Three remaining free agents the Cincinnati Bengals should sign to put a bow on free agency
The cupboard is mostly empty, but there's still value to be found in free agency for the Cincinnati Bengals. Gauging the team's remaining available cap space is tricky without knowing the details of Trent Brown's one-year contract, but they had just under $30 million in space prior to Brown signing. A reasonable estimate could be […]
The cupboard is mostly empty, but there's still value to be found in free agency for the Cincinnati Bengals.
Gauging the team's remaining available cap space is tricky without knowing the details of Trent Brown's one-year contract, but they had just under $30 million in space prior to Brown signing. A reasonable estimate could be in the range of $20 million or slightly more.
Based on the club's financial history, there's room for a couple small additions to round out the roster prior to the NFL Draft. Here are a few players that could fit the bill.
Rock Ya-Sin, cornerback
2024 age: 28
One of our predicted signings has yet to find a home, but his former teammate, Geno Stone, has already settled in Cincinnati. Ya-Sin has been a solid-yet-unspectacular corner for all three teams he's played for in just five years in the league, and the Bengals have seen his most recent tape as they faced him twice this past year.
He knows the division, like Stone, and can start in a pinch. That's ideal for a fourth cornerback, which is the best role he can hope for at this stage of the offseason unless he waits for injuries to happen later on.
Dalton Risner, guard
2024 age: 29
Free agency has never been Risner's friend for whatever reason. He was a serviceable player for his previous stints with the Denver Broncos and Minnesota Vikings. Bengals pass game coordinator Justin Rascati watched him play for both teams as an offensive assistant on staff, but would he be able to sell the Bengals on bringing in Risner if he thinks highly of him?
Risner wants to be a starter and earn a starter's salary, but he may have accept competing for a job instead. He waited until after the regular season began last year to join a team for this reason. There's no reason why he couldn't beat out Cordell Volson at left guard this Summer.
Richie James, wide receiver
2024 age: 29
It's extremely likely that the Bengals draft a receiver next month, so they could be looking elsewhere. Any free agent they bring in at this point isn't guaranteed a roster spot by any means, which will detract interest from top names, but James could make an interesting conversation.
James is more of a gadget player and return specialist at this point in his career. He also has experience out of the slot, which the Bengals are without now that Tyler Boyd is pursuing other options.
Freshly hired Bengals coach could bring an undervalued free agent with him
A possible upgrade where they need one.
