5 remaining veteran free agents the Bengals should target
1. Dont’a Hightower
Adding talent to the linebacking unit is not extremely necessary, but bringing in a veteran presence to the group is not a bad idea. The oldest linebackers on the stripes’ squad are 25 years old (Logan Wilson, Germaine Pratt, and Clay Johnston). Wilson and Pratt played extremely well in the postseason run, but there is not much depth behind them.
Hightower is known across the league for being extremely intelligent and disciplined. After sitting out of the 2020 season (COVID-19 related), Hightower struggled to get going in the 2021 campaign. The most noticeable decline in his game was in pass coverage.
Luckily for the Bengals, Wilson is already considered one of the best linebackers in coverage. At 32 years old, Hightower would be a fantastic rotational piece to this group.
If the Bengals were to bring in Hightower, expect Pratt and Wilson to remain the lead backers, with Hightower rotating in on run heavy-downs. This move would remind me of when the Bengals brought in Josh Bynes.
The Patriots have been extremely quiet this offseason. If they were to try and retain Hightower, I assume they will likely try and convince him to take a team-friendly deal.
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The question then arises, why would you take a team-friendly deal for someone who will not be competing next season? The Bengals can offer him a more lucrative team-friendly deal.