Click here to return to the 2025 Reports List
Cincinnati Bengals March Scouting Report
Mark Huber
3/18/2021
Cincinnati has made several moves on the free agent front as the new NFL league year began.
Notably, Cincinnati lost WR A.J. Green to the Arizona Cardinals. Not a huge loss, at least on the surface. Green isn't the player he used to be. It would have been nice to keep him but if his money can be deferred to another young wideout (like the WR Kenny Golladay rumors), then rock on Cincy.
As for Golladay, nothing to report other than the Bengals have made him an offer, apparently 1 year deal. The former Detroit wideout also is visiting the Giants it has been reported.
Other losses for the Bengals are TE Cethan Carter, DB William Jackson, DE Carl Lawson, and WR John Ross. They released OL BJ Finney, acquired from Seattle in the Carlos Dunlap deal.
Players resigned include QB Brandon Allen, CB Tony Brown, RB Samaje Perine, WR Mike Thomas, S Brandon Wilson. NIce depth pieces for sure but nothing earth-shattering here.
The big news comes in the form of defensive overhauling. Signed are DE Trey Hendrickson, DT Larry Ogunjobi, DB Chidobe Awuzie, and DB Mike Hilton. The defense was not good last year but seemingly had some good parts in place. The addition of Hendrickson replaces Lawson; the two CBs help ease the pain of Jackson; while Ogunjobi could signal an end to the Geno Atkins era.
The offensive line still needs a fresh face or two in free agency. C Rodney Hudson of the Raiders would have been an upgrade at center, but a third was likely too steep a price to pay. That's what he cost the Cardinals.
OL Riley Reiff, a starter in Minnesota and former first round pick, is reportedly visiting Cincinnati. His signing might allow former No. 1 pick Jonah Williams to kick inside to guard. With possible draftees Penei Sewell and Rashawn Slater targets in the draft, a revamped line would seem to help keep Joe Burrow upright.
Another thought, if the team releases Atkins or OL Bobby Hart that might signal a signing soon - either Golladay or Reiff.There are other offensive line options out there that would help like Alejandro Villanueva, Russell Okung, Trai Turner, David Andrews and Austin Reiter among others.
More to come on the Draft next month!
End
The Definitive Fantasy Information Service
2025 Madness NFL Rookie Draft Reference Guide
Sunday, April 13th, 2025
Premium Pro Bowl and Super Bowl Package Subscribers take note. The time has come. The 2025 Madness NFL Rookie Draft Reference Guide has been released for your viewing pleasure. This
Read the Full Mastermind Moment