This Bengals offensive lineman could be in danger of getting cut
The Cincinnati Bengals‘ offensive line has been a major storyline over the past year and the team added new names to the roster to help improve the unit. This could be what dooms offensive lineman Xavier Su’a-Filo, who ESPN listed as the Bengals’ player who could be on the chopping block.
Per the article,
"Su’a-Filo was signed last offseason to be in the mix for a starting guard spot. But with the midseason acquisition of Quinton Spain, who appeared to end the offseason with the inside track at left guard, Su’a-Filo is at risk of not making the roster. Releasing Su’a-Filo also represents $2.4 million in cap savings for the Bengals, according to Roster Management System. — Ben Baby"
As of now, Su’a-Filo looks to be in the running to win one of the starting guard spots but if it becomes evident that one of those spots isn’t his to win, releasing him could be the best option.
Xavier Su’a-Filo might find himself on the Bengals’ roster bubble.
The offensive line has had its fair share of problems and Su’a-Filo appeared in six games for the unit last year, starting five of those at left guard. When it comes to the two guard spots, rookie second-round pick Jackson Carman is a heavy favorite to win the right guard gig while the left guard job comes down to Su’a-Filo, Michael Jordan, and Quinton Spain.
The ESPN blurb mentioned above that Spain’s presence on the team is what could lead to Su’a-Filo getting released. This wouldn’t be a surprising move by Cincinnati but at the same time, this is a team that needs all of the o-line help they can get. Unless they end up signing another veteran offensive lineman, Su’a-Filo is an experienced option who knows the offense well.
The Bengals made moves on the offensive line this offseason, signing Riley Reiff in free agency to be their right tackle and drafting Carman, D’Ante Smith, and Trey Hill with three of their 10 draft picks. This gives them depth at one of their weakest areas and with all of the injuries the team had along the o-line last year, keeping Su’a-Filo around wouldn’t be a bad decision by any means.
Xavier Su’a-Filo has a lot to prove this offseason and if he doesn’t do enough to earn one of the starting positions, the Bengals might be in a position where they choose to part ways with him.