NFL free agency: One player each team should sign in 2019

Cincinnati Bengals: DT Ndamukong Suh

On paper, the Cincinnati Bengals have a roster that’s primed to contend for an AFC North title and push for a deep playoff run. At 5-4, it’s still a team with inconsistencies, lacking some attitude in the trenches.

The Bengals should go after interior assets on either side of the ball, but the front office can make the biggest splash with a star acquisition at defensive tackle. The run defense ranks 31st in the league, allowing 100 yards on the ground in six out of 10 contests this year.

In order to compete with the Pittsburgh Steelers, who have stumbled upon another gem at running back in James Conner, the Bengals need a no-nonsense big body on the front line who can clog the middle and brings a brand of nastiness to the front four.

Going into his age-32 campaign, Ndamukong Suh should still have the ability to thwart the run and give the Bengals the attitude adjustment needed to knock off the Steelers. Secondly, in the latter stage of his career, his price tag isn’t likely to cripple the team’s cap space.

With the Los Angeles Rams, Suh has taken on blocks in the middle to help free defensive tackle Aaron Donald, who has 12.5 sacks in 10 games. The 6-4, 313-pounder could have the same effect on Geno Atkins in Cincinnati.

With Suh and Atkins coupled together on the inside and Carlos Dunlap bringing pressure on the outside, the Bengals would field one of the top defensive lines in the league.