3 free agents the Cincinnati Bengals could still pursue

LAS VEGAS, NEVADA - SEPTEMBER 13: Outside linebacker K.J. Wright #34 of the Las Vegas Raiders in action during a game against the Baltimore Ravens at Allegiant Stadium on September 13, 2021 in Las Vegas, Nevada. The Raiders defeated the Ravens 33-27 in overtime. (Photo by Chris Unger/Getty Images) /

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LAS VEGAS, NEVADA – SEPTEMBER 13: Outside linebacker K.J. Wright #34 of the Las Vegas Raiders in action during a game against the Baltimore Ravens at Allegiant Stadium on September 13, 2021 in Las Vegas, Nevada. The Raiders defeated the Ravens 33-27 in overtime. (Photo by Chris Unger/Getty Images) /

Cincinnati Bengals potential FA no. 1: LB K.J. Wright (Las Vegas Raiders)

Although it still has its flaws, The Cincinnati Bengals defense came a long way in 2021 from previous years. One of the key additions was free-agent edge-rusher Trey Hendrickson, who changed the mindset of the Bengals’ front seven. The club finished with an NFL-low 17 sacks in 2020.

This past season, albeit with one more game, Zac Taylor’s club more than doubled that total (42).

Hendrickson finished with a team-high 14 sacks, followed by end Sam Hubbard (7.5) and defensive tackles Larry Ogunjobi (7) – who remains an unsigned free agent – and B.J. Hill (5.5).

Meanwhile, defensive tackle D.J. Reader – who missed 11 games during his first season with the club in 2020 – was a lot healthier this past season. And that was a major reason only four clubs in the NFL allowed fewer rushing yards per game. One year earlier, the Bengals ranked 29th in the league in run defense.

Linebacker K.J. Wright spent 10 seasons in the Pacific Northwest and enjoyed a solid career with the Seahawks.

He hit the free-agent market in 2021 and latched on with the Raiders just before the start of the season. He finished with 51 tackles in 17 contests and added one stop in Las Vegas’ playoff loss to the Bengals.

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