3 Ways The Bengals Can Fix The Running Game
By Sheikh Uddin
Pick up Veteran Presence in Free Agency
There are some decent o-linemen that are available in free agency which can provide some veteran presence on the line. We need some players that can come in and start right away–at an average level–until the younger guys are up to speed. Although many of the better o-line free agents have been signed, there are still some decent players available. Players that can provide adequate pass protection and do some damage in the run game would be exactly what the Bengals through free agency.
A former Pro-Bowler like Nick Mangold can be one of those veterans that the Bengals could sign to a one or two-year deal. Mangold was a full-time starter for the New York Jets for a whole decade, starting 164 games. He would come in right away and start instead of Bodine and provide better blocking for sure. Although he’s aging, he’s still a decent center and would be a great replacement for Bodine unless the Bengals take one in the draft.
Another veteran I think the Bengals have already looked at and are probably going to sign is Andre Smith. He could be making a return since the Bengals are in need of some tackles after the departure of Whitworth. Smith would come in and start at right tackle right away, while Cedric Ogbuehi or Jake Fisher play the left tackle position.
There are some serviceable players still available in free agency that can provide some depth for the Bengals if they aren’t afraid to look.