5 remaining veteran free agents the Bengals should target
The Cincinnati Bengals have been nothing short of amazing this offseason. The additions of La’el Collins, Alex Cappa, and Ted Karras have set the offensive line up for immediate success. Re-signing players such as B.J. Hill and Stanley Morgan has set a clear precedent that keeping talent in Cincinnati is essential.
This offseason, however, has been one of the craziest in the NFL’s history; getting complacent in the AFC will not get the Bengals back to the Super Bowl.
The Bengals have developed a winning culture in Cincinnati. What does that mean? Winning cultures become increasingly important to free agents towards the back-end of their careers. Winning a Super Bowl is a checklist item that many players want on their resume.
Here are a few veteran free agents that the Bengals could target in hopes of returning to the Super Bowl next season.
5. Stephon Gilmore
Let’s start with the clear fan favorite, Stephon Gilmore.
Adding Gilmore to the Bengals secondary would be a huge move. Chidobe Awuzie showed fans and critics that he could cover top receivers in this league, and Mike Hilton continued to impress in the slot in his first year in Cincinnati. Adding Gilmore on the outside would give the Bengals a true lockdown corner in this league, something that is very hard to come by.
Gilmore won’t be cheap, but the Bengals can likely get him in on a one-year deal. Regardless of his price, Cincinnati should be able to afford him.
For how strong of a division the AFC North is, wide receiver talent is not its’ strong suit. Outside of the Bengals (of course), no opposing divisional teams’ receivers would be more talented than this Bengals secondary.
Gilmore can cover Amari Cooper, Diontae Johnson, and Marquise Brown comfortably. Adding a player of Gilmore’s magnitude makes teammates’ lives easier and opposing quarterbacks’ lives more difficult; a key to any great defensive leader.
It’s been a while since the Bengals went and got the guy. Let it be known, Stephon Gilmore is the biggest name on the cornerback market; getting him in stripes would be a significant move.