The offseason provides an opportunity for self-reflection and progress. After missing the playoffs, the Cincinnati Bengals are trying to restructure their roster. While Joe Burrow’s injury caused their playoff absence, there are still plenty of things that need to be addressed in the offseason. There are plenty appealing free agents that the team might pursue in free agency.
That being said, just because there are so many possibilities does not mean they have to choose any of them. Some names sound appealing on paper, but in actuality, they may not be as appropriate. Let’s look at the free agents the Bengals should avoid in the 2024 free agency period.
Last offseason, the Bengals suffered a significant blow to their secondary. While Eli Apple’s departure may be viewed as addition by removal, Jessie Bates and Vonn Bell’s departure harmed the squad significantly more. The two constituted one of the league’s best safety tandems, and supporters were concerned that the team’s defense might suffer as a result.
The Bengals appeared to be prepared for this scenario after selecting Daxton Hill in the first round a few years ago and Jordan Battle in the second round of the 2023 NFL draft. Additionally, they signed Nick Scott as a veteran name. However, the safety group in 2023 experienced periods of inconsistency. Hill had his moments, but he struggled to adjust to his new role. Battle was still raw, while Scott was uninspiring at best.
As a result, the organization is considering safety as a priority in free agency. This year’s safety FA class is quite deep, with many notable names available. Micah Hyde, a former All-Pro Safety, is one of the more recent additions to the list. Hyde’s name may be appealing, but he’s not a good fit for the Bengals.
Given Hyde’s age (33 years old) and injury history, the Bengals are far better off chasing alternative safeties in free agency. Hyde was still decent for Buffalo last season, but his age raises the possibility of a regression. He was also brutally exploited during the Bengals’ season-ending victory over the Buffalo Bills. There are also suggestions that Hyde may be pondering retirement.
Other more effective safeties, such as Hyde’s erstwhile partner in crime Jordan Poyer, can serve as elder one-year rentals. If they’re looking for younger players, Justin Simmons or Geno Stone are more appealing targets. Stone, in particular, should be the Bengals’ top free agent safety candidate.
Tight end was another major source of dispute for the Bengals last season. Throughout his Cincinnati career, Joe Burrow made a profession by making his tight ends look good. CJ Uzomah was his primary tight end for the first two years, and he had great success with him in 2021, Burrow’s first healthy season. He had a career high in yards with 493 and caught five touchdowns (third most in Cincinnati that year).
Uzomah left in 2022 to join the New York Jets. In response, the Bengals signed Hayden Hurst, a former Ravens tight end. Hurst recovered well with Burrow after a disappointing season with the Falcons. In 2022, he totaled 414 yards and two touchdown receptions.
These aren’t fantastic figures, but when compared to the Bengals’ TE room in 2023, Uzomah and Hurst appear to be TE1s in fantasy leagues. Tanner Hudson was the lone bright spot, with 351 yards in 12 games. Irv Smith Jr., the Bengals’ offseason TE signing, had only 115 yards and struggled with drops.
As a result, fans may be interested in seeing Uzomah or Hurst again. Both are now free.agents, after all, and they have experience under the Cincinnati scheme. Uzomah, in particular, might be more enticing due to his history as a locker room leader for Cincinnati. Much like Hyde, though, the age of both Uzomah and Hurst make them unideal targets. Uzomah admittedly suffered from uninspiring QB play, but that really doesn’t justify an 8-catch, 59-yard season last year.
