The Cincinnati Bengals have made moves in free agency this offseason. If they make any more moves, could they opt to reunite with a former player? Here are five former players who have ties to the Bengals.
This offseason showed that the Cincinnati Bengals are serious about remaining contenders and getting back to the Super Bowl this year. They addressed the biggest weakness entering the offseason, adding three offensive linemen who should make that unit better.
Three former Bengals offensive linemen are still waiting to be signed by a team and two former defensive Bengals are also waiting for their next NFL home as well.
Let’s check out five free agents who have ties to the Bengals. Does this mean they’re good fits for Cincinnati this year? Not necessarily but they’re still worth discussing.
All stats courtesy of Pro Football Reference
Geno Atkins
In the fourth round of the 2010 NFL Draft, the Bengals selected Geno Atkins out of Georgia. What happened next was 11 years spent in the Queen City for Atkins, who went on to become a member of the NFL All-2010s team.
Atkins was a pass-rushing machine during his long career in Cincinnati and reached eight Pro Bowls and was named All-Pro twice. His best season was in 2012 when he had a whopping 12.5 sacks. It wasn’t the only double-digit sack season of his career, as three years later, he totaled 11 sacks and in 2018 he had 10 sacks.
Moving on from Atkins after the 2020 season was the right decision due to him missing half of that season and not being the same player that he once was but it was hard to see him go. He didn’t end up playing for anyone last year so at this point in his career it’s doubtful that he’d be anything more than a rotational piece.
He’s probably not a fit for the Bengals in 2022 but fans might not be angry if he joined the team and could potentially earn a Super Bowl ring after all he gave to the franchise.