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Cincinnati Bengals: Three Remaining Free Agent Options to Consider

By Damian Parson

GLENDALE, AZ - NOVEMBER 09: Outside linebacker K.J. Wright #50 of the Seattle Seahawks celebrate a turnover on downs against in the second half of the NFL game against the Arizona Cardinals at University of Phoenix Stadium on November 9, 2017 in Glendale, Arizona. The Seattle Seahawks won 22-16. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images)
GLENDALE, AZ - NOVEMBER 09: Outside linebacker K.J. Wright #50 of the Seattle Seahawks celebrate a turnover on downs against in the second half of the NFL game against the Arizona Cardinals at University of Phoenix Stadium on November 9, 2017 in Glendale, Arizona. The Seattle Seahawks won 22-16. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images) /
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So far, the NFL Free Agent period has shot out of the starting blocks like Usain Bolt at the Olympics. Big money is being spent and players are on the move.

Day one of NFL Free Agency has certainly brought its fair share of noise. After resigning tackle Bobby Hart, it appears the entire starting offensive line for the Bengals is locked into contracts. Offensive line is still a dire need, but if the team believes they have the right group of men secured, go with it. The free agent market is still rich with potential impact players and some stars. The next few days of free agency will be quite telling as to the direction Cincinnati is headed going into 2019.

Here are three available free agent options the Bengals should be targeting or considering to improve this roster.

1. OLB-Jamie Collins

CINCINNATI, OH – NOVEMBER 25: Jamie Collins Sr. #51 of the Cleveland Browns reacts after missing an interception during the third quarter of the game against the Cincinnati Bengals at Paul Brown Stadium on November 25, 2018 in Cincinnati, Ohio. (Photo by Joe Robbins/Getty Images)
CINCINNATI, OH – NOVEMBER 25: Jamie Collins Sr. #51 of the Cleveland Browns reacts after missing an interception during the third quarter of the game against the Cincinnati Bengals at Paul Brown Stadium on November 25, 2018 in Cincinnati, Ohio. (Photo by Joe Robbins/Getty Images) /

The 29-year-old versatile linebacker would bring a championship pedigree and athleticism to a  position that could use both.  Collins is a swiss army knife due to his ability to move along the defense and impact the game from different positions. He can drop back into coverage and make plays on the football. He has seven career interceptions, and can also be a force in the run game. Under Bill Belichick in New England, he displayed the ability to get after the passer, especially as a blitzer, posting 17.5 career sacks. After being cut by the Browns, Cincy shouldn’t have to break the bank for him. Collins would provide the Bengals with a starting caliber player at a position they desperately need help at.

2. OLB-KJ Wright

ARLINGTON, TEXAS – JANUARY 05: Ezekiel Elliott #21 of the Dallas Cowboys is pursued by #50 of the Seattle Seahawks in the first half during the Wild Card Round at AT&T Stadium on January 05, 2019 in Arlington, Texas. (Photo by Tom Pennington/Getty Images)
ARLINGTON, TEXAS – JANUARY 05: Ezekiel Elliott #21 of the Dallas Cowboys is pursued by #50 of the Seattle Seahawks in the first half during the Wild Card Round at AT&T Stadium on January 05, 2019 in Arlington, Texas. (Photo by Tom Pennington/Getty Images) /

Here is another near 30-year-old free agent linebacker. but he is effective and impactful. He has a nose for the football as shown by four consecutive seasons of 100+ tackles before his injury in 2018. Wright has the frame to play down hill and thump in the run game with athleticism to drop in to zone coverage. Wright can be a coach on the field and command the team’s respect. He is a great leader and locker room guy as well. He shapes up to be a good free agent signing.

3. TE-Jared Cook

Although he is 32 years old, he still may be in the top eight tight ends in terms of athleticism. Cook still has the size to out muscle smaller defensive backs and the speed to run past linebackers. Considering the mystery named Tyler Eifert, it is time to give Dalton a healthy and trusted play-making tight end. The Bengals did resign C.J. Uzomah to a three year18 million dollar deal, but losing Tyler Kroft opens a slot for another tight end.

Want to read more about Cincinnati’s offseason? Be sure to check out all of our Bengals coverage on Stripe Hype!

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