Bengals' three biggest needs following free agency

The Bengals are in need of a running back. Former New England Patriots running back Ezekiel Elliott (15) could be an option.

There are still a few big-name players on the open market, but with the bulk of NFL free agency over, teams must turn their attention to the 2024 draft.

The Bengals did a nice job filling the holes on their roster with the additions of running back Zack Moss, tight end Mike Gesicki, defensive tackle Sheldon Rankins and safety Geno Stone.

Here are Cincinnati’s three biggest needs following free agency.

Running back

The Bengals made the surprising decision to trade running back Joe Mixon to the Houston Texans this offseason. Adding Moss, who rushed for 794 yards and five touchdowns in 2023, will help fill the void left by the franchise’s third all-time leading rusher, but he won’t be able to do it alone.

There are a few veteran options available on the open market, such as J.K. Dobbins, Ezekiel Elliott and Kareem Hunt. If Cincinnati wants to get younger at the position, it could target a running back in this year’s draft, although it’s one of the less-anticipated running back classes.

Cornerback

The Bengals have invested a couple of second-round picks on cornerbacks Cam Taylor-Britt and DJ Turner II over the past two years. Taylor-Britt has quickly established himself as one of the better up-and-coming cornerbacks in the league, but Turner II is still unproven.

Even if Turner II does work out, Cincinnati is quite thin at the position. So, it wouldn’t hurt for the team to add to the room with what’s left in free agency or the draft. Some viable options remain, like Stephon Gilmore, Steven Nelson and Xavien Howard.

Wide receiver

This one could end up being on top of this list if the Bengals are willing to entertain Tee Higgins’ trade request, but that seems unlikely after head coach Zac Taylor’s recent comments on the situation.

“We’re excited for Tee to have a great year for us,” Taylor said via Kelsey Conway of the Cincinnati Enquirer. “We think he’s our best chance to help us win a Super Bowl. I’ve enjoyed working with Tee the last four years, I expect this year to be no different.”

Whether or not Cincinnati ends up parting ways with Higgins, adding another playmaker to QB Joe Burrow’s arsenal would be a good idea. Free-agent wide receiver Tyler Boyd may have played his last down as a Bengal, so there isn’t much experience past Higgins and Ja’Marr Chase.

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