When it was first reported that free-agent defensive tackle Gerald McCoy had an interest in the Cincinnati Bengals, we noted it might be a strong sign free agents view the team differently under Zac Taylor.
Now the idea might have some legs.
According to Mary Kay Cabot of Cleveland.com, McCoy has the Bengals on his short list and likes what he sees: “He also believes the Bengals will be a lot better this year, which has them still in the running.”
Cleveland and Baltimore are other contenders for McCoy’s services, though that is seemingly another strong mark for the Bengals to join that group. Baltimore, after all, looks like it could fight for another playoff spot and Baker Mayfield and Odell Beckham have the Browns hyped.
But this is about the Bengals. The fact the team is in the hunt on a big name’s final list in May is quite a surprise. But it seems to speak to how free agents view the team now both thanks to the roster’s talent and the fact it has a new head coach for the first time in 16 years.
Even if McCoy doesn’t end up choosing the Bengals (though it would be quite fun to watch him with Geno Atkins), it still strongly suggests the Bengals are on an upswing in the minds of players.
