Two-time Pro Bowler makes a ton of sense for Bengals
The Cincinnati Bengals have what is arguably the best wide receiver trio in the NFL. But there are some rather large question marks when it comes to the wideouts not named Ja'Marr Chase, Tee Higgins, and Tyler Boyd. That is no way saying Stanley Morgan, Mike Thomas, Trent Taylor, or even Trenton Irwin can step […]
The Cincinnati Bengals have what is arguably the best wide receiver trio in the NFL.
But there are some rather large question marks when it comes to the wideouts not named Ja'Marr Chase, Tee Higgins, and Tyler Boyd.
That is no way saying Stanley Morgan, Mike Thomas, Trent Taylor, or even Trenton Irwin can step up and make a name for themselves in 2022. Let's be real though: how high are the odds of that actually happening?
Granted, we are talking about the WR4 position on the Bengals. However, the guy who holds down WR4 likely becomes WR3 with injury and will likely continue to climb up the depth chart with more injuries.
And this is the NFL. Injuries happen all the time.
It's clear the Bengals need some reliable depth at receiver, which is why it makes a lot of sense to sign former two-time Pro Bowler Emmanuel Sanders.
Sanders is 35-years-old, but can still play. Especially on a good offense like the Bengals that also has a lot of options in the passing game. He proved this last year by catching 42 passes for 642 yards and four touchdowns as the Bills' third or fourth target.
The 12-year veteran would be the perfect fourth receiving option in the Bengals offense. Joe Burrow wouldn't have to rely on Sanders to zap back to his level of play from his 20s, either. There would be little disruption to the Bengals offense, if any at all.
And, if injuries were to occur, Sanders could still step up and be effective.
Money shouldn't be much of an issue, either. The Bengals have plenty of cap space and the idea of playing for a contender such as the Bengals could cause Sanders to consider a discount in hopes of getting a second Super Bowl ring.
The biggest obstacle in this hypothetical scenario is Sanders himself. It's been speculated that he's mulling retirement. But, again, maybe the thought of a contender could sway him to play one more year.
Featured image via Douglas Defelice-USA TODAY Sports
