Cincinnati Bengals listed as surprising fit for free agent at a position where they appear very much set
It would be unlikely for the Bengals to add a free agent running back, but one of the best looks like a fit.
The Cincinnati Bengals are content with their running back room. Chase Brown is firmly established as the starter who fits what the offense needs from him. Samaje Perine proved why he was brought back last year as a complementary tailback with power and awareness to pass-protect at a high level. Tahj Brooks remains an intriguing developmental piece to round out the room.
Signing a free agent RB this offseason doesn’t appear to be in the cards for Cincinnati. All three of the names above will be back on the 2026 roster, and their roles are pretty much locked in.
But if there was a change of heart, one of top free agents set to be available next month projects as a good fit next to Joe Burrow in the Bengals’ backfield.
Dallas Cowboys RB Javonte Williams tabbed as Bengals free agent fit
Javonte Williams is set to hit the open market for the second consecutive year, and he’s in line to make a lot more money than he did in 2025.
Williams is the No. 4 ranked free agent RB according to A to Z Sports’ latest rankings, and staff writer Rob Gregson lists the Bengals as one of Williams’ best landing spots.
“Javonte Williams signed a prove-it deal in Dallas after his rookie deal expired in Denver, and boy did he prove it in 2025. Showing his health and durability after starting the most games of his career, Williams totaled over 1,300 yards and 13 total touchdowns from scrimmage last season. His injury history will be a caveat to the money he receives on the open market, but he will only be 26 years old when the season rolls around in the fall. A two- or three-year deal along the median of the market for a player with the dual threat ability and explosion of Williams feels appropriate.” – A to Z Sports’ Rob Gregson
Signing a free agent back to a multi-year mid-market contract doesn’t sound like a big deal, but it would be for the Bengals. Talks of an extension have already started between Brown’s reps and the front office.
Those talks would be put on immediate hold if a new RB the same age as Chase walked into the building with a deal that could look similar to what Chase is eyeing to sign.
The argument for Williams being the better player of the two is stronger than vice versa. He’s coming off his best year as a pro and was more productive than Brown, who ended up with a lower yards per attempt, total yards and touchdowns, and yards after contact per attempt in comparison.
Brown may not have the numbers, but he’s been an asset to one of the best offenses in the sport when the quarterback is healthy. Is the difference between the two worth signing a new starter who’s coming off a career-year unlike any that came before it? The idea is questionable when other positions on the roster are more valuable and pressing as needs.
Williams joining the Bengals would effectively boot everyone down the depth chart. He’d provide an upgrade on paper and would therefore drastically alter the dynamic of the room. It would be surprising to say the least if Cincinnati takes aggressive action to put that in motion.
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