The Cincinnati Bengals were on the precipice of a Super Bowl championship but fell just short of their ultimate goal. It's disappointing for sure, though it shouldn't be forgotten just how much progress Cincinnati made in a year, going from four wins to 10. The Bengals are built to compete for years to come, though they still have work to do this offseason, which starts with the 2022 NFL free agency period. Cincinnati's offensive line allowed quarterback Joe Burrow to be sacked a combined 70-plus times in the whole season, an alarming number of hits for someone who just recovered from a season-ending knee injury to be taking. That cannot continue to happen. The Bengals have spoken about how they plan to pay up for an offensive lineman in free agency, which is a smart plan, given how much cap space they possess. Cincinnati could also use an upgrade at the tight end spot. However, the Bengals need to make the right choices at both positions in free agency. That said, here are two free agents that the Bengals must avoid signing.
2 Free Agents The Bengals Must Avoid Signing
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2. Zach Ertz
It might be tempting for the Bengals to go out and spend for a big upgrade at the tight end spot. Zach Ertz is definitely one of the bigger free agent names out there at the tight end position, having made the Pro Bowl three times in his career. Ertz is coming off a strong second half of the year following his trade to the Arizona Cardinals, as he totaled 574 receiving yards and three touchdowns in just 11 games played, earning a 70.3 receiving grade from PFF in the process. The veteran tight end would be an upgrade over incumbent C.J. Uzomah, but it wouldn't be enough of an upgrade to justify spending on Ertz. If the Bengals want to address the tight end position, they're better off bringing in an up-and-comer such as Dalton Schultz or a young talent in the NFL Draft.
1. Brandon Scherff
The Bengals have said that they plan to spend big on the offensive line in free agency. There's nothing wrong with doing that, though Commanders' free agent guard Brandon Scherff might not be the smartest allocation of their resources in free agency. There's no question that the right guard spot is a big need for the Bengals, as their lowest-graded lineman via PFF, Hakeem Adeniji, played the position in 2021. Scherff, 30, just so happens to be a five-time Pro Bowler and the best available free agent guard. He's also still in his prime. However, the Bengals should avoid signing Scherff for one simple reason. Scherff has a lengthy injury history and has landed on the IR several times in the last five years. The talented guard has played a full season just two times in his career- his first two years in the league. The All-Pro will undoubtedly command a large contract, whether it's from the Commanders- or someone else. However, the Bengals should not spend up for Scherff. They are better off upgrading through the draft or with a more durable veteran, such as Laken Tomlinson.