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After they took the entire football world by complete surprise and were on the verge of bringing the Lombardi Trophy back to Cincinnati, it's safe to say that the Bengals will be looking to build on this season's success with some quality free agent signings that will help them reach the next level. With a few areas of weakness that the Bengals still need to address, they'll definitely have their work cut out for them.
Not to mention they'll have a ton of cap room this offseason that will allow them to make big offers to some compelling free agents this summer. As they inch closer to winning their first championship in franchise history, we'll now take an in-depth view at five early free agents the Bengals should target for the 2022 NFL offseason.
Bengals Free Agent Targets
Orlando Brown Jr.
This one may be a bit of a long shot considering the amount of success he's had on the Kansas City Chiefs, but with Orlando Brown Jr. set to be a free agent in 2022, it definitely wouldn't hurt for the Bengals to make a run at him. As an elite left tackle, Brown Jr. would provide Joe Burrow with a ton of protection and allow him more time to read the field. He'd also thrive playing in a drop back passing attack and be able to handle any pass rush that comes his way. This something both Burrow and the Bengals would benefit from in both the short and long-term.
Eric Fisher
He's a former no.1 overall pick that's developed into a solid left tackle in the NFL and his performance this season just goes to show that he's made leaps and bounds in this league. Eric Fisher gave Carson Wentz great protection all season while playing for the Indianapolis Colts. In Cincinnati, Fisher would be able to have an immediate impact and give Burrow top-notch protection all throughout the season. His skills and experience would be unmatched and highly valued as he'd be addressing the Bengals biggest area of weakness.
C.J. Uzomah
Coming off a highly productive season with the Bengals, it would be in the team's best interest to bring him back this offseason and make him one of their future building blocks. On several occasions throughout the year, C.J. Uzomah came up with some big catches for the team and helped them to keep the chains moving.
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Even though he suffered a knee injury during the AFC championship game, he did recover in time to play in the Super Bowl. With an entire offseason to recover, Uzomah will be rejuvenated and ready to make a difference for the Bengals once again during their 2022 campaign. His presence at tight end is huge for the Bengals and gives Burrow another player to rely upon in the passing game.
Rob Gronkowski
After recently stating that he'd love to play alongside Burrow and help the Bengals compete for another Super Bowl, it appears that this could become a reality in due time. With Uzomah's pending free agency and Gronkowski potentially seeking for a new home this summer, adding Gronk to Cinci's high-powered offense would be the ultimate nightmare cover for opposing defenses.
His ability to pass block, route run, and catch the deep ball are all skills that would really open things up for the other offensive superstars on the Bengals. If the Bengals want to get over the hump next season and bring home an NFL championship, then this signing could be the ultimate game changer for them.
James Conner
Fresh off a career year with the Arizona Cardinals, James Conner showcased his skills as a dual-threat running back in 2021. With 18 touchdowns that consisted of big runs and highlight-reel catches, Conner's efforts definitely didn't go unnoticed and if the Cards don't want him back then he'll definitely have his fair share of suitors.
On the Bengals, he'd bring an exciting new element to their backfield while splitting touches with Joe Mixon and giving them some insurance as a quality back-up at the running back spot. This is another signing that would change their season outlook and put them in prime position to win it all in 2023.
