NFL free agency is looming.
While all of the attention is on defense, who should the Cincinnati Bengals be targeting on offense?
We’re so glad you asked.
Offensive Tackle
Amarias Mims took a big step forward in Year 2. Orlando Brown is still holding it down on the left side, but he’s only got a year left on his contract, and he turns 30 later this spring. Besides, the Bengals need a swing tackle who is more reliable than Cody Ford. Two former Scott Peters protégés could be available when free agency begins.
Vederian Lowe made 4 starts at left tackle for the Patriots last season. The 26-year-old allowed only 1 sack and 15 pressures. Lowe started 13 games for Coach Peters a year ago.
Jedrick Wills has been battling a lingering knee injury since 2023 and sat out this season to fully recover. Wills was the 10th overall pick in 2020 when Peters was the assistant offensive line coach in Cleveland, a position Peters retained through 2023. While the knee is concerning, Wills was a top pick for a reason and is still only 26 years old.
Adding Lowe or Wills would provide an immediate upgrade at swing tackle and create a potential succession plan at left tackle.
Quarterback
The Bengals have raved about the value of Joe Flacco’s experience, but he might be able to cash in as someone’s bridge quarterback in 2026, particularly with the scarcity of top quarterback talent in this year’s draft. There are three other quarterbacks who fit into the same category as Flacco.
Jimmy Garoppolo is likely the top candidate to start in Arizona and potentially Las Vegas (if they are afraid of rushing Fernando Mendoza) as well. If he’s available, he could be a very valuable asset to this offense on the field and in the meeting room.
Garoppolo has a 4-2 record as a starter in the playoffs, including a Super Bowl loss. He does, however, have 2 rings as a backup in New England.
Geno Smith has started almost 100 games in his 12-year NFL career, which includes 6 seasons as a primary starter.
Tyrod Taylor has started 61 games in 15 seasons, with 3 seasons as the Bills starter. He also has a ring as a backup with the Ravens.
Tight End
The Bengals love their combination of Drew Sample and Mike Gesicki, but neither is a true Y tight end. Erick All is slated to return in 2026, but his injury history is cause for concern. It would be smart for the Bengals to add another inline tight end to the equation.
The name that has been thrown out the most often is Charlie Kolar. The 27-year-old Iowa State product has been an effective blocker in his role with the Baltimore Ravens. He has had some success in the pass game despite being buried behind Mark Andrews and Isaiah Likely on the depth chart. Kolar would make a lot of sense for the Bengals.
Another option that should be considered is Daniel Bellinger. He has an amazing combine coming out of San Diego State, posting a 9.69 Relative Athletic Score. He had some early success with the Giants, but for whatever reason fell out of favor with the coaching staff in 2024.
Still only 26, he is a low-risk, high-reward pickup.
See More:
