NFL Free Agency 2018: One move each team should make

Cincinnati Bengals: Sign LB Tahir Whitehead

When it comes to offseason needs, offensive line sticks out like a sore thumb for the Cincinnati Bengals. They clearly need an infusion of talent up front and should be attacking the position in both NFL free agency and the draft. That being said, they also have obvious needs at the linebacker position as their lack of depth and speed have significantly hurt them in recent years.

There are many offensive linemen who could be discussed here, but I decided to look at that linebacker need, highlighting Tahir Whitehead as a prime free agent target for the Bengals.

New defensive coordinator Teryl Austin comes to the Bengals from the Detroit Lions where he was able to piece together some impressive defenses the last few seasons. The last two seasons, Whitehead has been a star linebacker for the Lions, making plays on a consistent basis in Austin’s defense. Following his old coach to his new team would certainly make sense for Whitehead.

Whitehead is an extremely quick and athletic linebacker who has shown the ability to play a variety of roles. He excelled as a middle linebacker in 2016, before dominating on the weak side last season. The former Lion is an explosive run defender who can make plays in the backfield and range from sideline-to-sideline. He also shows natural pass coverage skills that allow him to defend difficult matchup players at tight end and running back.

Whitehead’s speed and playmaking ability is exactly what the Bengals defense has lacked in recent year. His familiarity with their defense is just the cherry on top.