Cincinnati Bengals updated roster following every move from first week of NFL free agency
This post has been updated following Trent Brown signing with the team.The first week of free agency has pretty much come and gone, and the Cincinnati Bengals were right in the thick of things. Now that *most* of the dust has settled, let's take a look at the current state of the roster and where things […]
This post has been updated following Trent Brown signing with the team.
The first week of free agency has pretty much come and gone, and the Cincinnati Bengals were right in the thick of things.
Now that *most* of the dust has settled, let's take a look at the current state of the roster and where things are likely to go, from here.
Note: Asterisks (*) represent a 2024 free agent addition and does not include a re-signed player. Offense's base personnel is projected as 11-personnel (3 WRs, 1 TE) and defense's base personnel is projected as 4-2-5 defense (four down lineman, two linebackers, five defensive backs).
Quarterback (2)
Presumed starter(s): Joe Burrow
Reserve(s): Jake Browning
How we got here: Is this the best two-deep quarterback room in the NFL? It has an argument, which is why it hasn't changed since last season.
Running back (4)
Presumed starter(s): Zack Moss*
Reserve(s): Chase Brown, Trayveon Williams, Chris Evans
How we got here: Out goes Joe Mixon, and in comes Moss, who's an ideal mix of everything the Bengals needed at running back. His proficiency in breaking tackles will boost the run game independent of blocking and scheme, and his experience in pass protection will go a long ways in eliminating pre-snap tells for the defense. Brown is expected to be his equal partner in crime, and a rookie could easily be thrown into the mix as well.
Wide receiver (8)
Presumed starter(s): Ja'Marr Chase (X), Tee Higgins (Z), Trenton Irwin (SLOT)
Reserve(s): Andrei Iosivas, Charlie Jones, Kwamie Lassiter II, Shedrick Jackson, Kendric Pryor
How we got here: Tyler Boyd is searching for work in a saturated receiver market with a strong class of rookies about to be drafted. Expect the Bengals to take their swing in the top 100 to fill his shoes. For now, it's Irwin and second-year guys Iosivas and Jones primed for increased involvement. However they officially move on from Boyd, the group should end up more versatile in terms of personnel alignment, which is a big plus.
Tight end (3)
Presumed starter(s): Mike Gesicki*
Reserve(s): Drew Sample, Tanner Hudson
How we got here: Gesicki continues the three-year tradition of a one-year stop-gap free agent signing at tight end for Cincinnati. But unlike his recent predecessors, Gesicki combines plus athleticism and a proven track record of turning it into production. He's also really just a big slot receiver, and Hudson is a perfect backup for that role. Sample sticking around ensures they have a true inline, and the draft should provide another.
Bengals going from nothing to something at tight end may hint at their NFL Draft plans
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Offensive line (12)
Presumed starter(s): Orlando Brown Jr. (LT), Cordell Volson (LG), Ted Karras (C), Alex Cappa (RG), Trent Brown* (RT)
Backup(s): Cody Ford, D'Ante Smith, Jackson Carman, Trey Hill, Nate Gilliam, Devin Cochran, Jaxson Kirkland
How we got here: Ford re-signing and Trent Brown replacing Jonah Williams at right tackle completes the offensive line on paper. Williams got the bag he wanted from the Arizona Cardinals, and the Bengals pivoted towards the right path. Brown is a great option to start for a season, but durability concerns should have the club planning to invest a high draft pick at the right tackle position in case injuries pop up for him again. The long-term need there is also glaring.
Defensive line (13)
Presumed starter(s): Trey Hendrickson (ED), Sheldon Rankins* (DT), B.J. Hill (DT), Sam Hubbard (ED)
Backup(s): Myles Murphy, Zach Carter, Cam Sample, Joseph Ossai, Jay Tufele, Domenique Davis, Travis Bell, Jeff Gunter, Devonnsha Maxwell
How we got here: How will the Bengals go about compensating for the loss of DJ Reader? Rankins is more of a running mate for Hill at 3-technique who can play 2i in a pinch. Hill can do that as well, but another body is desperately needed so both Rankins and Hill can be properly maximized. The defensive line can return to elite form if that happens as the edge group will improve as a whole from an uptick in pressure from the interior.
Linebacker (5)
Presumed starter(s): Logan Wilson (MIKE), Germaine Pratt (WILL)
Backup(s): Akeem Davis-Gaither, Devin Harper, Shaka Heyward
How we got here: Davis-Gaither is back while two others in Markus Bailey and Joe Bachie remain unsigned and could be until the draft concludes. Cincinnati would be wise to bring back at least one, but they could've simply rejected their respective offers already. Don't rule out a late-round draft pick used here.
Cornerback (7)
Presumed starter(s): Cam Taylor-Britt (CB), DJ Turner II (CB), Mike Hilton (NB)
Backup(s): Dax Hill, Jalen Davis, DJ Ivey, Allan George
How we got here: Moves that we'll get to in a minute now have Hill at cornerback two years after being drafted as a safety. It's not been an ideal path for the former first-round pick, but backing up Hilton in the slot and seeing time as a tight end eraser fits what he's good at right now, instead of hoping he can develop into a consistent starting safety. I still expect a low-level veteran signing to go behind Taylor-Britt and Turner on the outside.
Safety (4)
Presumed starter(s): Geno Stone (FS), Vonn Bell* (SS)
Backup(s): Jordan Battle, Tycen Anderson
How we got here: No other position has seen more change in the past eight days. Stone and Bell were signed on to replace Hill and Nick Scott, the latter getting cut altogether after he signed a three-year deal last offseason to replace Bell. It's still possible Battle proves to be the better option over Bell by the time training camp concludes, but Defensive coordinator Lou Anarumo's trust in Bell will ensure that he'll play to some degree. Stone is here to limit explosive plays, and that's why he was signed before anyone else from the outside.
Specialists (3)
Presumed starter(s): Evan McPherson (K), Brad Robbins (P), Cal Adomitis (LS)
Returners: Trayveon Williams (KR), Charlie Jones (PR)
How we got here: Nothing new here. Robbins will likely get competition during or after the draft, and McPherson is likely to get an extension this Summer.
Where do things go from here?
Rostered players: 61
Spots available: 29
Cheap signings at defensive tackle, cornerback, and maybe wideout would be the likely remaining free agency moves, and with 10 draft picks, including four in the first 100, the Bengals will have plenty of opportunities to further solidify the roster.
Remaining needs for the Cincinnati Bengals entering the second week of NFL free agency
Plenty of boxes remain unchecked for the Bengals a week into free agency.
