How the Bengals could ruin a potential signing by two Super Bowl contenders
The Cincinnati Bengals could be a team to watch when it comes to one of the top remaining free agents. There's been a lot of speculation over the last few weeks that three-time Pro-Bowl wide receiver Odell Beckham Jr will sign with the Buffalo Bills or the Los Angeles Rams in the not-so-distant future. OBJ […]
The Cincinnati Bengals could be a team to watch when it comes to one of the top remaining free agents.
There's been a lot of speculation over the last few weeks that three-time Pro-Bowl wide receiver Odell Beckham Jr will sign with the Buffalo Bills or the Los Angeles Rams in the not-so-distant future.
OBJ even joked this week that he'll sign with the winner of the Bills/Rams game that opens the 2022 NFL season on Thursday night.
Beckham, who is recovering from a torn ACL he suffered in Super Bowl LVI, finished the 2021 season with the Rams.
Los Angeles has expressed interest in bringing him back this season.
The Bills also appear to be interested, via some recruiting from linebacker Von Miller.
But could the Bengals be the surprise team that swoops in and signs OBJ?
We know OBJ loves him some Joe Burrow. The two never played together at LSU, but they share that Baton Rouge bond.
There's no doubt that Beckham would love to play with Burrow. But would Cincinnati want Beckham?
The Bengals have arguably the best starting wide receiver trio in the NFL in Ja'Marr Chase, Tee Higgins, and Tyler Boyd. There's not an obvious need there, but it's also worth noting that Cincinnati doesn't have great wide receiver depth beyond those three. One injury and the Bengals wide receiver group could be in trouble.
Cincinnati could sign OBJ and have him for late in the season when he's ready to go (November or December). Beckham would provide insurance in case of injury. And if there are no injuries, the Bengals could use Beckham as part of their wide receiver rotation to keep their guys fresh during the playoff push. It makes more sense than you might think at first.
There's no indication that Cincinnati is going to seriously pursue OBJ. But that doesn't mean they won't. Most NFL deals come together quickly and can often be surprising.
And if the Bengals sign Beckham, it would certainly qualify as surprising — especially to fans of the Bills and the Rams.
Featured image via Albert Cesare-USA TODAY Sports
