The Cincinnati Bengals had a Cinderella season in 2021. Unfortunately, that fairy tale came to a screeching halt as Aaron Donald and the Los Angeles Rams lived in the Bengals backfield during Super Bowl LVI, and would go on to win 23-20. A single play, which just so happened to be the last play of the game, would be an untimely precursor to the Bengals offseason. In just four seconds, the Bengals' biggest need, which comes from their biggest (in size) players, would be center stage.

That play would highlight the most glaring hole on the Bengals roster: the interior offensive line. After allowing second-year quarterback Joe Burrow to get sacked a whopping 70 times (seven in the Super Bowl alone) over the course of the 2021 season, it's clear that changes are required up front if the Bengals would like to repeat their success and make a trip to Super Bowl LVII in Glendale.

In addition to the offensive line, a few other notable needs have arisen as the 2022 offseason has gotten underway. A number-two corner to go behind Chidobe Awuzie and some interior defensive lineman would also add to the likelihood of an AFC-title repeat in southwestern Ohio.

Cincinnati Bengals Free Agency Targets

4. Sheldon Richardson, Defensive Tackle

Geno Atkins was a cap casualty heading into the 2021 season, and the Bengals might find themselves in a bidding war to retain Larry Ogunjobi. That leaves a pretty big hole to fill on the defensive line. Sheldon Richardson is coming off a season where he didn't quite look like his 2018 Pro Bowl form but was still a more than capable run defender and a quality pass rusher.

Richardson also showed the ability to slide outside, as he would finish 2021 playing more defensive end than tackle after an injury to Minnesota Vikings defensive end Danielle Hunter. He would finish the season with 29 quarterback pressures and 2.5 sacks. Per Sports Info Solutions, Sheldon Richardson generated pressure on 7% of his rushes, making him a complementary piece next to Trey Hendrickson and Sam Hubbard.

3. Donte Jackson, Cornerback

Chidobe Awuzie's Batman is looking for his Robin, and Carolina Panthers cornerback Donte Jackson might just have enough raw talent to fit that mold. The Bengals signed Mike Hilton last offseason, but relied more on Eli Apple to be the No. 2 corner behind Awuzie. With no guarantee that Apple stays in Cincinnati, the Bengals could be looking to replace him on the outside.

While the Bengals won't spend CB1 money, this fit would be more along the lines financially. Donte Jackson was never really given the chance to be “the guy” in Carolina, as the Panthers' penchant for signing veteran corners remained the same during his tenure with the team. His 4.32 40-yard dash time at the Combine in 2018 gives him enough speed to keep up with the guys on the outside, without having the pressure of taking away the top option which would fall on the aforementioned Chidobe Awuzie.

2. Brandon Scherff – Guard

Easily the biggest need for the Cincinnati Bengals is the interior offensive line. Just take a look at the play above, and you can see the Bengals' guards were less than desirable at times.

When healthy, Brandon Scherff has been one of the best guards in all of football. The five-time Pro Bowler allowed zero sacks last season, and would add some attitude to the Bengals' offensive line. Offensive line coach Frank Pollack would classify Scherff as a “glass eater”.

When asked what a “glass eater” was, Pollack went on to say “A guy that’s relentless in his finish. The guy that’s gonna give you the last shove. The guy that wants to rip your f—, effin’ face off.”

1. Ryan Jensen – Center

Arguably one of the best offensive linemen in this year's free agency class, Ryan Jensen is set to hit the open market after not being re-signed by the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Per Pittsburgh Steelers insider Jeff Hathhorn, Jensen to the Bengals is all but a foregone conclusion.

Ryan Jensen anchored the Bucs' offensive line during their Super Bowl LV run, and earned his first Pro Bowl nod in 2021 after only giving up 21 pressures in 17 games. He would bring a championship mindset and pedigree to an ailing offensive line group and would be a nasty combination with Brandon Scherff in the middle. The move would also allow the Bengals to cut Trey Hopkins, which would free up roughly $6 million in cap space.