With all of the talk being about the Bengals need at guard, cornerback, and running back, I’ve decided to do an in-depth preview of the other needs of the Bengals. The first of which is a #2 wide receiver. With Andre Caldwell and Jerome Simpson set to become free agents with no reported talks of re-singing either player, the Bengals have to find a #2 receiver.
A.J. Green is a future All-Pro, but with no supporting cast, NFL defenses will begin to put double coverage on him until another receiver shows he can make an impact. Jordan Shipley was a nice receiver, but a torn ACL is no joke, and he may never be the same player he once was. Even if Shipley comes close to the production he had his rookie year, he’s a slot receiver, and this team would still be lacking a true #2 WR. In today’s pass-happy NFL. You need at least three good WR to keep defenses honest and get open to give your QB enough options to avoid from getting coverage sacked, especially in a division where the Bengals play Baltimore and Pittsburgh twice.
Mike Brown won’t pay big bucks for the high-profile free agents like Vincent Jackson, Dwayne Bowe, or DeSean Jackson. Of the mid-tier free agents that the Bengals would be willing to pay for, here are the most likely to sign with Cincinnati if the team does go the free agency route:
Robert Meachem
In five seasons with the New Orleans Saints, Meachem has 141 catches for 2,269 yards and 23 touchdowns. After not playing a single game his rookie year, he’s played in all but two games the past four seasons, while starting in 15 games the past two seasons. He finished sixth on the Saints team in receptions with 40 this past season, but was second in receiving yards per catch with a 15.7 mark. He also averaged a TD every 10 catches, so he would provide Andy Dalton with another great red-zone target, and with A.J. Green and Jermaine Gresham, the Bengals could quickly become one of the more efficient red-zone teams. Meachem is rated as Pro Football Focus’ 47th best available free agent and 10th best available WR as he graded out with a good +4.2 mark.
Laurent Robinson
After four mediocre seasons inAtlantaandSt. Louis, Robinson was a pleasant surprise inDallasthis past season. He caught 54 balls for 858 yards and 11 touchdowns in 14 games and a 15.9 yards per catch mark. He never had over 437 yards his first four seasons, so its unsure how high the market will be for him.
Pierre Garcon
In his fourth season out ofMountUnionCollege, Garcon posted career-high numbers in receptions(70) and receiving yards(947), while having a rotation of mediocre QB’s inIndianapolisthis year. He was one of the lone bright spots on a terrible Colts season, and at age 25, Garcon looks like one of the more underrated free agents this year.
Other Potential Free Agent Targets:
Lavelle Hawkins (TEN)
Steve Smith (PHI)
Deion Branch (NE)
Anthony Gonzalez (IND)
Harry Douglas (ATL)
Early Doucet (ARZ)
The Linebackers
With the arrest of Bengals MLB Rey Maualuga, the team may opt to search fro his replacement sooner rather than later. Rey picked the worst time to get charged with assault after punching a bar manager in a downtownCincinnati bar. He’s on the last year of his rookie contract, so cutting him would affect the Bengals’ cap significantly. The team would have a month until free agency starts on March 13 to determine a list of adequate replacements. The Bengals could also opt to draft a MLB in April, and there are several high-caliber prospects at that position.
Here’s a list of potential free agent MLB’s the Bengals may sign:
Lofa Tatupu:
After being cut prior to the 2011 NFL season bySeattle, the street free agent could be signed by the Bengals immediately. After starting all 16 games for the Seahawks during 2010, the 29-year-old, three-time Pro Bowler did not play a down this past season. It was reported he suffered a knee injury, and is now 100% and ready to play at a high level again. He could be a cheap replacement if the Bengals opt to go for the cheaper option like they typically do.
Jonathan Goff:
Goff started 16 games in 2010 for the New York Giants, but tore his right ACL in September and missed the entire season. Goff is only 26, and coming off an injury may be able to be signed by the Bengals at a reasonable deal.
Dan Connor:
Connor started his NFL career as a Carolina Panther backup to Pro Bowler Jon Beason, but an injury early this year to Beason thrust Connor into the starting lineup at MLB. He started 11 games forCarolina this past season and registered 75 total tackles. He’s only 26 and could probably be signed at a descent price, though he’ll likely want a 4-5 year deal.
E.J. Henderson:
Henderson has started 30/32 games for the Vikings the past two season after suffering a broken left femur during 2009 season, and made the 2011 Pro Bowl. He’s registered 214 tackles the past two seasons. At age 31 and with the Vikings in rebuilding mode, he may opt to sign with a playoff contender like the Bengals.
Other Free Agents the Bengals may Consider:
Jameel McClain, ILB, Ravens
Chase Blackburn, ILB, Giants
Joe Mays, ILB, Broncos
Preview provided by Jason Marcum. Check out Stripe Hype for more on the Cincinnati Bengals.