The Cincinnati Bengals don't have a long list of needs entering free agency, but one position where they use an upgrade is at right tackle. 

La'el Collins, who signed with the Bengals last offseason, was Cincinnati's starting right tackle in 2022. But he tore his ACL in Week 16 and his status for 2023 is unclear at best. 

Jackson Carman is expected to be in the mix to start at right tackle for the Bengals in 2023, but he's more of a swing offensive lineman. Penciling Carman in at right tackle would significantly hurt the Bengals' depth. 

Cincinnati would be best served to address the position through free agency since they can't count on landing an impact right tackle in the draft (Tennessee's Darnell Wright would be a perfect fit, but he likely won't last to the end of the first round after strong showings at the Senior Bowl and NFL draft combine). 

One option that's been tossed around is former Tennessee Titans offensive tackle Taylor Lewan. 

Lewan was a cap casualty earlier this offseason after spending the first nine years of his career in Nashville. 

The former Michigan standout went to three straight Pro Bowls from 2014 to 2016, but injuries have limited his effectiveness in recent years. 

Still, he's a talented player who was once the highest-paid offensive lineman in the league. And he's still just 31 years old (he turns 32 this summer). Bringing him in as competition at right tackle on a one-year prove it deal could be a savvy addition by Cincinnati. 

But unfortunately, it's probably not a scenario that works for the Bengals — unless they're willing to move Jonah Williams to right tackle. 

Lewan said during an appearance on NFL Network at the combine this past weekend that he is not open to playing right tackle in the NFL. It's not an ego thing, he said he simply isn't good out of a right-hand stance (he even joked that he'd give up 50 sacks a year as a right tackle). 

Bengals offensive coordinator Brian Callahan said recently that moving Williams to right tackle is not something the team is currently considering. 

“Moving him (Williams) would probably be pretty difficult," said Callahan (via Kelsey Conway of the Cincinnati Enquirer). "I’m sure as a team-first guy he would do it if that’s what was best for us. But it’s a hard switch to make for a guy that’s played a lot of snaps at left tackle over the course of his career and very minimal at right.”

Unless the Bengals have a change of heart when it comes to Williams, it sounds like Lewan can be crossed off the free agent board. 

Cincinnati might need to start pondering the idea of trading up for Wright in the draft. He's a perfect fit for the Bengals and if he's as advertised, he could anchor the right side of the offensive line for the next decade-plus.