The Cincinnati Bengals should consider signing these five free agents to shore up their weakest positions and avoid falling into a deeper hole.
After months of hope and optimism, a harsh reality has hit the Cincinnati Bengals. Many of the old problems that have plagued the franchise in the past have resurfaced, resulting in a win-less start of the 2020 campaign. While many have already counted out Zac Taylor’s squad, there are still plenty of options on the table to turn to before throwing in the towel.
Some of those options include shifting lineups, altering gameplans, and simply extracting better performances from the guys already on the roster. However, Duke Tobin and the rest of the front office could assist the coaching staff by bringing in some reinforcements. That would certainly be a welcome sight, especially after a few position groups have been hit hard by injury.
Surprisingly, there are still some quality options on the open market at this point in the season. Of course, the question always arises, why are these guys still available if they can help out an organization? In an unprecedented environment, there are a number of reasons a player could still be up for grabs.
Whether it be they are waiting for the right opportunity/role, anticipating a larger contract offer, or another factor, the simple truth is, Cincinnati could use sorely use some of these players. Luckily, at this point, none of them will break the bank either. Everything should fall in the range of a one-year contract with minimal guarantees. This will keep their future free-agent plans intact while allowing them to improve this year.
Bengals free-agent options: Damon Harrison
It’s hard to blame anybody for the state of Cincinnati’s defensive tackle position. Before the season even began, they lost three players on the depth chart. Josh Tupou opted out, Ryan Glasgow failed his physical, and Renell Wren came down with a season-ending injury.
Now, defensive coordinator Lou Anarumo is missing two of his top players at the position, again due to injury, in Geno Atkins and Mike Daniels. This resulted in a horrific performance against the Cleveland Browns on Thursday Night Football.
The Atkins situation feels eerily similar to A.J. Green’s from a year ago. Officially, the all-pro defensive tackle is “day-to-day” but it’s anybody’s guess when he’ll actually suit up again. Daniels has suffered numerous injuries himself over the past couple of years and although he still plays at a high level, his availability cannot be trusted.
That’s where Damon Harrison comes in. He could be the shot in the arm the Bengals’ run defense needs. He’s a run-stopping specialist, coming in at 353 pounds and standing at 6’3. Per Pro Football Focus, he put together elite seasons with a 90+ grade from 2015-2018.
According to ESPN’s Adam Schefter, the Bengals, along with a couple of other teams have already shown interest in Harrison. Cincinnati should do everything in their power to pull off this signing and give the defense a better chance of supporting Joe Burrow.
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.
Bengals free-agent options: Jeff Heuerman
After two solid showings from C.J. Uzomah to begin the season, the Bengals, unfortunately, lost the surging tight end to a season-ending injury. Not only will his play on the field and developing connection with Joe Burrow be missed, but also his leadership in the locker room.
Cincinnati has Drew Sample slated to fill the void left by Uzomah. Although the second-year tight end is having somewhat of a breakout campaign, he could still use some help. The only others at the position are Cethan Carter (more known for his special teams’ ability) and Mason Schreck (who was just on the practice squad a week ago).
Jeff Heuerman would be a solid addition to the tight end room, and perhaps an essential one, considering the rate at which Burrow throws to the position. The former Denver Bronco brings 51 games of experience, blocking ability, and athleticism that could allow him to perform in the passing game.
If the Bengals suffer one more injury to a tight end, they would suddenly find themselves in an extremely dangerous spot at the position. They should be proactive and sign Heuerman, a dependable option.
Bengals free-agent options: Josh Kline
For many of the reasons the Bengals should consider signing Ron Leary, they should consider signing offensive guard Josh Kline. At 30-years-old, the veteran lineman brings 92 games of experience to the table, including 77 starts. For a very young group in the trenches of Cincinnati, that kind of experience could be invaluable.
Dating back to 2014, Kline has never participated in fewer than 12 games. That kind of availability and consistency is exactly what a floundering offensive line unit needs. Plus, it could help Joe Burrow out in more ways than one.
Kline’s ceiling isn’t astronomical, and at this point in his career, you’re getting what you get. However, he’s never been given a season grade below 60 by Pro Football Focus, something that certainly can’t be said for many of the offensive linemen on Cincinnati’s roster.
All in all, Kline is a solid option and could fill in at right guard better than anybody else currently on the squad. It may seem repetitive to make this signing with Su’a-Filo’s return on the horizon, but nobody knows when he’ll be back, and upgrading Burrow’s protection for even a few weeks is definitely worth it in the grand scheme of things.
Bengals free-agent options: Marcell Dareus
There was a time that Marcell Dareus was considered one of the top players at the defensive tackle position. Since then, however, he’s suffered an injury and began to decline. There’s plenty of reason to believe he can still contribute though.
At his peak, he racked up an astounding 10 sacks from the interior of the defensive line on his way to earning a Pro Bowl appearance and selection to the first-team all-pro squad. Those days are long gone, but he’s still solid in the run game, which is where the Bengals need the most help anyways. At 6’3, 330-pounds, he can utilize his frame alongside with his experience in top-performing defenses to stop the bleeding for the run defense.
He can soak up plenty of snaps until Geno Atkins returns, but once Cincinnati’s franchise cornerstone is back, he can revert to more of a rotational role. This would help keep everybody healthy and fresh, resulting in a better run defense and perhaps help each player rediscover their pass-rushing prowess somewhat.
For both sides, a one-year deal makes sense. For the Bengals, Dareus fills the gap until they can get back players from injuries and opt-outs. For Dareus, he gets the opportunity to prove he can still perform at a high level after his injury, allowing him to chase a bigger pay-day next year.