CINCINNATI (WKRC) – The Bengals are expected to be a major player when NFL free agency begins on March 12. They reportedly have roughly $51 million in cap space after placing the franchise tag on receiver Tee Higgins. That is among the most cap space in the NFL, per OverTheCap.com.
Keep in mind, the Bengals normally hold back roughly $10-15 million to sign draft picks, to account for picking up players in season due to injuries, to pay practice-squad players and to provide bonuses for players reaching certain incentives.
They could add further savings by cutting some players, such as linebacker Germaine Pratt ($5.6 million) and running back Zack Moss ($3.5 million).
The bottom line is the Bengals have the money to be players once again this offseason on the free agent market.
The quarterback position obviously does not need to be addressed; both Joe Burrow and backup Jake Browning are signed. The same can be said of the trio of special teamers — kicker Evan McPherson, punter Ryan Rehkow and long snapper Cal Adomitis. It’s still unclear how new defensive coordinator Al Golden rates players on his unit, though it’s believed that Pratt will be moved and cornerback Mike Hilton will not be retained. Plus, there’s the question of what the team will do with defensive end Trey Hendrickson — will the Bengals trade the veteran, let him play out the last season on his deal or offer him a contract extension?
For the sake of this exercise, Higgins and Hendrickson remain on the team. But let’s be realistic, there will be no free agent player signed that will make more than $15 million per season.
Here’s a look at one free agent target from all 32 NFL teams that would help complete the Bengals’ championship-caliber roster. There is a clear motive with many of the following players: fixing a leaky interior offensive line, finding a pass rusher on the edge and some beef in the middle of the defensive line, and then getting a linebacker to pair with Logan Wilson.
ARIZONA CARDINALS
The Cardinals acquired edge Baron Browning from the Denver Broncos for a sixth-round pick at the trade deadline and he managed 20 pressures, two sacks and five tackles for losses in eight games. In limited snaps over 51 career games, Browning has 11.5 sacks and a pair of forced fumbles. A 26-year-old who was drafted in the third round out of Ohio State in 2021, Browning just finished the final year of his rookie contract and will look to cash in — but should be had for well under $10 million annually.
ATLANTA FALCONS
The Falcons are unlikely to let Drew Dalman leave as perhaps the top center in the free agent class. He should command $14-15 million per season.
Should the Bengals decide to shuffle the safety group again — and who could blame them? — then veteran Justin Simmons would make sense. Last season was the first time Simmons failed to make a Pro Bowl or All-Pro team since 2018, but he was still productive alongside Jessie Bates. The 31-year-old had 62 tackles and two interceptions, adding to his career total of 32. It shouldn’t cost any more than $6-7 million for a one-year deal.
BALTIMORE RAVENS
It would be shocking if offensive tackle Ronnie Stanley didn’t return to the Ravens. The 30-year-old is still one of the best in the game, coming off a season in which he played all 17 games. Stanley will get in excess of $20 million per season on his next deal. That’s a tough swallow for a Baltimore team up against the cap.
Because Stanley will require most of the remaining cap space, guard Patrick Mekari, a former undrafted free agent, would be in play for the Bengals. In six seasons he’s played across every position on the line, mostly right tackle or left guard. A better pass protector than run blocker, Mekari would step right in to the vacancy at guard with the release of Alex Cappa. According to Spotrac, Mekari is projected to receive a three-year, $31 million contract in free agency.
BUFFALO BILLS
The depth chart behind running back Chase Brown is thin. Moss is a cut candidate while Khalil Herbert, Trayveon Williams and Chris Evans are all free agents. Bills running back Ty Johnson is an affordable third-down back who can pass protect, catch balls out of the backfield, and grind out a few tough yards. Would the 27-year-old take a two-year deal at just under $3 million per season?
CAROLINA PANTHERS
A pair of Panthers would make sense for the Bengals secondary next season. Safety Xavier Woods led Carolina in tackles (119) and interceptions (3). But for a group of cornerbacks short on experience, Michael Jackson would be the selection. He had a career-high 13 pass breakups — which Pro Football Focus ranked as second-most in the league — and snagged two interceptions playing across from Pro Bowler Jaycee Horn. Spotrac has the 6-foot-1 Jackson, a 28-year-old, slated for a three-year deal for just over $23 million total.
