The Cincinnati Bengals have a lot of work to do this offseason. But, with a mostly complete offense, minus a backup quarterback behind Joe Burrow, the focus will be on defense.
But just how the Bengals address their defensive needs remains to be seen. They could be conservative and not spend much, putting together a lackluster offseason. That wouldn't be a major surprise.
Fortunately, according to ESPN's Jeremy Fowler, the Bengals are predicted to be the "most aggressive" team in free agency for defensive additions. The Bengals are gearing up to proactively solve their defensive woes instead of waiting for the NFL Draft.
Bengals predicted to be 'most aggressive' FA team for defense
"The team that could prove most aggressive on the defensive free agent market is Cincinnati," Fowler writes, "which is exploring just about every position group."
The Bengals need to add a veteran linebacker, a new starting safety opposite Jordan Battle, a pass rusher to replace Trey Hendrickson, better interior defensive line pass rusher help, and cornerback help to replace Cam Taylor-Britt.
Every position is on the table for the Bengals this offseason defensively. While some positions, like edge rusher and safety, might be more important than others, their plans this offseason are going to involve a lot of defensive additions.
Fortunately, there's a great market for free agent help at every position, other than interior defensive line help. John Franklin-Myers is the best interior rusher by far, and someone the Bengals should strongly pursue this offseason.
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But, at cornerback, safety, linebacker, and edge rusher, there are plenty of options ranging from expensive veterans to bargain bin options worth taking fliers on.
Combined with the strong draft class at linebacker and safety, along with the early rounds at edge rusher and cornerback, the Bengals will have plenty of opportunity to vastly improve the defense this offseason.
Cincinnati is predicted to be aggressive in addressing the defensive side of the ball this offseason in what could be a very fun free agent and trade market for Bengals fans this year.
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