The Cincinnati Bengals have had quite a week to start free agency.
With unexpected aggression, splashes and some notable losses since the start of legal tampering, the opening salvo has been a whirlwind.
Let’s step back and grade Cincinnati’s aggressive dive into the likely Joe Burrow era.
Adding D.J. Reader
D.J. Reader could end up being the personification of change in Cincinnati.
Burrow will classify too. But Reader is an example of the Bengals going out and getting a Tier 1 free agent to completely change the complexion of an entire unit.
Reader is a monster presence against the run and can create his own rush. He’s an immediate way to free up guys like Carlos Dunlap, Carl Lawson, Sam Hubbard and Geno Atkins into easier matchups. His commanding presence means an easier time for linebackers and secondary players spend less time in coverage.
In short, this is a better move than throwing big money at one of the top linebackers.
Grade: A+
Adding Trae Waynes
Waynes was a big-name add and a big-money add.
Realistically, Waynes was overpaid. But the Bengals did this to lure him to town while securing more stability in terms of better attendance and tackling at the position, as well as fewer penalties.
Notably, the Bengals structured this deal in a genius manner so it isn’t as bad as it looks, which bumps the grade.
Grade: B
Adding Xavier Su’a-Filo
Does Su’a-Filo move the needle much at guard?
The Bengals didn’t spend a ton of money here, which is a sign already. Su’a-Filo has played in 75 games but has missed significant time over the last two seasons. He flashed some major upside last year in Dallas when getting into the starting lineup.
But that upside has been fleeting. Unless the Bengals can somehow unlock it, the problem at right guard isn’t solved by any means.
Grade: C
Adding Mackensie Alexander
Just when it seemed like the Bengals might be done at cornerback…along came Alexander.
Alexander is a big-time steal.
At just one year and $4 million, the Bengals get a probable starting slot corner with major upside. Like his former Vikings teammate Waynes, he’s got a decent attendance sheet, is wicked aggressive against the run and strong in coverage. If he played well all year, he’s a candidate for a massive extension.
Grade: A
Losses
The notable losses in free agency so far:
- Clayton Fejedelem
- Andrew Billings
- Darqueze Dennard
Cuts:
- B.W. Webb
- John Miller
The Bengals have had some notable losses but none of them hurt too much. Billings might be the biggest because of his upside — but it’s a moot point with Reader in town. Dennard really hurts too because he’s really good and so great against the run as a bonus. But availability matters and he wants to play boundary while he’s much better in the slot.
The cuts were simply necessary and an indication free agency last year just didn’t work (it probably wasn’t going to as a new coaching staff was so late to assemble).
Grade: A
