The Cincinnati Bengals finished their season with a 4-11-1 record, which put them in last place in the stacked AFC North. Their three division rivals each won at least 11 games.

The biggest storyline to the Bengals' season was Joe Burrow's devastating injury. In their Week 11 game against the Washington Football Team, Burrow tore his ACL and MCL, immediately ending his season. He played in 10 games and threw for 2,688 yards with 13 touchdowns and 5 picks.

For Bengals fans, Burrow going down paints an all too familiar picture. In 2005, 2003 no. 1 overall draft pick Carson Palmer sustained a possibly career-ending, knee injury.

With advancements in sports medicine and Burrow's work ethic, the Bengals are hoping he will be able to return to the team soon.

Cincinnati has $33,337,130 in cap space, which puts them in one of the better cap situations in the league. However, this is balanced out by the Bengals having a reputation as being a frugal team.

Below are some options for the Bengals in free agency.

3. Joe Thuney

Andrew Luck is a recent example of what happens when a franchise quarterback is not provided enough protection by his offensive line. Luck was at the receiving end of an ungodly number of sacks and hits, even by NFL standards. At the young age of 29. he called it a day and retired.

Burrow is smaller than Luck and had the misfortune of playing behind one of the worst offensive lines in the league. Cincinnati's line ranked 30th out of 32 teams, per Pro Football Focus. Also, the line had its share of injuries.

Tackle Jonah Williams had a solid campaign last season. However, even when the line was fully healthy, it could use some upgrades. The Bengals are picking fifth in the draft and have the chance to select Oregon tackle Penei Sewell. He is the highest-rated offensive lineman in most mock drafts and would be a big help in keeping Burrow upright. Having two bookend tackles is the best way to keep their signal-caller healthy.

2-time Super Bowl champion Thuney will bring veteran leadership and consistency to the line. He is one of the iron men in the league and has never missed a game for the New England Patriots. For all it's worth, he will also be bringing in the Patriot Way to the Bengals. Thuney is adaptable and can seamlessly slot into any starting lineup. He also played tackle coming out of college, so if needed he can fill in for Sewell and Williams. Thuney is an excellent pass protector.

Signing Thuney will cost a pretty penny most likely in the amount of $13,500,000 per year.

2. Marvin Jones Jr. 

This may be the year that the Bengals part ways with talented wideout A.J. Green. The 7-time Pro Bowler has certainly seen better days and Cincinnati might just let him walk. 

Speedster John Ross could also leave. He has had a mediocre career so far, mired with injuries. He even requested a trade last year. Both wideouts are unrestricted free agents.

The Bengals have a promising wide receiver duo in Tyler Boyd and Tee Higgins. Boyd received over 1,000 yards in the 2018 and 2019 seasons. Last season, he amassed 841 yards with 4 touchdowns. Rookie Higgins hauled in 908 yards and 6 scores throughout 16 games. 

Cincinnati can use some depth in the receiver position. Jones is getting up there in the age, but he won't be asked to be the no. 1 Receiver on this team. He will be a complementary piece in a Bengals attack that shows potential with Burrow at the helm. When running back Joe Mixon is healthy, he's another variable opposing defensive coordinators need to consider.  

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Jones played in 16 games for the Detroit Lions last season. He had 978 yards and 9 trips to the end zone. The veteran receiver is a reliable target with steady hands. He can also play in the slot. 

To make a Bengals – Jones reunion possible, Cincinnati would have to pay around $8,500,000 per year.

1. Quinton Dunbar

Cincinnati cornerbacks William Jackson and Mackensie Alexander are also unrestricted free agents. There is some merit in re-signing the two. Last season's acquisition Trae Waynes missed the whole season, due to injury. With this setback, the front office might look for more, cost-effective solutions at cornerback. Enter Quinton Dunbar.

Dunbar is a 6'2, 202-pound cornerback for the Seattle Seahawks. His best work though was with the now renamed Washington Football Team in the 2018 and 2019 seasons. Despite playing just a combined 18 games in that stretch, he had 17 passes defended and 6 interceptions. Signing Dunbar is a gamble. Although the upside is great, he has both injury concerns and off-field issues. These will drive Dunbar's asking price down. 

Cincinnati could snag the corner for $5,000,000 per year.