Free-Agent Targets for Cincinnati

Cory Littleton

Littleton is a 6’3 228-pound linebacker from the Los Angeles Rams, he would be a fantastic fit to help sure up the Bengals linebacker core. He has been in the NFL for four years; with 158 tackles, 7.5 sacks and five interceptions in the last two years with the Rams. Cory Littleton is a superstar in the making and would fit perfectly into the Bengals defensive scheme.

Austin Hooper

Free-Agent Austin Hooper is also a four year NFL veteran whose stock is dramatically increasing with each year he plays. His stats have had a steady uptick from season to season since he joined the Falcons in 2016. In the most recent season; Hooper emerged as one of the top targets for Quarterback Matt Ryan bringing in 75 receptions for 787 yards and six touchdowns. He would make a fantastic outlet for newcomer Joe Burrow as his sure hands will provide great comfort for the rookie Quarterback as he begins to settle in. 

Brandon Scherff

To put it simply, Scherff is a monster. The three-time Pro Bowl Guard has been a sure thing in the pass protection for Washington since he entered the league in 2015. Sitting at 6’5, 315 pounds, he’s exactly what the Bengals need to sure up their offensive line and protect Joe Burrow. The biggest key to Burrow’s success is going to be the ability to give him time in the pocket to analyze the field. By bringing in Scherff along with 2019 First Round pick Jonah Williams; the Bengals will have a much stronger offensive line to support the Quarterback.

Chris Harris Jr.

The rumor around Cincinnati is that the team is prepared to move on from Dre Kirkpatrick along with Darqueze Dennard. I’m hoping the team decides to keep Dennard as he’s been a solid CB2 for Cincinnati when he’s healthy. And they cut Dre Kirkpatrick and his ridiculous hand waves. Bringing on Chris Harris Jr. would be a massive move for the Bengals to sure up the outside of the defense. Harris Jr. has been incredible for Denver for the last nine seasons, racking up 20 interceptions over that time period. He was 25th in the league in receptions allowed in 2019 and 29th in solo tackles as a cornerback. He would be a great addition to the secondary.

Vonn Bell

The New Orleans safety has been a strong part of the rebuild of that defensive core for the Saints since joining the league in 2016. Bell was 17th in the NFL in tackles for safety and 11th in receptions allowed. The hard-hitting safety brings new energy to a Bengals secondary who has a solid young Free-Safety in Jesse Bates III. Vonn Bell brings power and consistency to the safety position that Cincinnati is desperate for. Shawn Williams is an okay safety but he also is never on the field. Bell has only missed three games in his entire four-year career.

Bengals Free-Agent Summary

These are the five best free-agent signings the Cincinnati Bengals could bring in this offseason. They can really shape their team back into the contenders that Cincinnati needs. Shoring up the offensive line to protect Joe Burrow and building up their defense through the secondary and linebacking core along with grabbing a sure-fire target in Austin Hooper. These are the main priorities for a team trying to bounce back and right the ship.

Free-Agent Legal Tampering

If you are unaware, the NFL allows “legal tampering” before the official start of Free Agency. The legal tampering period begins on March 16th of 2020 where teams can plead their case to new free-agents before actually offering a contract to them. It’s quite an interesting structure to free agency that you don’t see very often in sports. Tampering is typically frowned upon. The official start to Free-Agency is March 18th.

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