Bengals could make major decision on first-rounder before kickoff vs. Steelers
The Cincinnati Bengals have a tall task ahead of them in 2022, making it to the Super Bowl for a second consecutive season. When they host their hated AFC North rival the Pittsburgh Steelers this Sunday in their season opener, a certain starter may be smiling from ear to ear when he walks into the […]
The Cincinnati Bengals have a tall task ahead of them in 2022, making it to the Super Bowl for a second consecutive season. When they host their hated AFC North rival the Pittsburgh Steelers this Sunday in their season opener, a certain starter may be smiling from ear to ear when he walks into the building.
According to league insider Dan Graziano, the Bengals could lock up left tackle Jonah Williams to a lucrative extension.
Williams was taken 11th overall by the Bengals in the 2019 NFL Draft. The former All-American and Jacobs Blocking Award winner from his days at Alabama had a rough start to his career on the injury front. He suffered a torn labrum in June during OTAs and had surgery to repair it two weeks later. Williams was placed on injured reserve and missed his entire rookie campaign in Cincinnati.
In 2020, Williams started 10 of the Bengals' first 12 games but a knee injury in Week 14 ended his second year. Last season was a different story. Williams started 16 games (missed the season finale) and was a solid piece to an offensive line that wasn't good as a unit, giving up the third-most sacks in the NFL with 55.
Despite just one solid season, the Bengals picked up the fifth-year option on Williams in April. If Williams does turn out to be a good investment long-term, that would give the Bengals three consecutive hits on first-rounders when including quarterback Joe Burrow and wide receiver Ja'Marr chase.
The Bengals did a massive overhaul on their offensive line during the offseason. They will have four new starters from their initial starting line last season, highlighted by former Cowboys' right tackle, La'el Collins.
Cincinnati sees something in Williams to be considering a long-term deal when they could just evaluate his progression for two more seasons to be on the safe side. Time will tell if that's smart if the deal gets done this week.
Feature image via Albert Cesare-USA TODAY Sports
