NFL
By Jalen Willingham
The Cincinnati Bengals are in win now mode. When asked about players and future contracts, Bengals Director of Player Personnel Duke Tobin said that they are “going to spend to the cap.” They know the position they are in and should be willing to do whatever is necessary in order to bring a title to Cincinnati. Given that the Bengals haven’t been in this situation at all in their recent history, we should all expect a much different offseason that previous years. Here’s what to expect from the Bengals free agency in 2023.
Joe Burrow Extension
Before they even think about bringing in anybody from the free agent market, the Bengals need to lock in their franchise quarterback for the foreseeable future. This is something they will definitely do. They will not do what the Baltimore Ravens are doing with Lamar Jackson at the moment. The Bengals know that Joe Burrow truthfully deserves a blank check. With quarterbacks such as Derek Carr and Daniel Jones getting $40 million a year, expect the contract talks with Burrow to be around $50 million and up.
Due to the fact that Joe Burrow will be getting a huge extension, I don’t expect the Bengals to be pursuing any big name free agents that will be worth a ton of money.
Say Goodbye to Jessie Bates
Former All-Pro safety Jessie Bates will certainly be missed, but it is something that the Bengals will have to live with. After playing on the franchise tag in 2022, Bates will test the market. The contract that the 26-year old wants just isn’t something that the Bengals can afford to do. Burrow, Tee Higgins, Ja’Marr Chase and others will eventually need new deals. 2022 first round pick Daxton Hill will be Bates replacement at free safety.
Getting stronger up front
The Bengals made an effort to improve their offensive line in 2022 but still fell short of the mark. Add on top of this the loss of right tackle La’el Collins due to a torn ACL and MCL. Collins could also be a prime candidate to be cut due to not panning out. I expect Cincinnati to improve on the offensive line not only through free agency but in the draft as well.
With Collins not being ready until after the season starts, I can see the Bengals bringing in an offensive tackle. Jermaine Eluemunor is someone to watch if he doesn’t re-sign with the Raiders. It’d be best if the Bengals sign someone who doesn’t break the bank here while also drafting players to develop on the line.
On the defensive line, the Bengals could definitely use another pass rusher or two. The pass rush only yielded 30 sacks in all of 2022. There have been rumors about Cincinnati landing Yannick Ngakoue. If true, he would be an instant boost the the Bengals pass rush. Ngakoue has had at least eight sacks each year of his seven year career so far.
Re-sign your guys
There are quite a few players that the Bengals could bring back for another deep run in 2023. I like the idea of bringing back tight end Hayden Hurst on a 2-3 year deal. Linebacker Germaine Pratt is also another player that Cincinnati should consider bring back as well. By letting Jessie Bates walk, this is a most likely indicator that they will be bringing back strong safety Vonn Bell on another 2-3 year contract. Bringing back Eli Apple and Tre Flowers as depth pieces is also an option. Apple isn’t as bad as social media makes him out to be while Flowers can help cover tight ends as well.
