The Bengals‘ Super Bowl LVI performance made their offensive line need known worldwide. While the team is not traditionally known for big-ticket free agency splashes, it has spent to fortify its defense over the past two offseasons. O-line reinforcements may be coming, too. At least, a growing expectation exists the Bengals will try to add multiple blockers in free agency, Jason La Canfora of CBS Sports notes. Cincinnati still has Joe Burrow tied to a rookie contract through at least 2022 and holds nearly $35MM in cap space, as of Saturday. The Bengals have not been much for spending on guards, letting both Evan Mathis and Kevin Zeitler leave in free agency during the 2010s, but they may need to deviate from that blueprint soon. Cincinnati has been connected to centers ahead of the market’s opening, being mentioned as interested in Ryan Jensen and Bradley Bozeman. Not usually a closely monitored team in free agency, at least nationally, the Bengals will see their O-line strategy spotlighted soon.
With the legal tampering period less than 48 hours away, here is the latest from the AFC:
- Mentioned in this week’s Amari Cooper trade talks, the Dolphins saw the Browns acquire the veteran from the Cowboys. The Dolphins also may have their eye on a cheaper option. They have been connected to D.J. Chark ahead of free agency’s outset, Doug Kyed of Pro Football Focus tweets. Despite changing coaches again, the Jaguars would like to re-sign Chark. The Dolphins’ 2021 receiver plan partially worked out, with Jaylen Waddle showing immediate promise. But Will Fuller bombed on his one-year Miami deal. The Fins also have DeVante Parker headed into his age-29 season. Chark suffered a fractured ankle in October but surpassed 1,000 receiving yards in 2019. He may not have to settle for a prove-it deal in free agency.
- In what would make for interesting trade talks, Gardner Minshew is a name to watch for the Colts, La Canfora tweets. Not only did the Colts acquire Carson Wentz from the Eagles last year, they faced Minshew during the 2019 and ’20 seasons when he piloted bad Jaguars teams. Of course, Minshew went 2-0 as a starter against Indianapolis during his Jacksonville stay. The Colts landed a surprising return for Wentz, but they now have a glaring QB need again. One year remains on Minshew’s rookie contract.
- Some of Joe Douglas‘ top draft choices have fallen out of favor with the Jets. Not only has Mekhi Becton struggled with injuries and his weight, but Connor Hughes of The Athletic notes the Jets were close to benching the former first-round left tackle before his Week 1 injury last year (subscription required). Becton reporting to the team’s offseason program and training camp in less-than-ideal shape irked the Jets, and the knee injury sustained cost him 16 games. The mammoth edge blocker showed promise when available as a rookie, but going into 2022, he appears behind George Fant to be Gang Green’s left tackle.
- While Becton has displayed starter-caliber talent, Denzel Mims has barely seen the field. The 2020 second-round pick has clashed with coaches during practices, Hughes adds, leading to a real chance he will not be with the Jets when they set their 53-man roster in September. Mims caught eight passes for 133 yards last season. Although the Jets are holding out hope the 6-foot-3 wideout will pan out, his future is very much in question.
I like Becton and hope he can get on the field and stay on the field, but dude was 364 pounds at the combine. Of course weight is going to be on the brink even in the best of times. They could have just taken Wirfs.
Funny how the teams always in the bottom of the divisions, changing Coaches and GM’s consistently always have the Draft Bust and players that want to “ argue” with their coaches.
Eagles flipping Minshew for some extra picks to the Colts makes sense.
Then flip Hurts and a couple of this years first plus some later round picks for Deshaun Watson.
By giving up Minshew we still have a good amount of picks in the draft to reload with younger talent.
Watson would then be playing behind the best O line he’s ever had, with arguably the best RB he’s had and the best TE he’s ever. You’d probably want to bring in a WR in FA but your offence would fire straight away and in the draft you can load up on defence.
In the draft I’d definitely take George Karlaftis in the first round and then hopefully snag Jalen Pitre in the second round. That’s two great additions.
In FA I’d bring Will Fuller on a 1 year 6mil deal. Hopefully he can be fit and healthy, but remember Watson and him are former teammates and he’d be returning home to Philly. Speaking of returning home to Philly I’d also try Malik Hooker. Obviously also another big injury concerned player but would be brought in as a 3rd choice safety behind Pitre and Harris.
Two really talented home town kids returning for the cheap with something to prove to the league.
You get 5/5 (Watson, Karlaftis, Pitre, Fuller and Hooker) I’m going to be a extremely happy fan and I think the Eagles would be set up really well for the next few season.
If the Eagles moved for Watson, they’d be giving up all of this years first rounders, next years, and the year after – all while the Texans GM eats his pancakes.
You realise the Eagles have 3 firsts this year, it not going to take 5 first to get Watson. Apparently the asking price is 3 firsts.
I say give up two this year plus a third and a future second
No to all of that for Watson, they have too many holes to plug and need to get 3 starters with those picks. Deal away Hurts, he’s not a franchise QB, draft one with one of those 3 1st rounders. Keep Minshew to help bridge transition, unless you can get a 2nd day pick for him then deal him and grab a veteran FA.
The front office won’t let them do this. A it makes too much sense. And B they just sniffed the playoffs. They won’t go backwards on purpose. I’m pretty sure Watson said no Eagles months ago so it’s crazy to still see the rumors. I get it we have the picks for it, but he doesn’t want to be here. This could be the year to move Hurts and bring in Cousins. He’s very accurate and he would come into another run first system. I think bringing him in gives us two more wins than last year and that would be huge.
Come on Colts! You have Sam Ehlinger in house! Isn’t your genius coach supposed to be a QB whisperer? Get cracking lazy coach (who wants a ready made bagel plopped in his hands!)!
Ehlinger does look like the real deal. Owns the huddle and respected in Locker room… Guy deserves a shot!