In keeping with the theme of the 2021 NFL Draft, the Cincinnati Bengals have their eyes on another offensive lineman to protect quarterback Joe Burrow, who is recovering from reconstructive knee surgery in Week 11 of the 2020 season. According to a report from ESPN, lineman Nick Easton will visit the Queen City this week, then make an appearance in Houston with the Texans.
Bengals Show Interest in Nick Easton
Easton, a 6-3, 303-pounder from Harvard, was released from the New Orleans Saints earlier in NFL Free Agency, but reports state the team might re-sign him. But he is making the rounds to shop for a new home.
The 2015 undrafted lineman has played with Baltimore, San Francisco and Minnesota.
He spent the last two seasons at both right and left guard with the Saints.
Injuries have been an issue with Easton, and he sat out the entire 2018 season with a bad neck. In two other seasons (2016 and 2020) he finished the year on the injured reserve list.
The Bengals, who should draft Oregon lineman Penei Sewell in the first round, could use Easton as a backup guard.
Bengals Free Agency Interest in Trai Turner
But, according to a report from Cincyjungle.com, the Bengals have not yet signed offensive guard Trai Turner. The Cincinnati Enquirer noted that Turner, entering his ninth year, played in 93 games with the Carolina Panthers from 2014 to 2019, and one season with the Los Angeles Chargers. The five-time Pro-Bowl player has battled groin injuries over the last season.
With Easton coming into Cincinnati this week, it does not appear the team has high hopes to sign Turner yet, who is likely to command a large salary.
The team did free up $9.5 million in cap space money when they released veteran defensive tackle Geno Atkins on Friday. What will be the next Bengals free agency move?
