As the NFL’s “legal tampering” period kicks off Monday at 4 pm ET, the Cincinnati Bengals are expected to be aggressive when it comes to fixing the putrid defense that has failed them in back-to-back seasons. After not franchise-tagging Trey Hendrickson, the belief is that they are going to use the money they would have paid him to address multiple areas of the defense.
“It does seem like the Bengals are gonna take that money, spread it out over their defense to try and improve the overall unit.” NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport said on March 3rd.
Then on Sunday, ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler said the Bengals could “prove most aggressive” on the defensive free agent market. Fowler also noted that the Bengals have been linked to Indianapolis Colts safety Nick Cross, who was one of the highest graded run-defending safeties in the NFL last season. With Geno Stone set to move on in free agency, the Bengals could look to Cross to replace him.
Fowler also said the Bengals are linked to several defensive linemen, including Green Bay Packers pass rusher Rashan Gary, should he be released.
If Green Bay does move on from Gary, a reunion with his former defensive line coach, Jerry Montgomery, would make a good amount of sense now that Montgomery is with the Bengals. Gary seems to have taken a step back in recent years, but his best seasons came playing under Montgomery. If the money is right, the former No. 1 high school recruit could find himself in Cincinnati.
There has been reported interest in a reunion with D.J. Reader as well, as his contract with the Detroit Lions will expire at the start of the new league year. The Bengals value familiarity, and Reader certainly brings that, plus he plays a position of need for Cincinnati. He could be a name to watch, but it may take time to explore his market.
We will start seeing reports of players agreeing to contracts starting tomorrow, so here’s to hoping the Bengals are as aggressive as they’re expected to be.
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