Cincinnati Bengals: 5 Key Players to Re-Sign

4. Adam Jones

If there is one guy I like playing the shutdown role on the corner, it is Adam Jones. For those who are afraid of his actions on Saturday, I will throw in an addendum that if do re-sign him, there must be an updated code of conduct he must follow to avoid disciplinary action. Although after reviewing his career in Cincinnati, it hasn’t been as much of an issue in recent years.

Adam “Pacman” Jones fell just short of a career high in tackles, with 62 total, had a forced fumble, three interceptions, and 12 pass deflections. While he joined the Bengals in 2010, his impact has really started to pick up since 2013. In his last three seasons, he has 181 tackles, nine interceptions, two forced fumbles, three fumble recoveries, and 35 pass deflection.

His value is incredibly high and they need to keep Adam Jones, even if it brings some off field issues and minor on field issues, which should be called passion more than anything. He is a leader in the secondary on the field for guys like Dre Kirkpatrick and Darqueze Dennard. As I said for Reggie Nelson, that alone is just as valuable as the stats he has put on the field.

He should be a priority right along with Nelson and Iloka. The three of them will ensure that this defensive unit holds steady for the next few years. He will also be valuable until and even past the time Dennard is back on the field from shoulder surgery next season–something that the Bengals may need if Guenther leaves for a head coaching job.

Next: 5. Mohamed Sanu