Bengals signing Trent Brown at right tackle is a wise gamble if they properly hedge their bet
The Bengals aren't always willing to take risks, but when it comes to protecting Joe Burrow, they've shown the willingness to swing big.Enter Trent Brown, perhaps the only offensive tackle as big as Bengals left tackle Orlando Brown Jr., who plans to sign a one-year deal with the Bengals, per NFL Media's Ian Rapoport. Brown's […]
The Bengals aren't always willing to take risks, but when it comes to protecting Joe Burrow, they've shown the willingness to swing big.
Enter Trent Brown, perhaps the only offensive tackle as big as Bengals left tackle Orlando Brown Jr., who plans to sign a one-year deal with the Bengals, per NFL Media's Ian Rapoport.
Brown's NFL career has been one of the more unique stories we've seen. After finishing out his rookie contract with a Super Bowl title for the New England Patriots, who acquired him via trade a little over nine months prior, Brown signed a massive four-year, $66 million deal with the Oakland Raiders in 2019.
A tumultuous two years out west featuring injuries and an appearance on the exempt list had Brown traded back to the Patriots halfway into his contract. He would re-sign with the Patriots for two more years in 2022, and played out the remainder of that deal despite continuing to deal with injuries.
Brown is now set to part ways with the Patriots again after the last time ended in dismay. That's the risk the Bengals are taking, but they have every reason to do so.
Brown was the best right tackle remaining in free agency
For his durability concerns and other prior issues, Brown's production made him the top option for the Bengals to sign after the initial waves of free agency passed. He's consistently been a stable pass protector throughout his nine-year career in and out of New England, so we know he's not dependent on the Patriots' scheme.
He's also not reliant on help, as he's coming off a season in which a league-high 72.9% of his pass snaps that had him on blocking on an island. That experience will come in handy with how the Bengals like to scheme Burrow's protection.
Brown is obviously going to become the bookend of Orlando Brown Jr. (let's call him OBJ for now) at right tackle, so it only makes sense to highlight his production at that spot. Brown has repped 3,149 career snaps at right tackle and hasn't had a Pass Blocking Efficiency score below 97.7 in his last four years at the position. 97.7 would've ranked tied for 10th among starting tackles last season, according to Pro Football Focus.
For the Bengals, who need both a short-term and long-term answer at right tackle, Brown is a risk worth taking. There's also reason to believe the Bengals are best equipped to mitigate the risks that come with him.
Bengals had a connection to Brown's time with Patriots
When committing any resources and bestowing any responsibilities towards a player with Brown's history, any insight is good insight. Cincinnati may've gotten it from one of the roster's most trustworthy sources.
Bengals center Ted Karras was Brown's teammate in 2018 and 2021 while they were both offensive linemen for the Patriots. Karras was a reserve for the 2018 Super Bowl team, and came back in 2021 to start at left guard for most of that season, and Brown played left and right tackle, respectively, during those two campaigns. Karras can help Brown make a smooth transition into the locker room and the o-line room.
Brown and OBJ haven't played together, but the Bengals having coached and managed Brown for a season gives them experience in handling a player of that size as well, which could come in handy to prevent injuries. "Could" is the key word there.
Another right tackle should be added to the mix
Brown completes the starting offensive line on paper, but the NFL Draft cannot be brushed to the side altogether. The Bengals are expected to target an offensive tackle with an early pick, perhaps even their first-round selection at 18th overall. Brown's presence shouldn't eliminate this if the right player is there.
The idea of Brown protecting Burrow's frontside for another playoff run is enticing, but injuries have been far too prevalent in Brown's career. He's only played three full seasons and is about to turn 31. The safe bet is Brown runs into — at the very least — a minor ailment in the Fall. Preventive measures can only work so well.
Should the Bengals wisely invest in a tackle early in the draft, they'll not only prepare for the future after Brown moves on, they'll prepare for the short term by securing a talented reserve if Brown's durability haunts him once more.
Brown is a smart gamble for the Bengals to take at this stage of free agency, but a deep postseason run may only be achievable if they properly hedge their bet during the draft.
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