I have done some research on some of the free agents that I think would be a good fit for this young Bengals team. Usually I would say a majority of the players I am including would be long shots. The amount of money the Bengals will have to spend makes them automatic players in free agency market. Keep in mind players like McNabb and some others are not yet officially free agents so I left them off of this list due to their unknown contract status.
TOP FREE AGENTS I THINK THE BENGALS SHOULD TARGET – Starting with Quarterback and Offensive Line.
QB – First lets focus on a roster spot with nearly zero NFL experience heading into the season. I find it hard to believe the Bengals would head into the season with the three headed monster of Dalton, JP and LeFevour. Here are a few of my top choices and I did not include my number 1 choice McNabb because he is not yet officially a free agent.
We need a solid option to take some of the heat off of Dalton. If Dalton beats out whomever the Bengals choose then fair enough. I would like to see him step into the role as starting QB when he is ready. I just do not see how he could be ready with the current situation he is facing.
Marc Bulger (BAL) – This vet took some time off from looking up at the lights from the turf last year in Baltimore. Reports surfaced that he was out performing Flacco during the preseason. He is one of the best pure passers on the board and would be a solid mentor for Dalton. Marc would be on the more expensive side compared to the other options. Plus he might prefer a fair shot at being the main guy on his next team. The AZ Cardinals might be a better fit for Bulger.
Bruce Gradkowski (OAK) – Bruce has ties to the Gruden family and might be the most familiar with the new west coast system being installed in Cincy. Gradkowski broke into the league under Jay's older bro Jon. New Bengals OC Jay Gruden might be inclined to push for Gradkowski. He is a tuff SOB and a player his teammates seem to respect and play hard for. Not the most talented but works hard to make plays. Plus I think he is a guy Dalton could eventually beat out for the starting role when ready.
It’s all most like we need a good QB but not great QB or great QB ego to be the short term stop gap at the QB position. Gradkowski fits that bill. Wow, that was a back handed compliment.
Tarvaris Jackson (MIN) – Athletic as they come and his arm is impressive. He didn't have the best track record as the Vikings QB but I almost feel like he has unfinished business. I think just about when he was going to turn the corner in came the Farve show. Needless to say I am not going to be the guy that says Tarvaris is the long term answer. I think he could be perfect for the Bengals.
Sign him to a one year deal incentive based and let him compete. Let him have a shot to show the league he can play QB and be affective. I think we would see an inspired Tarvaris Jackson.
OL – I think we all can admit the O-Line is a spot that needs to improve. After a stunning season in 2009 by the O-Line. The Bengals strayed away from the smash mouth style that punished the AFC North. Is it the scheme that failed the Bengals O-Line in 2010 or the pedigree of the players on the line? I think Paul Alexander the O-Line coach has done a solid job. Some would disagree but look what he had to work with. K. Cook was a UDFA, Livings was a UDFA, Mathis was a 3rd pick in 05 and Rolland was another UDFA. All of these guys played a major role in last season’s efforts. This is not the type of pedigree that usually translates into a dominant front.
It’s time for a nice fat talent injection to improve this O-Line and I hope the Bengals get it done. I do understand Andre Smith needs to start to live up to his potential. Something inside tells me if he stay healthy he will be a force this season. I did not address the tackle positions but focused on the interior O-Line. This year could be the perfect year to make that happen.
Carl Nicks (NO) –Nicks made it to the Pro Bowl last year and had a monster season. The Saints recently made Jahri Evans the NFL’s highest paid guard. I do not see them having that much coin locked up in the OG position. They are both incredible players but can the Saints keep Nicks, Bushrod and Goodwin? I say no way but the Saints could decide to keep Nicks and let the others go. Carl would come in and be an instant upgrade to the Bengals interior O-Line. I want this player in stripes next season. Lock him up for 4 years and call it a day.
Logan Mankins (NE) –Logan Mankins is as nasty as they come. Logan is the kind of interior player that gets ignored by the masses but is a one of the most valuable piece to the Patriots’’ O-Line. His return to the Patriots last year after a hold out boosted the run game allowing Green-Ellis and Danny Woodhead to put up great numbers. Mankins is one of the top guards in the league and his big game experience playing in New England is unmatched. Both Mankins and Nicks will have plenty of teams knocking on their door but the Bengals could have the green to be a player in both decisions.
Justin Blalock (ATL) – A former 2nd round choice of out Texas Blalock is another player the Bengals should call. He has the ability to help in pass protection and the running game. He has started 41 games for the Falcons and done a pretty damn good job. The Falcons may decide to keep Blalock around but time will tell like the other two talented men above. I would be very happy if Blalock landed in the Jungle.
I must ad I am not 100% sold on K.Cook as our center. I am just not overly impressed with the centers available in this crop of free agents.
Coming up next the top free agent Linebackers and Running Backs that can help the Bengals compete in 2012.
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