The Cincinnati Bengals have a tall task this offseason and into next year: retaining talent.
As the graphic from Pro Football Focus above shows, two of their top four players in terms of 2018 grades are in contract years. Both come at wideout: A.J. Green and Tyler Boyd.
Both come with complications, too. Green doesn’t need an introduction, but recent health problems causing him to miss games are a concern when it comes to the next big contract. Boyd had a breakout year last season despite a litany of injuries to the roster and a bad line — but it’s his only good year on record.
And really, we could take this a step further. One of the other four players highlighted there, Andy Dalton, technically has two years left on his deal but needs an extension. But Mike Brown himself has confirmed next year is a prove-it year.
These notables are also heading into contract years:
- Clint Boling
- Giovani Bernard
- Tyler Eifert
- Darqueze Dennard
- Nick Vigil
It should go without saying, but the Bengals aren’t going to be able to keep everyone. In a perfect world, the 2019 recap graphic will have guys like Jessie Bates, William Jackson and others highlighted, which would ease the burden of losing others to free agency.