CHICAGO BEARS
Offensive lineman Teven Jenkins is the clear choice; he would provide protection for Burrow in place of Cordell Volson and Cappa. Jenkins, a former tackle and second round draft pick in 2021, ranked as the No. 13 guard by Pro Football Focus last season. The 26-year-old has injury concerns (he hasn’t played a full season since being drafted with 14 games least season as a career-best) but is valued by Spotrac for $10.3 million a year for three years. Of any free agent on this list, Jenkins sits near the top.
CINCINNATI BENGALS
Mike Gesicki looked as if he found a home as a reliable pass-catching option for Burrow last season, his first with the team. With Erick All out for the 2025 season due to injury, there is a chance Gesicki could return — but at what cost?
He had 65 catches for 665 yards and two touchdowns playing on a one-year deal worth $2.5 million. Would Gesicki demand a more lucrative, multi-year deal elsewhere or would another one-year contract for $6-7 million running routes for an elite quarterback be enough to entice him to stay?
CLEVELAND BROWNS
On the topic of pass-catchers, the Browns have a speedy one who gets open out of the slot. Elijah Moore is just 25 years old, having spent two years with the New York Jets and the last two in Cleveland. In 34 games with the Browns he had 120 catches for 1178 yards and three touchdowns. But consider the quarterbacks throwing to him. It may be worth a flier anywhere from $3-5 million to see what he could do catching passes from Burrow.
DALLAS COWBOYS
While it would be enticing to see what 27-year-old defensive end Chauncey Golston could do coming off a season with 5.5 sacks, he hasn’t proven to be consistent enough to warrant a three-year deal averaging over $7 million per. So the prudent pick is 29-year-old cornerback Jourdan Lewis, who had 71 tackles and allowed an 85.3 passer rating against last season. If there is any concern that Dax Hill won’t be fully healthy to play opposite Cam Taylor-Britt, or if Josh Newton isn’t set as Hill’s backup, then Lewis is the ideal fit on a suggested two-year deal for $4.5 million.
DENVER BRONCOS
Defensive tackle D.J. Jones doesn’t fill the stats sheet but plugs space in the middle and is excellent stopping the run. Sound familiar? That’s the role DJ Reader filled so well in during the Bengals Super Bowl run. Jones last season had 42 combined tackles and just one sack, but while he was commanding extra attention in the middle the Denver defense had the most sacks in the league with 63. The 30-year-old Jones started all 48 games he’s been available the last three seasons. Spotrac projects $11.2 million per season on a new deal.
DETROIT LIONS
Cornerback Carlton Davis III is in his prime but will be far too expensive for the Bengals. Defensive tackle Levi Onwuzurike comes at a lower cost and is talented, but so raw that his first career starts — nine of them — came this past season. The 26-year-old had 13 quarterback hits and 1.5 sacks in 587 snaps as a rotational lineman. Tempting for sure. Yet make no mistake, the free agent to target from Detroit is Kevin Zeitler, who was selected by the Bengals in the first round of the 2012 NFL draft and 13 years in remains one of the best guards in the league. Per PFF, his 86.8 overall grade in the regular season was his best since 2014, and his 87.2 run-blocking grade was a career-best. The 35-year-old should command $10 million, but he’s extremely durable and investing in the offensive line remains critical to Cincinnati’s success.
GREEN BAY PACKERS
Outside linebacker Isaiah McDuffie was the target, but re-upped with the Packers on a two-year, $8 million deal. Fellow linebacker Eric Wilson, a University of Cincinnati product, played in 17 games each of the last two seasons, though only half the snaps last year. He was still productive with 63 tackles, two sacks and an interception. Wilson is a special teams player who can provide some depth for veterans minimum.
HOUSTON TEXANS
While the Texans have a long list of free agents there aren’t many at positions that would help the Bengals. Neville Hewitt isn’t a big name, but he’s a reliable linebacker and special teams player. Foley Fatukasi, listed at 6-foot-4 and 318 pounds, is a run-stuffing defensive tackle. He spent four seasons with the New York Jets and two with the Jacksonville Jaguars before this most recent season in Houston was slightly marred by a shoulder injury. A one-year, $4 million “prove it” deal for the 30-year-old is sensible.
