ESPN says the Bengals are the best fit for free agent Pro Bowler from rival AFC North team
ESPN thinks the Cincinnati Bengals are the best fit for a free agent Pro Bowler that spent the last four seasons with an AFC North rival. On Tuesday, Matt Bowen put out a list of the top 50 free agents in the NFL and where he thinks each one best fits. And he thinks Baltimore […]
ESPN thinks the Cincinnati Bengals are the best fit for a free agent Pro Bowler that spent the last four seasons with an AFC North rival.
On Tuesday, Matt Bowen put out a list of the top 50 free agents in the NFL and where he thinks each one best fits.
And he thinks Baltimore Ravens defensive tackle Justin Madubuike would fit best with the Bengals.
From ESPN: Look for the Ravens to make a strong play to retain Madubuike, who had a career-high 13 sacks in 2023. But I also like him in Cincinnati for a defense that needs to add more speed and playmaking ability to its front seven. The Bengals allowed a league-worst 6.0 yards per play last season. Madubuike has the foot quickness and first-step juice to leverage blockers and make an impact on the pocket.
Madubuike, a former third round pick out of Texas A&M, is coming off the best year of his career, totaling 13 sacks and 56 tackles in 17 games in 2023. A breakout season earned Madubuike his first trip to the Pro Bowl.
We saw this past season with the Kansas City Chiefs' win in the Super Bowl how important of a role defense plays in winning a championship. Even with an elite quarterback like Patrick Mahomes, the Chiefs still needed a massive performance from their defense to make a run in the playoffs.
Swiping a defensive player from the Ravens, the best team in the AFC during the 2023 regular season, would certainly make Cincinnati's defense better while taking away a key part of Baltimore's defense.
Of course, it all comes down to market value. Madubuike's career season came at the best possible time as it will allow him to maximize his value on the open market.
The Ravens, a team that doesn't have a lot of cap space, could choose to place the franchise tag on Madubuike.
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