Best Remaining NFL Free Agents For Cincinnati Bengals

The 2021 NFL season is set to kick off in just under a week when the Dallas Cowboys take on the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in the season opener next Thursday, pitting “America's Team” and the star of Hard Knocks against the defending Super Bowl champions.

Roster cuts are wrapping up now that the preseason is officially over, and there are talented players without a home. Regardless of the reasons that may have led to their release, free agents of the past have proven to be impactful signings and can help reverse a team’s fortune, if not put them over the top.

Here are the best free agents still on the market that could help the Cincinnati Bengals in the coming 2021 season.

OG Nick Easton

The Bengals failed to protect quarterback Joe Burrow during his rookie season and ultimately allowed him to suffer a season-ending knee injury due to their poor offensive line play. While many thought that they would address this concern in the NFL Draft by selecting Penei Sewell from Oregon, they instead opted for LSU wide receiver Ja’Marr Chase with their fifth-overall selection. Adding Easton will give them a veteran player who will be cheap, coming off of a season-ending injury with the New Orleans Saints, and has positional versatility as a center or guard.

RB Duke Johnson Jr. 

Cincy is yet to replace former running back Gio Bernard, a pass-catching specialist out of the backfield that was speedy and useful in third-down scenarios. With Samaje Perine serving as the primary backup, the Bengals desperately need an asset in the passing game that is also tough and can pick up first downs— the perfect candidate for this vacancy is Duke Johnson Jr., who is still on the right side of 30 at 28.

DE Trent Murphy

The Bengals showed their desperation for pass rushers this offseason by signing Trey Hendrickson to a four-year, $60 million deal; Murphy is not a stalwart and would not single-handedly turn the defense into one of the league’s best, but he is a solid veteran that would not cost much and could improve the team’s depth at defensive end. He has recorded 20 sacks in his last four seasons, two of which were incomplete, and still has some gas in the tank after he helped the Buffalo Bills reach the AFC Championship Game last season.