The Bengals may have the best receiving trio in the NFL, but that won’t stop the front office from seeking some reinforcement at the position. Paul Dehner Jr. of The Athletic writes that Cincinnati will be on the lookout for receiving depth over the next month-plus.
The writer notes that the organization could seek help via the waiver wire as teams begin to trim their rosters, but he adds that the organization could also look toward the trade market if they’re truly targeting a specific name. If any of the team’s top-three wideouts suffer an injury during the preseason, then the front office would surely “turn up the aggressiveness” as they pursue that extra depth.
Ja’Marr Chase, Tee Higgins, and Tyler Boyd each had 60+ receptions, 800+ receiving yards, and 5+ touchdowns during the 2022 campaign. Fortunately for the Bengals, the trio has been remarkably healthy throughout their respective careers. Chase managed to get into all 17 games as a rookie, and while Higgins missed three games in 2022, he got into all 16 games in 2021. In six seasons with Cincy, Boyd has missed 11 games, although six of those absences came in 2017.
Either way, the Bengals would rather be safe than sorry, and they could use some experience beyond their current grouping of backup receivers. The team is still rostering Mike Thomas, but he’s only hauled in 18 receptions over the past two seasons. Otherwise, the Bengals have four wideouts who had a combined six receptions in 2021 (Stanley Morgan, Trent Taylor, Trenton Irwin, and Pooka Williams Jr.) and four UDFA receivers (Kwamie Lassiter II, Jaivon Heiligh, Jack Sorenson, and Kendric Pryor).
If only Trent Taylor could stay on the field. They wouldn’t need another WR. Got a injury bug that don’t quit
Feel free to take Reagor. Heck, you can have a pick with him.
I’ll personally drive him to Ohio
Can we include JJAW too?
Bengals should look for corners and offensive lineman for backups before receivers. Their offensive linemen backups are their starters from last year. Adenji and Carmen.
Agreed. I really don’t need to see Adeniji or Prince on the field again after last year. And Carmen better realize he has to work at this, or he’s even worse.
A lot of times, it just takes one weak link to make the line perform bad
Would love to see Stanley Morgan get a shot
I think Stanley Morgan will be the first guy off the bench. He’s been in the system since Zac Taylor arrived, and he’s been excellent on special teams. This will be the year he finally starts to get some reps in the offense.
I also think it’s a minor miracle they managed to keep Pooka Williams stashed last year. I expect him to get touches out of the backfield, in the slot, and as a returner.
The guy’s electric. If he’s put in enough work to figure out what’s going on, he can contribute.
One or more of this year’s supposed “contenders” are going to be dead in the water by the trade deadline thus they should wait a bit.
2 guys that are still out there that probably would be reasonably priced and have had flash’s … Allen Hurns (30 years old ) and Deedee Westbrook ( 28 years old).
Either would be good depth pieces.