The Cincinnati Bengals might be more aggressive than usual in free agency this year simply because Zac Taylor’s staff is so far ahead in the process.
While offensive line doesn’t figure to be the first order of business there, it could indeed be a priority with names like Bryan Bulaga floating on the market.
Over at ESPN, Ben Linsey suggested Bulaga as the “perfect match” for the Bengals:
“A season ago, the Bengals extended Bobby Hart to man the right tackle position for 2019. One 57.7 overall grade later — a result not uncommon, given his career results — and it should be clear that he is not the solution. Jonah Williams is expected to step in as the team’s starting left tackle after his medical redshirt, but that still leaves a need at right tackle with Joe Burrow ready to begin his career in Cincinnati, barring anything unforeseen. Bulaga is coming off six straight seasons with the Packers with pass-blocking grades of 70.0 or higher, and he would bring a much-needed reliable veteran presence to the offensive line.”
Bulaga hasn’t had any talks with the Packers since the end of the season, so the soon-to-be-31-year-old tackle could indeed slip to market.
And Bulaga would indeed be an upgrade on the right side of the line. Like the odd three-year deal for linebacker Preston Brown –terminated midseason — the Bengals could then end up cutting Hart. Even so, Bengals coaches don’t often make it sound like Hart is a sour point.
Bulaga isn’t the top option on the market if Jack Conklin makes it there. But he’s one of a few upgrade options if the Bengals want to spend.
