It might not be splashy, but Cincinnati finally added a guard.
The Cincinnati Bengals have just signed New Orleans Saints guard Lucas Patrick to a one year, $2.1 million deal, according to John Sheeran of A to Z Sports.
The move provides a temporary sense of relief for Bengals fans, who know the team needs to add more than one guard to alleviate the pressure on quarterback Joe Burrow.
Some fans on Twitter expressed that they aren’t even familiar with Patrick, who has played for the Green Bay Packers, Chicago Bears, and most recently, the Saints across eight years in the NFL.
Ok…. Need to read up on this guy. Glad we got a Guard! https://t.co/RH97SvnxcK
— Josh J (@jmjacobson23) March 21, 2025
packers, saints, bears fans talk to me??? what’s the word with this guy?
— josh (@WhoDeyEra) March 21, 2025
Most, though, recognized that Patrick will provide depth.
Ford backs up tackles and Patrick backs up interior. I’ll take it. Now let’s sign a starter!
— Kelsey (@CincyFlavorTown) March 21, 2025
Bengals film guru Mike Santagata is fine with the signing for that purpose, but he still hopes the team does more.
Ideally a backup. Could be someone for a rookie to come in and beat to earn their job. Similar to Xavier Sua-FIlo from a few years ago except Carman couldn’t beat him to get the job. If this is the only guard signing they make that’s not great though. https://t.co/NHlG80M8v6
— mike (@bengals_sans) March 20, 2025
Others echoed that sentiment.
This can’t be the plan bro. Teven, Scherff, Hernandez, Risner…. but lets go for Lucas MF Patrick
— Tyler (@TOshow24) March 20, 2025
Backup material. Sign Scherff or I jump into the Ohio River. Your call.
— Anthony (@AnthonyPetrosV) March 21, 2025
Weeeee https://t.co/fIJpUWkabf pic.twitter.com/SQ9BEJlRJB
— Brandon Koon (@krandonboon) March 21, 2025
Andrew Russell made it very clear that this doesn’t move the needle. The Bengals still need two guards.
This signing is equivalent to kicking a FG down 14 with 48 seconds on the clock. https://t.co/znRJXOs2Jj
— Andrew Russell (@Andrew_Russell7) March 21, 2025
A number of fans added their desire for the team to give star pass rusher Trey Hendrickson a contract extension to the conversation.
Trey Hendrickson and Scherff next pic.twitter.com/THovsehAIl
— hanna (@StripesAllDey) March 21, 2025
So, while the Bengals just signed Ja’Marr Chase and Tee Higgins to massive new deals, fans are right to say that the front office will have to continue to be active in free agency if they want to solidify a roster with Super Bowl ambitions.
All told, how would you grade this move?
