The Cincinnati Bengals did not make any additions on day two of the tampering period on Tuesday. As the new league year will officially get underway at 4:00 p.m. ET today, here are the best players still available after missing out on potential targets like Leo Chanel and Kaden Elliss yesterday.
Quarterback
Joe Flacco still makes the most sense for bringing him back here as a backup to Joe Burrow. The longer he is out there, the more likely it is that a return could happen. Jimmy Garoppolo is probably one of the only other guys on the free agent market who would make sense in Cincinnati.
Wide Receiver
While I refuse to rule out a slot wide receiver for the Bengals, there has not been any indication that the team is looking into adding one at the moment. I do think players like Christian Kirk, Darnell Mooney, and even a guy like Brandin Cooks could add to the room.
Tight End
The Bengals brought back Tanner Hudson this year. They are also hoping to have Erick All back on the field, though he is not a player that can be counted on. With Drew Sample, Mike Gesicki, and even Cam Grandy still around, I am not so sure a free agent tight end is an option. With that said, there are still a couple of guys worth mentioning in the event the Bengals decide to surprise us. David Njoku would be an interesting player to add to the mix. A couple of other players at the position available include Dallas Goedert and Darren Waller. There is no guarantee that either of those guys will continue playing in 2026, but both still can add some value to a team if they do.
Offensive Tackle
The Bengals could use a quality swing tackle, but that may end up having to wait until the draft to address. It is a rather thin market at this position. Some guys currently still available include Cam Robinson, Cornelius Lucas, Thayer Munford Jr., Josh Jones, and DJ Humphries.
Interior Offensive Line
Jamaree Salyer would probably be my target here. He has experience playing at tackle, along with on the interior. He is still only 26 years old and would be an ideal backup for multiple spots on the line. He has experience at every spot on the line except for center during his NFL career. Some other players still available include Wyatt Teller, Joel Bitonio, Mekhi Becton, Evan Neal, and Lloyd Cushenberry.
Defensive End
The Bengals should still be in the market for another player on the edge. Arnold Ebiketie is a player they should target. The 27-year-old from the Falcons would slot in as a rotational player with upside. Other players still available here include Joey Bosa, Cameron Jordan, Haasan Reddick, Jadeveon Clowney, and Charles Omenihu.
Defensive Tackle
DJ Reader still remains unsigned. Could the Bengals end up reuniting with their former defensive tackle? I would personally still make a phone call to Calais Campbell. He posted 6.5 sacks during the 2025 season. The ageless wonder would be an improvement with interior pass rush and a great veteran leader for the locker room. Dalvin Tomlinson, A’Shawn Robinson, Shelby Harris, and Andrew Billings are some other defensive tackles still available.
Linebacker
The fear is starting to look like a reality with the Bengals being higher on the young second-year linebackers than they likely should be. They could still improve the position, but have struck out on players like Devin Lloyd, Leo Chanel, and Kaden Elliss at the position already. Bobby Wagner would be a veteran option that is still out there. Dre Greenlaw is probably the most intriguing option that isn’t in his mid 30’s. He should officially be released once the new league year kicks off at 4:00. The Bengals should look to move quickly if they have interest in him. Other players still available are Bobby Okereke, Lavonte David, Matt Milano, Akeem Davis-Gaither, and Shaq Thompson.
Cornerback
Corner is a position where you can never have enough talented depth on your roster. I would love to see a reunion with Chidobe Awuzie. Even though he is going to be turning 31, he had a 76.1 coverage grade last season. Some other players available still include Martin Emerson, Roger McCreary, and Cobie Durant.
Safety
The Bengals signed Bryan Cook, but could still look to double-dip at the safety position in free agency. There are some talented players who still remain unsigned here. Kevin Byard led the league in interceptions last year with seven and is currently still available. Nick Cross, Jaquan Brisker, and Jaylinn Hawkins are three other starting-caliber players on the market at safety. Tycen Anderson would be a welcome return as a special teams standout.
Who are a couple of players you are still hoping to see the Bengals add to the roster? Sound off in the comments.
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