The Cincinnati Bengals have put themselves in a position where they have to make serious changes on the offensive line. We’ve already discussed possible options for left tackle, left guard, and center, so now let’s move to the next spot on the line and chat about right guard options for Cincy.
Before we explore options for 2022, let’s take some time to talk about the revolving door that is right guard.
Xavier Su’a-Filo started the season at the position, playing in just two games before landing on IR and never suiting up for the Bengals again in the 2021 season. Rookie Jackson Carman was then slotted in at right guard for the next three games and then from there, the position was a mixture between Carman and former sixth-round pick Hakeem Adeniji.
No matter who was at the position, right guard struggled throughout most of the season. Maybe they go with Carman or Adeniji again this year, but an upgrade is needed. Let’s look at some options for right guard in 2022.
5. Brandon Scherff
The best free-agent guard this offseason is Brandon Scherff but just because he’s the best doesn’t mean he’s the one Cincinnati should go after. Don’t get me wrong, Scherff is great, but he’s injury-prone and that makes him a risky player to sign to a long-term deal.
Pro Football Focus ranked Scherff as the 18th best free agent this spring but noted that he’s missed at least two games in each of the last five seasons. They project him to earn a three-year deal worth $50 million with an annual salary of $16.67 million and $30 in guarantees.
Scherff would definitely make the stripes’ offensive line better but the guy can’t stay healthy and that’s why I’d steer clear of signing him.