The Cincinnati Bengals think the big additions at cornerback and safety will bolster the secondary for the long-term.
Cincinnati made a handful of big splashes in the secondary this offseason. Trae Waynes got the big money to play boundary corner and Mackenise Alexander got a one-year deal for the slot. Safety Vonn Bell was a late luxury addition.
Asked if the moves signify a comfort level with the secondary, Geoff Hobson of Bengals.com confirmed:
“NICK: In the NFL, three years is long term and they just signed two secondary starters on three-year deals, cornerback Trae Waynes and safety Vonn Bell. Throw in safety Jessie Bates III in the third year of his rookie deal and, yes, they see this as a long-term fix when you’re talking about NFL years.”
The Cincinnati front office wouldn’t have thrown out big cash to Waynes and Bell if it didn’t think the moves helped secure things beyond one year. Alexander getting a one-year deal could’ve been the preference of one or both parties as slot corners have had a brutal few offseasons in free agency — but if he plays as well as he has at points in the past, he’s a long-term extension candidate too.
Such a topic really hinges on what the Bengals do with William Jackson. He’s got incredible top-of-depth-chart potential but will have to prove it this year as he finishes out his contract. If he realizes potential it’ll prove costly to keep him.
No matter what happens there, if it all gels right this season, the Bengals think they have the secondary turnaround they’ve long sought.
