Cincinnati Bengals: 6 players entering the last chance saloon in 2021
By Kyle Smith
Cincinnati Bengals entering last chance saloon – No. 3: Xavier Su’a Filo
Heading into the 2020 offseason, it was clear that the Bengals were going to draft Joe Burrow with the first overall pick. Their goal in the meantime would be to beef up the offensive line to protect that investment.
Unfortunately, the only real signing toward that plan was the signing of Xavier Su’a Filo from Dallas. Su’a Filo signed a three-year deal worth $10 million with the idea to become the team’s starting right guard opposite Michael Jordan.
Su’a Filo became the first offensive lineman to catch the injury bug as he injured his ankle during the Week 1 contest against the Chargers. He did not fully return until Week 12 when he started at left guard over Jordan.
During the 2021 offseason, the Bengals re-signed Quinton Spain and drafted Jackson Carman. Spain’s re-signing is believed to position him as the team’s starting left guard while Carman is destined to be slotted to start at right guard.
Where does this leave Su’a Filo?
While he performed well during his few games in stripes, Xavier Su’a Filo could become the next cap casualty. The Bengals simply could not afford to pay a backup lineman $3 million per year and would be wise to cut ties if he loses out on a starting gig.