Five under-the-radar 2021 free agents the Bengals should target

Under-the-radar Bengals FA targets: EDGE Romeo Okwara

It’s no secret the Bengals’ have been horrendous at getting after the passer over the past few years. With Carlos Dunlap no longer a part of the team and Geno Atkins looking like he’s next on the way out, the club will have to look for fresh talent to keep opposing quarterbacks uncomfortable.

As previously mentioned, the team will attempt to keep Lawson in stripes. However, considering the defense still finished dead last in sacks a year ago, they need to add additional talent at the position as well. They could do so through the draft or free agency, or, ideally, both.

After spending big bucks on Lawson, Romeo Okwara will command a smaller payday, although a relatively weak EDGE free agency class could cause his market to inflate.

The former Detriot Lion has spent five years in the league, and for the most part, has been an average player. That is, until last season when he exploded to reach double-digit sacks for the first time in his professional career.

Still just 25-years-old, the Bengals will need to decide if Okwara is just beginning to reach his potential or if his firey stretch was more luck than skill. The fact that this question has to be raised at all could be enough to allow him to fall into a price range that Cincinnati could afford after taking care of other business.

If the Bengals can somehow swing landing both Okwara and Lawson, they can feel much more comfortable going the best-player-available approach at the top of round two and beyond. If it’s just Lawson in the picture, they may feel pressured to take a defensive end with their second selection, missing out on better value at a different position like offensive tackle or corner.