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NFL Offseason 2022: Predicting three bold moves across the league

By Lou Scataglia

EAST RUTHERFORD, NJ - OCTOBER 02: Quarterback Russell Wilson #3 of the Seattle Seahawks looks to pass against the New York Jets in the fourth quarter at MetLife Stadium on October 2, 2016 in East Rutherford, New Jersey. (Photo by Al Bello/Getty Images)
EAST RUTHERFORD, NJ - OCTOBER 02: Quarterback Russell Wilson #3 of the Seattle Seahawks looks to pass against the New York Jets in the fourth quarter at MetLife Stadium on October 2, 2016 in East Rutherford, New Jersey. (Photo by Al Bello/Getty Images) /
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NFL offseason
2022 NFL offseason: Aaron Donald #99 of the Los Angeles Rams sacks Joe Burrow #9 of the Cincinnati Bengals in the fourth quarter during Super Bowl LVI at SoFi Stadium on February 13, 2022 in Inglewood, California. (Photo by Gregory Shamus/Getty Images) /

NFL Offseason 2022: Bengals O-line becomes league’s best

How about a unit going from one of the worst in the league to one of the best?  It can happen.

This year, the Dallas Cowboys defense made a huge jump from 2020 to 2021, becoming one of the more efficient units in the NFL, which was a big reason why they were able to win double-digit games and make the playoffs.

With the Bengals set to have about $50 million in cap space, and not a ton of major free agents, they are in a perfect position to completely overhaul their line, kind of like the Kansas City Chiefs did after losing in Super Bowl 55 last year.

Why can’t the Bengals do the same?  Joe Burrow has proven to be one of the best quarterbacks in the NFL, and like the Rams, I have no reason to believe that free agents would not want to come here, and perhaps take a discount.

While spending big in free agency doesn’t always work, the Bengals could turn their line into a team strength just by signing free agents.  While it’s expected they’ll prioritize drafting OL in April, they will address the line in free agency as well.

Outside of left tackle Jonah Williams, I could argue that they need to get better at each position.  Left guard Quinton Spain enjoyed a solid year, as it’s the right side of their line that stinks, for lack of a better word.

Why can’t the Bengals chase Brandon Scherff and/or Ryan Jensen, perhaps a cheaper option like Trai Turner or Justin Britt, and even make a run at a right tackle like Trent Brown or Morgan Moses?

There are plenty of quality options that would make the Bengals’ offensive line much better.  Mind you, this was, arguably, the worst unit in the NFL, so signing someone who is even just league average would be an upgrade.

I do think the Bengals are going to invest nearly all of their attention to make this line one of the league’s best.  Perhaps the Bengals do win on Sunday if their line is stronger?

Not improving their offensive line would seriously give off a Joe Burrow-Andrew Luck type comparison, as Luck retired at a young age due to injuries while playing behind a bad unit.

Please, Bengals, for the sake of the NFL, don’t mess this up.

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