Based on current buzz before free agency starts, it’s safe to connect the Cincinnati Bengals to free agent Ryan Jensen, as well as a possible trade for Dallas Cowboys offensive tackle La’el Collins.
Jensen has been a hot topic for the Bengals, though the Tampa Bay Buccaneers’ desire to get him back could cost the team too much. But to say there’s been a ton of smoke around the possible fire would be an understatement.
ESPN’s Dan Graziano and Jeremy Fowler recently updated this situation:
“Tampa Bay Buccaneers center Ryan Jensen still looks like a free agent who will do very well, with multiple teams including the Jets, Bengals and Ravens potentially interested. Tampa Bay has been working to try to get a deal done with Jensen before he hits the market this week, but it’s unclear whether they can get it done in time.”
If the Buccaneers can’t get something done before the market opens, the Bengals could very much be in the Jensen sweepstakes, provided they’re willing to reach a Joe Thuney-level contract figure.
As for Collins, we’ve already argued the Bengals should be all over a trade with the Cowboys.
Graziano and Fowler updated this topic, too:
“With Cooper’s $20 million salary now off Dallas’ books, the Cowboys will get to work on Collins’ trade market. The Cowboys and Collins’ camp met midweek and decided he would likely be released if they can’t find a trade partner. The Cincinnati Bengals are one to watch here. They know they must address several pieces along the offensive line but don’t want to overspend on one player. The good news for them is Collins comes with a reasonable $10 million salary and $15.25 million cap hit. Terence Steele would slide into the starting right tackle spot for Dallas. — Fowler”
Given the how and why of cap relief when it comes to cutting and/or trading Collins, there’s no guarantee the Cowboys actually do anything soon. The Bengals might have to pay more via trade now as opposed to later in order to make it happen — but it might be worth it to know Collins’ cap hit will be on the books and, more importantly, they don’t have to worry about right tackle in free agency or the draft.
With both of these items, much still hinges on other teams. But if nothing else, we can continue to discern the team would really like to get better at center and tackle, and quickly.
