Saying that the Cincinnati Bengals need a better offensive line is to state the obvious. In 2022, it’s time for the team to add bark to its bite and actually do something about it.
The Bengals can make a strong statement this offseason by signing arguably the best pending free agent O-lineman on the market, New Orleans Saints’ Terron Armstead.
The three-time Pro Bowler fills a major position of need for the Bengals in the trenches, though bringing him on would mean current left tackle Jonah Williams needs to switch positions. Still, Armstead poses as a starting-caliber veteran option capable of elevating the offensive line and helping the Bengals achieve another Super Bowl run in 2022.
FanSided’s Sayre Bedinger predicted one free agent signing for each NFL team in 2022 and had Saints’ Armstead going to Cincinnati:
"In 2021 it was acceptable for them to go for a playmaker like Ja’Marr Chase instead of offensive tackle Penei Sewell because their rebuilding process had only just begun.In 2022, the conversation is different. The Bengals have proof that their roster core is good enough to get to the Super Bowl. They have a ton of cap space and they are clear contenders in the loaded AFC.The time is now to go out and spend money on the offensive line, and I think they absolutely will."
Cincinnati Bengals would give Joe Burrow best chance behind Terron Armstead
Cincy passed over a chance to nab Penei Sewell in the 2021 NFL Draft, but after Ja’Marr Chase’s record-breaking year, no one’s going to complain about that. This upcoming draft, though, the Bengals front office will hear it loud and clear from the fans if they skip over the offensive line again.
Armstead may have outpriced his stay at New Orleans, and the Bengals could easily absorb Armstead’s desired salary with roughly $48 million in available cap.
Armstead’s nine years of experience in the league makes him highly coveted by all NFL teams in need of a quality offensive lineman, and though the 30-year-old tackle missed time last season due to injury, he’s proven he can still compete at an elite level.
Keeping Burrow upright will require more than just one offensive tackle signing, but the Bengals have to start somewhere. Finding talented linemen in free agency is rare enough — Cincinnati may not be so lucky next season and should throw as much money as they can at Armstead to lure him to the team in 2022.
Other than the green stuff, Cincy boasts the following: Joe Shiesty and one of the best offenses in the league. An elite defense. A passionate fanbase. What more reason does Armstead need?