Cincinnati Bengals should target Pernell McPhee
Cincinnati knows that the future of their defensive line may have gone down with an injury in the preseason, as third-round rookie Joseph Ossai put on a great show and was one of the biggest standout players for Cincinnati.
The hope was that Ossai would be able to step up next to Sam Hubbard and create two players capable of creating pressure consistently, which is something the Bengals struggled doing in 2020. With his injury, however, Cincinnati needs to find a stopgap.
The Bengals do not want to get anyone that will take a starting spot for several seasons, with the hope that Ossai can return next year and develop into the player he was showing he could be. A veteran who was just released may be the best answer.
The Baltimore Ravens released Pernell McPhee and he could be the perfect fit.
Ravens cut long-timer veteran players Pernell McPhee and Anthony Levine.
— Jamison Hensley (@jamisonhensley) August 31, 2021
Both don't have to clear waivers, so Ravens can re-sign them later this week after placing short-term IR designations on players like WRs Rashod Bateman and Miles Boykin.
McPhee not only has had a productive NFL career and could help improve the quality of the defensive line, but he is also coming from a division rival. The Bengals are short on defensive line help and are trying to do all they can to catch the front runners in a crowded AFC North, and McPhee could help solve both problems.