How the Bengals should spend their money this offseason
By Aaron Burd
Bengals’ offseason: Sign additional veteran linemen on both sides of the ball
While Thuney would be a great addition to the Bengals’ offensive line, he alone won’t fix their problems. Additionally, Cincinnati also has a lack of talent on their defensive line. In order to win in the trenches, the Bengals should seek out some cheaper veteran lineman on both sides of the ball.
In addition to signing Thuney, the Bengals should look to add a player like Matt Feiler of the Steelers. Feiler is a solid and versatile lineman who can start at guard or tackle for the Bengals. Bringing in a versatile, veteran player like this alongside Thuney could give the Bengals wiggle room in the draft so that they are not forced to take a lineman in the first round.
Feiler is obviously just one veteran lineman, but the Bengals should be in the market for any cheap veteran lineman available. Other examples of linemen to go after are Ricky Wagner, Alejandro Villanueva, and Corey Linsley.
On the defensive line, the Bengals need to get a solid rotation going. With Sam Hubbard and Carl Lawson (assuming he is retained) being their only serviceable edge rushers, the Cincinnati front office would be smart to bring in at least one in free agency. In today’s NFL, teams should have a rotation of at least three or four suitable pass rushers and Lou Anarumo’s defense does not have that right now.
The draft will be a good place for the Bengals to add talent on the edge, but one draft pick alone won’t be enough to fix their pass rush issue. Veteran edge rushers like Markus Golden, Ezekiel Ansah, and more could all provide solid value for the Bengals at the right price.
In the offseason, it’s not only the big-name free agents who matter. Bringing in cheap, solid, veteran players who can make good impacts at a low price could be how the Bengals resolve their issues in the trenches, as long as it’s accompanied by bringing in more valuable free agents or draft picks.