The Cincinnati Bengals should sign Michael Crabtree

With quality depth an issue at the wide receiver position, the Cincinnati Bengals should take a long look at veteran Michael Crabtree.

When you have a problem, you fix it. Right now, the Cincinnati Bengals have a problem, a few actually. One of those problems could be solved, or at least aided by adding a wide receiver with the injury to A.J. Green.

Green, who will miss multiple regular-season games with an ankle injury, is another key player rookie head coach Zac Taylor will need to do without. With depth and uncertainty a running theme in Cincinnati, the time for bold action is upon the beleaguered organization.

Enter wide receiver, Michael Crabtree. Crabtree, the 10-year journeyman veteran who was with the Baltimore Ravens last season, was a financial cut in Charm City and would be a good addition to an offense in desperate need of help and able bodies.

Hey, let’s be honest here. The margin of error is already small for the Bengals. Taylor is already looking at regular-season games short a significant contributor, and Crabtree is a player who can step in right away.

Interestingly, Bengals running back Joe Mixon has gone on the record comparing the potential of the offense in Cincinnati to that seen with the Los Angeles Rams. That’s bold if not premature talk. While Taylor is sure to have wrinkles and nuances resembling that of his former employer, the talent gap is worth considering between the two organizations. That said, Crabtree is a talent that raises the bar.

He’s also a legitimate deep threat and a player who would help quarterback Andy Dalton. Dalton, who will miss Green, could use dependable hands beginning Week 1. While receiver Tyler Boyd will get an opportunity to contribute in a larger role, it’s unlikely he can carry that load by himself.

Is Crabtree in Cincinnati a stretch? Maybe. But do the Bengals really have the luxury coming off of another losing season to see how it goes without Green? At the very least, Crabtree buys the Bengals time. Another luxury they don’t much have.