3 things Cincinnati Bengals fans should be thankful for in 2021

2. Organization spent money in free agency and it’s paying off

The Bengals aren’t an organization known for their pocketbook. They tend to try and build their team through the draft and not make big free-agent signings or crazy trades.

This past offseason, however, the franchise spent a lot of money in free agency and trying to make this a better team. So far, it’s panned out.

Trey Hendrickson, fresh off an explosive season for the New Orleans Saints, inked the largest deal at four years worth $60 million. The deal was met with mixed opinions, as Hendrickson had just that one dominant season with the Saints.

Meanwhile, Carl Lawson — who led the team in sacks last year — was allowed to leave and sign with the Jets. Letting Lawson go and signing Hendrickson instead was not a popular move but it’s paid off… literally.

The Bengals also signed Chidobe Awuzie, Mike Hilton, Larry Ogunjobi, Riley Reiff, and re-signed Quinton Spain. Awuzie has really come into his own as CB1 and Ogunjobi has made a huge difference upfront on the defensive line. Reiff isn’t the perfect right tackle but he’s helped this offensive line find its footing.

Fans should definitely be thankful that the team dipped into the free-agent pool to fix positions of weakness. Here’s to hoping they do the same thing this spring.