The Bengals entered the 2021 season with tempered expectations but reason for optimism. Quarterback Joe Burrow returning to full health and a number of free agent additions on defense in particular pointed to an incremental step for head coach Zac Taylor’s team after his first two years resulted in a record of 6-25-1. Playoffs were deemed a mere possibility, so the team’s actual performance – a division title, underdog playoff run and the franchise’s first Super Bowl appearance in more than 30 years – took the football world by storm.
With a number of foundational pieces seemingly in place, the 2022 offseason was deemed one needed to augment a strong roster and set it up for long-term success. Featuring the reigning Comeback Player of the Year in Burrow and Offensive Rookie of the Year in phenom receiver Ja’Marr Chase, the Bengals have an ascending nucleus of talent, but also a number of important unanswered questions. After several targeted free agent additions, contrasted with the unresolved contract dispute with another key young player in safety Jessie Bates, has Cincinnati taken sufficient steps towards long-term AFC contention?
Free agency additions:
After he was sacked a league-leading 51 times last regular season (along with 19 more in the playoffs), it was 
universally understood that upgrading Burrow’s protection was the Bengals’ top priority. Their outside spending clearly reflects that, with the addition of three starting-caliber offensive lineman. Cappa, 27, is the youngest of the trio; he brings three years of starting experience from his time with the Buccaneers. A key member of Tampa Bay’s elite unit in recent years, the former third-rounder established himself as one of the top guards on the open market.
The Bucs expressed a willingness to keep him but had a number of other priorities which needed attention to keep their championship window open. Cappa’s career ascension has been reflected by year-to-year increases in Pro Football Focus grades (including a new personal mark of 73.4 last season), and he played every offensive snap for the second consecutive regular season in 2021. He projects as a consistent, durable upgrade on the right side of Cincinnati’s O-line.
The latter part of that description may not be true of Collins. The former Cowboy established himself as a high-level blocker originally on the interior, beginning his NFL career at guard. But he has mostly worked at the right tackle spot. His 82…