INDIANAPOLIS COLTS
Pass-rusher Dayo Odeyingbo had a combined 11 sacks as a part-time player the past two seasons. But the 25-year-old will likely get an annual payday similar to Hendrickson’s $16 million. Right guard Will Fries, a former tackle who was a late-round draft pick in 2021, has 31 starts in three-plus seasons. He was graded by PFF as one of the best at the position before fracturing his tibia five games into the 2024 season. While Fries is expected to be fully recovered, that injury may keep the price tag low enough for the Bengals to pounce. But if bidding exceeds $10 million per year…
JACKSONVILLE JAGUARS
Guard Brandon Scherff is a no-brainer. The 33-year-old isn’t playing at the same level as when he made five Pro Bowls in seven seasons while with Washington, but he’s durable (started every game the last three seasons) and still well above-average. PFF graded Scherff in the top-20 for pass-blocking without allowing a sack in nearly 600 passing plays last year. Spotrac has his value at $6.7 million a year. That’s a perfect fit.
KANSAS CITY CHIEFS
In a perfect world the Bengals pull off another shocker by luring a high-priced player from the Chiefs, much like offensive tackle Orlando Brown in 2023. Nick Bolton should look to cash in for at least $15 million per season. The 25-year-old is a three-down linebacker who notched over 100 tackles in three of his four NFL seasons. More realistically, there’s Semaje Perine, who could return to the Cincinnati backfield in his third down role, or defensive tackle Tershawn Wharton, who was overshadowed at the position by All-Pro Chris Jones. Wharton had 6.5 sacks, 11 quarterback hits and seven tackles for loss while playing 62% of the defensive snaps. He also shows up in the postseason. In 13 playoff games Wharton has 20 tackles and four sacks. PFF rated the 26-year-old Wharton as Kansas City’s top player in the Super Bowl loss to the Eagles. His projected market value is three years at $22 million.
LAS VEGAS RAIDERS
Malcolm Koonce off the edge is an intriguing option. Koonce had eight sacks in 2023 — his third season in the NFL — opposite Maxx Crosby but then suffered a torn ACL before the 2024 season. Risky? Yes. Promising? Yes. Would he sign a one-year deal for $10 million? It’s difficult to gauge the market for a player coming off that injury, but still in his prime. Instead, linebacker Robert Spillane is the choice. He’s durable and a tackling machine — 148 in 2023 and 158 more last season — with strong numbers against the run and a low number of missed tackles. Spillane also had six sacks and five interceptions in two seasons with Vegas. The 29-year-old will surely be coveted, so it may require a slight overpay from the projected two-year, $20 million deal.
LOS ANGELES CHARGERS
The receiver position was under consideration; since Higgins is thought to be returning, Josh Palmer (38 receptions for 581 yards and 2 TD) is not needed. A disruptive force like Poona Ford is, though. He is one of the most underrated free agent defensive tackles. The 29-year-old started all 17 games for a top defensive unit in the league. Ford had 39 tackles, three sacks, nine QB hits, and an interception. PFF had him as the NFL’s No. 5 interior defensive lineman. While Ford isn’t much of a pass-rusher, he’s worth $6-7 million.
LOS ANGELES RAMS
There aren’t many quality options from the Rams. Bobby Brown, a 6-foot-4, 332-pound defensive tackle, takes up space in the middle of the field and had 44 tackles. Ahkello Witherspoon is a quality corner. But if the Bengals don’t feel comfortable with the depth at wide receiver, they could do worse than Demarcus Robinson as a third option and deep threat. The 30-year-old had 31 catches for 505 yards and 7 touchdowns behind Cooper Kupp and Puka Nacua and he wouldn’t cost more than a few million dollars.
MIAMI DOLPHINS
Jevon Holland is the obvious choice as one of the highest-graded safeties in the NFL, but he could land a multi-year deal worth $17-$20 million a season. He’s a difference-maker. Linebacker Tyrel Dodson made an impact after signing with the Dolphins mid-season, making 36 tackles with three interceptions in eight games. The 27-year-old earned a third-ranked 82.9 PFF coverage grade, too. He struggled against the run, however. That’s why Dodson’s market value is just $5 million a season.
MINNESOTA VIKINGS
Byron Murphy Jr. is likely the top corner in this year’s free agent class. Safety Camryn Bynum will cash in, too. Both are too expensive for the Bengals. Guard Dalton Risner graded out well by PFF in pass-blocking last year and in his six-year career hasn’t allowed more than four sacks in a season. He’s also rarely penalized. Risner is a value pick with Spotrac calculating two years at $3.4 million per.
NEW ENGLAND PATRIOTS
It shouldn’t be surprising that a team that lacked talent last season — yet somehow beat the Bengals in the season-opener — doesn’t have many players who would help the Bengals. Linebacker Christian Elliss, an undrafted free agent, is a strong special teams player who made 80 tackles. The 26-year-old is a restricted free agent and could be tendered by the Patriots. If so, it’s not worth picking over this roster.
