The Cincinnati Bengals are facing a challenge as several key players are set to hit the free-agent market in 2024. Pro Football Focus recently released its Top 100 NFL Free Agents list with contract projections, featuring five Bengals among the rankings.
Tee Higgins, the Bengals’ wide receiver, holds the highest position at No. 4. Despite injuries hampering his 2023 season, Spielberger anticipates that Higgins will receive the franchise tag, maintaining his connection with the team. The expectation is that the field-stretching receiver will have an opportunity to rebound in 2024, contributing to the Bengals’ resurgence.
Next on the list is defensive tackle D.J. Reader at No. 19, with a projected three-year, $45.75 million contract. Despite suffering a torn quad, Reader is seen as a dominant force on the interior, and Spielberger believes he will secure a substantial payday.
Chidobe Awuzie, the cornerback, occupies the 26th spot with a projected two-year, $23 million contract. Awuzie, who tore his ACL in 2022, has proven to be a valuable acquisition for the Bengals, but with emerging talent in the secondary, his departure in free agency seems likely.
Offensive tackle Jonah Williams comes in at No. 54, with a projected four-year, $64 million contract. Williams, who initially requested a trade in the past offseason but rescinded it, has displayed above-average pass protection. Spielberger notes that Williams’ strong pedigree and pass-blocking skills should make him an attractive option in the unrestricted free-agent market.
The last Bengal on the list is Tyler Boyd, ranked as the 74th-best free agent. With a two-year, $17.5 million contract projection, Boyd’s potential departure is uncertain, especially considering his career lows in 2023. Spielberger suggests that amidst other significant financial decisions, the Bengals may not be willing to offer Boyd as much as other teams seeking an upgrade in their receiving unit.
As the Bengals face the challenge of retaining these key players while managing financial constraints, the decisions made in free agency will play a crucial role in shaping the team’s future. The dynamics of contract negotiations and the evolving landscape of the Bengals’ roster will undoubtedly impact their ability to keep these talented players on board.
Leave a Reply