Five players the Cincinnati Bengals can’t afford to see opt out

Players the Bengals can’t afford to have opt-out: William Jackson III

The front office came into the offseason with a clear objective of upgrading the secondary in mind. Signing Vonn Bell, Trae Waynes, and Mackensie Alexander certainly accomplished that goal. However, it would all be for nothing if William Jackson III decided to sit out.

There’s no denying Cincinnati would still be strong at the safety position with the aforementioned Bell patrolling the back end alongside Shawn Williams and Jessie Bates III. There would still be a huge hole at outside corner though.

Youngster Darius Philps would be the leading candidate to step up in his place but he’s unproven and played the majority of his snaps from the slot to start his career.

In today’s pass-happy league, you need as many corners as you can get. Even if Philips stepped up in a big way, the Bengals would likely still find themselves in a bind when it comes to nickel defense at times. If an injury occurred, it would only make matters worse.

No matter what angle you approach the situation, defensive coordinator Lou Anarumo needs his top corner to lock up opposing pass-catchers.