There's at least one more Bengals player who should be brought back in free agency sooner or later
The Cincinnati Bengals have been busier retaining players instead of bringing in new ones. External free agents Samaje Perine, T.J. Slaton, and Oren Burks all agreed to terms on the first day of legal negotiating, but since then, Cincinnati's only moves have been extending players from last year's roster.As it stands right now, there are […]
The Cincinnati Bengals have been busier retaining players instead of bringing in new ones. External free agents Samaje Perine, T.J. Slaton, and Oren Burks all agreed to terms on the first day of legal negotiating, but since then, Cincinnati's only moves have been extending players from last year's roster.
As it stands right now, there are eight 2024 Bengals players who watched their contracts expire last Wednesday and are officially free to sign anywhere.
Defensive backs Mike Hilton and Vonn Bell are the most notable names, but neither one is expected back in Cincy. Running backs Trayveon Williams and Chris Evans aren't likely to return with Perine back in the building. Offensive tackles Trent Brown and D'Ante Smith are still recovering from the same kind of knee injury, but the team is likely exploring other options. Kicker Cade York doesn't have a spot on the roster with Evan McPherson returning from injury.
The one name I didn't mention is the one I still expect to return at some point.
Bengals should not close the door on re-signing linebacker Joe Bachie
Honestly, the door should be wide open at this point.
The Bengals haven't done very much at linebacker this month. Burks is slated to replace Akeem Davis-Gaither and should be fine in that role, but the overall composition of the group is unfinished. Germaine Pratt's trade request from February suggests he'll be on the outside looking in when things are completely settled. There will likely be a new starter next to Logan Wilson and, at times, Burks himself.
That's probably not going to be Bachie, but there's room for him to come back. Shaka Heyward and Maema Njongmeta are the primary reserves behind Wilson, Burks, and (for now) Pratt. Throw in a rookie, possibly a Day 2 draft pick, and the room looks passable.
Bachie has made the majority of his impact on special teams since joining the Bengals back in 2021. That first season was also the year he's played the most on defense when Wilson was hurt and missed a few games down the stretch.
It was also when Al Golden was the team's linebackers coach, which is the primary reason why Bachie has been expected to return to this year. With Golden now Cincinnati's defensive coordinator, it makes all the sense in the world for him to welcome back a player from his position room to help round out the depth. Golden was a big fan of Bachie during his lone season coaching him. It's hard to believe his opinion on him has changed very much nearly four years later.
Bachie is also familiar with the new LB coach in town, Mike Hodges. Bachie was originally an undrafted free agent signing of the New Orleans Saints in 2020 when Hodges was just promoted by the Saints to coach linebackers. Bachie didn't make the final roster that offseason, but Hodges saw him up close and personal for the first few months of his professional career.
The hold up could be a medical reason. Bachie missed the tail end of the 2024 season due to a groin injury. He may have to pass a physical before the team could re-up for another year, but it's been over four months since the injury and Bachie should be able to practice by the time offseason workouts would pick up.
Bachie may have a better shot at earning legitimate playing time elsewhere if he's mulling over offers from other teams, but he won't find a better situation in terms of coaching and familiarity. This reunion should eventually happen.
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