NEW ORLEANS SAINTS
While it can be argued the Bengals haven’t played to their potential the past few seasons, the same can be said of defensive lineman Chase Young. He was selected by the Washington Commanders second overall in 2020, right after Joe Burrow, and was named Defensive Rookie of the Year. Young played in just 32 games in three and a half seasons before a trade to the San Francisco 49ers. In 2024, he signed a one-year deal with the Saints and finished with 5.5 sacks and 66 QB pressures. Predictions on the next contract for the 25-year-old range anywhere from $10-$18 million per season. If Young is on the lower end then the numbers may work for the Bengals.
NEW YORK GIANTS
Azeez Ojulari had eight sacks for the Giants as a rookie in 2021, then six in 2022, three in 2023 and six last season. That’s 23 sacks in 46 games coming off the edge. But durability has been the issue; Ojulari has missed 22 games in four seasons with a myriad of injuries, and has only played 29 games in the last three seasons. It’s boom-or-bust: should the 24-year-old continue to put pressure on the quarterback he could be a steal on a short-term deal at the right price (two years for $15-18 million?), yet there are risks with his injury history and there’s likely less upside than a player like Young.
NEW YORK JETS
Defensive end Josh Sweat and defensive tackle Milton Williams are two of the crown jewels of the free agent class. Keep dreaming. Guard Mekhi Becton resurrected his career and is likely to sign a new deal for at least $15 million per year. Linebacker Jamien Sherwood started 16 of the team’s 17 games, played 93% of the defensive snaps, and racked up 154 tackles (including an NFL-best 98 solo tackles) and a pair of sacks. He’s only 25 years old and PFF graded him 8th among qualified linebackers. Spotrac has Sherwood’s market value at two years and $14.4 million but his star is rising and other online estimates are much higher.
PITTSBURGH STEELERS
Najee Harris is a 1,000-yard rusher adept at catching the ball out of the backfield. He’s seemingly on the way out of Pittsburgh. What’s his market? Can he pass protect well enough to play a supporting role? Even on a one-year deal for $4 million there’s probably a better option. Veteran guard James Daniels was solid before a torn Achilles ended his season after four games. Provided he’s healthy Daniels could stabilize the Bengals’ line.
SAN FRANCISCO 49ERS
Dre Greenlaw will likely need to play on a one-year “prove it” deal returning from a pair of injuries. There was a torn Achilles he sustained during the Super Bowl two seasons ago and then two games into a comeback last season Greenlaw suffered a calf injury. The 27-year-old linebacker was one of the NFL’s best before his injury. Are the Bengals in position to take a gamble that Greenlaw returns to form?
SEATTLE SEAHAWKS
Linebacker Ernest Jones IV was acquired from the Tennessee Titans midseason and flourished with 94 tackles in 10 games. He’s just 25 and has missed only four regular-season games in four seasons. Defensive tackle Jarran Reed remains a force as an interior pass-rusher, despite the fact he’s 32 years old. He had 4.5 sacks, 48 QB pressures and 15 QB hits in 17 games, while averaging 37.4 snaps per game. Pro Football Reference noted he missed just one tackle defending the run. Over the Cap has his market value at a reasonable $5.7 million
TAMPA BAY BUCS
Guard Ben Bredeson started all 17 games at left guard, played in 99% of the offensive snaps, and was a key figure of an offensive line that helped produce the league’s fourth-best rushing attack. He also allowed just two sacks, per Pro Football Focus. The 27-year-old has started 42 of 62 career regular-season games. Last year Bredeson played on a one-year, $3 million contract. His next contract should be pretty similar.
TENNESSEE TITANS
Nick Westbrook-Ikhine has flashed big-play ability as a wideout. He finished last season with 32 catches on 60 targets, and nine of those receptions went for touchdowns. That was tied for ninth most in the NFL. His 497 yards were a career high. At 27 years old, Westbrook-Ikhine’s market value is two years for $7.8 million.
WASHINGTON COMMANDERS
The free agent wide receiver class is loaded with names like Stefon Diggs, Chris Godwin, Devante Adams, Amari Cooper, Tyler Lockett, DeAndre Hopkins, Marquise Brown and Keenan Allen. But Olamide Zaccheaus is one of the NFL’s best short-distance receivers. The 5-foot-8 Zaccheaus caught 45 balls for 506 yards and three scores last year. He also got work in as a returner. The 27-year-old has six years of experience and 149 receptions on 235 targets, while averaging 13.4 yards per catch.
