Quinton Spain released: No-brainer for the Bengals

The Buffalo Bills released guard Quinton Spain who started every game for four seasons in Buffalo. Should the Bengals make a move for the veteran guard?

Quinton Spain started every game for the Buffalo Bills for the past four seasons. He was the starter heading into the 2020 season but was replaced by Cody Ford in week three and has dealt with a foot injury ever since.

Spain saw his best year in the NFL in 2016 when he graded out to an 84.2 according to Pro Football Focus. In the next three seasons, he saw a slight decline but still performed at a high level. In 2017 he allowed four sacks, but the following season only allowed one. In 2019, his last year as a full starter, he was not credited with a sack and was only called for four penalties.

On the other hand, the Bengals have had dreadful guard play this season. Coming into the season, the offensive line was the main worry for all fans, and that worry has been warranted.

Joe Burrow has taken a beating this season, with the majority of the sacks coming interiorly. From the revolving door at right guard to the incredibly poor play from Michael Jordan at left guard, Cincinnati has had the worst guard play in the NFL. According to Pro Football Focus, Alex Redmond and Michael Jordan have allowed 26 pressures.

How Quinton Spain fits with the Bengals

Spain has played on the left side of the line throughout his entire career. He would provide a veteran presence on a young offensive line and allow 22-year-old Michael Jordan to develop without sacrificing Burrow for that development.

When Xavier Su’a Filo returns from injury, the Bengals offensive line would drastically improve from its current state. Joe Burrow’s development should be at the forefront of Zac Taylor and the Cincinnati front office’s mind. If the Bengals do not even attempt to sign Spain, it becomes clear that Zac Taylor and Jim Turner are perfectly fine letting Joe Burrow suffer behind a broken offensive line.