titans, he was rarely used. He would also be very cheap, so the Bengals should kick the tires on adding the former Super Bowl champion to bolster their RB room.
Wayne Gallman
Wayne Gallman is the youngest of the group, at 26, and was very effective when he stepped in to start for an injured Saquon Barkley. He started multiple games for the Giants last year, totaling 181 touches, 875 yards and seven touchdowns. Gallman would also be cheap, which most backs left on the market would be, but he is more than capable of handling multiple different roles for the Bengals. He is a great pass catcher and can start a couple games if need be. He is a big back with quickness and is effective in the open field at making people miss. Gallman does not have much straight away speed, but he is a physical back that can help in pass protection immensely.
Bengals NFL Draft Targets to Replace Bernard
The Bengals will not draft a RB in day one or two, but spending a fifth or sixth-round pick could be the route they decide to take. They still have many positions that need filled through the draft, but after the release of Bernard, RB can be added to that list. Here are some Bengals draft targets to replace Bernard that could be available in later rounds.
- Rhamondre Stevenson | Oklahoma
- Elijah Mitchell | Louisiana
- Spencer Brown | UAB
- Stevie Scott | Indiana
- Jermar Jefferson | Oregon State
- Jaret Patterson | Buffalo
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