How the Bengals should spend their money this offseason

Bengals’ offseason: Retain both Carl Lawson and William Jackson III

Before worrying about bringing in outside free agents, the Bengals first need to focus on retaining two key players. Carl Lawson and William Jackson III are two of the best players on the Cincinnati defense and losing either could set them back substantially.

Lawson and Jackson will not be cheap to retain, but losing them would be even more expensive. The Bengals already have enough needs as is and losing two key cogs on the defense would limit them from being able to take the best player available with their draft picks, instead forcing them to draft for need over talent.

While it would be far preferable to reach long-term deals with both, the franchise tag could be in play here. If the Bengals aren’t fully comfortable in either player and would rather let them play another year before giving them a lucrative contract, that is a very valuable weapon at their disposal.

At this point, it seems unlikely that the Bengals retain both of these important players, but that should not stop them from doing everything in their power to try. Securing both for the 2021 season gives them a chance to begin building a formidable defense.