The Cincinnati Bengals enter one of the most important offseasons in franchise history with the task of keeping the contention window open as wide as possible.
Easier said than done when the team has some urgency to get Joe Burrow’s contract extension done and a massive list of important free agents.
Armed with roughly $35.7 million in cap space (before any potential moves that could free up more), the front office has to carefully navigate an impending free agents list that includes several starters and one of the best players in the league at his position.
Here’s a rundown of all the team’s free agents and predictions for how we see things playing out.
Katie Stratman-USA TODAY Sports
Wilcox is exclusive rights, so there’s little chance he goes. Quality backup and on special teams, so a sensible investment.
Prediction: STAY
Katie Stratman-USA TODAY Sports
Same story for Johnston, who is critical depth at a position that could experience some turnover.
Prediction: STAY
Sam Greene/Cincinnati Enquirer via USA TODAY NETWORK
This is tricky. Clark Harris has said he wants to come back and not have his career end on an injury. But Adomitis now has a year of experience with the core group and is the long-term solution.
Prediction: STAY
(AP Photo/Bryan Woolston)
Quality running back depth isn’t hard to find these days and yet Williams stands out for consistency and work as a returner — especially when it’s clear the coaching staff doesn’t seem to trust youngster Chris Evans.
Prediction: STAY
(AP Photo/John McCoy)
Bachie is quality depth and a presence on special teams, making for an easy decision on a restricted free agent.
Prediction: STAY
(AP Photo/Noah K. Murray)
Ideally, the Bengals would keep Pratt. But the market is probably going to put him outside of the range the team wants to pay, which makes sense — he’s a very quality player. He’s also spoken of wanting to play all three downs, which he isn’t going to get in Cincinnati. The defense will have to move forward with the likes of Akeem Davis-Gaither and Markus Bailey if they don’t make further additions and use the cap space elsewhere.
Prediction: GO
Syndication: The Enquirer
Corner depth is scary thin right now, so Davis sticks to battle it out in training camp.
Prediction: STAY
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