The Cincinnati Bengals don’t figure to get active in free agency much over the summer as training camp gets underway.
There’s always a chance they go after more help at a position like running back or even bring back their most notable free agent still left on the market, sure.
But the Bengals were a team not expected to have a ton of roster turnover this offseason and adding a big draft class after a solid outing in free agency leaves little in the way for additions — cut days will be hard enough in the fall as it is.
Even so, here’s a look at the best remaining free agents on the open market and where the Bengals should have an interest.
WR DeAndre Hopkins
Hopkins is a star wideout — but the Bengals don’t exactly have a problem at the position in that area.
Verdict: No
RB Dalvin Cook
Cook is a really fun player, but he’s not the best running back option for the Bengals in free agency right now.
Verdict: No
DE Yannick Ngakoue
Ngakoue is still going strong as a situation pass-rusher, tallying 9.5 sacks and 27 quarterback pressures in 15 games last year.
Verdict: Yes
DE Jadeveon Clowney
Clowney is now 30 and arguably more well-known for his run defense than pass-rush at this point.
Verdict: No
DE Justin Houston
Houston might be 34, but he just keeps on producing as a pass-rusher. He had another 9.5 sacks last year over 14 games and won’t come at a steep price.
Verdict: Yes
G Dalton Risner
More depth for the line is never a bad thing and Risner is still only going into his age-28 season.
Verdict: Yes
RB Ezekiel Elliott
Elliott is the better option compared to someone like Dalvin Cook thanks to his work as a pass-blocker, making him a good complement to Joe Mixon.
Verdict: Yes
DE Matt Ioannidis
The Bengals aren’t hurting for line depth, but Matt Ioannidis has long gone underrated and is versatile in the way Lou Anarumo likes.
Verdict: Yes
T Taylor Lewan
Lewan listed the Bengals as a possible spot this offseason but his injury history might suggest guys like Jackson Carman are better backup options and there’s a logjam at right tackle as it is.
Verdict: No
Bonus: CB Eli Apple
The Bengals still have plenty of reasons to like Apple the player in their system, even if they used multiple draft picks on the position.
Verdict: Yes
