Bengals free-agent options: Ron Leary
While the defensive tackle situation can’t be blamed on the Bengals, Cincinnati has nobody but themselves to blame for the state of the offensive line. The organization had plenty of opportunities to upgrade the trenches this offseason but passed on many of them, instead opting to express their unfounded belief in the guys already on the roster.
It’s still early, so there’s time for them to turn things around, but the situation doesn’t look promising. On the bright side, the left side of the trenches hasn’t been too bad. Jonah Williams has shown some great flashes, Michael Jordan, although he’s struggled at times, has been solid in other instances, and Trey Hopkins has been the most consistent of all of the lineman on the team.
The right side of the offensive line, however, has been another story entirely. Xavier Su’a-Filo is out with injury and Fred Johnson didn’t play up to par in his absence. Bobby Hart is Bobby Hart, nothing more needs to be said.
The Bengals can’t risk putting Joe Burrow in harm’s way any more than they already have. Sign Ron Leary, a solid veteran that is undoubtedly better than any other option on the roster, and give the face of the franchise the best protection you can. Let Johnson or rookie Hakeem Adeniji try their hand at right tackle as well.
It’s still not ideal, but it’s the best Cincinnati can do at this point.