The Cincinnati Bengals just completed a Cinderella run to Super Bowl 56 after a stellar showing in the 2021 season. Despite absorbing a 23-20 loss to the Los Angeles Rams in the title game, Zac Taylor's squad still has a lot of things to look forward to for next season.

Fortunately for them, they have over $58 million in cap space, which will be significantly helpful in addressing the gaps on their roster, especially in free agency. This will also be crucial when it comes to re-signing veterans who have expiring contracts like Larry Ogunjobi, C.J. Uzomah, and Jessie Bates, among others.

Admittedly, the Bengals are still in pretty good shape to make another deep playoff run next season, especially if all key players manage to stay healthy. Hopefully, the changes they will make will be enough to bring them over the hump and return to the Super Bowl stage to successfully win the title next season.

With that said, let's take a look at three fixes the Bengals must make in order to strengthen their lineup and contend for the Lombardi Trophy in Super Bowl 57.

3 fixes Bengals must make in 2022 NFL offseason

3. Acquire more talent for the secondary

The Bengals' secondary was involved in a meteoric rise in the 2021 season with the help of newcomers such as Chidobe Awuzie and Mike Hilton. The key veterans of the unit had their own moments throughout their playoff run, with their contributions allowing the Bengals to escape in tight games and ultimately reach the Super Bowl.

Despite the group's applaudable performance, the front office can still call in more reinforcements to further bolster their secondary defense. Moreover, cornerback Eli Apple is also set to become an unrestricted free agent and might find a new home after reviving his career in Cincinnati over the past season.

Aside from him, the Bengals must also quickly re-sign safety Jessie Bates to a new contract as well after serving as a leader and a solid contributor to the group. Ultimately, having more depth behind Awuzie and Hilton will surely elevate the Bengals' defensive unit and will help them keep in step with their opponents moving forward.

2. Add depth at tight end behind C.J. Uzomah

TE1 C.J. Uzomah was one of the main pillars of the Bengals' offense all season long. He excelled both as a blocker and a receiver, which helped Joe Burrow lead a more dynamic offensive attack. Re-signing him over the offseason will be the utmost priority in the tight end position, but the Bengals should also work to acquire serviceable backups to play behind him next season.

As of now, Uzomah has both Drew Sample and Mitchell Wilcox behind him on the team's depth chart. Unfortunately, they have yet to prove they are reliable enough to effectively fill in the starting spot, especially if Uzomah sustains an injury. Adding an experienced veteran or a promising talent to the position would also allow the Bengals to work double tight end formations on the field to gain an advantage in certain situations.

1. Address the offensive line

Needless to say, the Bengals' offensive line must be the utmost priority of the front office in the coming offseason, especially after giving up seven total sacks in Super Bowl 56. The group also allowed a franchise record of 55 sacks through the course of the 2021 season and then another 19 in the playoffs. Joe Burrow was brought down a whopping 70 times total throughout this entire run, the most in the NFL.

Burrow won't survive long if he constantly is getting hit like that. The Bengals quarterback has already dealt with one serious knee injury in his NFL career and luckily escaped another one in the Super Bowl. Taking Ja'Marr Chase over Penei Sewell in the 2021 NFL Draft worked out great, but now Cincinnati must focus on this offensive line.

With significant cap space available in the offseason, the Bengals can make a run for notable free agents like Terron Armstead, Ryan Jensen, and Brandon Scherff. They can also stockpile talent for the unit through the upcoming 2022 NFL Draft, starting with the 31st overall pick.

If the Bengals manage to fill all these gaps, they will surely be in a good position to emerge as a Super Bowl contender once again next season.