Bengals Should Consider These Free Agent Defensive Tackles
Jun 11, 2013; Green Bay, WI, USA; Green Bay Packers defensive tackle B.J. Raji works out during organized team activities at Clarke Hinkle Field in Green Bay. Mandatory Credit: Benny Sieu-USA TODAY Sports
A potentially forgotten name on the market, the Bengals would do well to pay attention to B.J. Raji come March.
Raji had a forgettable year after suffering a torn bicep tendon in his right arm during the 2014 preseason. It was thought to be a solid blow to the Green Bay Packers’ defense, but the recovered seemingly well with all the talent within its front seven. It’s this reality that may cause the Packers to move on from Raji.
Prior to the start of 2014, Raji was a free agent and he chose to test the market. With little takers at the price he sought, Raji signed only a one-year deal with the Packers clearly with hopes of increasing with value. The injury won’t help this cause and Raji may have to accept a smaller “prove it” deal in the coming year.
Talent has never been an issue for the 6’2″, 337-pound former top-10 pick. He’s a versatile player who’s had success at different positions along the line. The downside of Raji with respect to the Bengals is he’s played his entire career within a 3-4 system and seems to fit it well. His versatility gives hope to an ability to play within different systems, but after an injury plagued 2014, Raji, himself, may want to find a familiar situation to get his career back on track.
Nonetheless, throwing some “feelers” out there to get a read on the talented lineman would be a good idea. He’d come cheap and likely on a short deal. This would give the Bengals time to develop their young linemen and presumably a rookie tackle they’ll draft this year while giving them another veteran to learn from. Raji may not be a bad idea for the Bengals in the interim.