Bengals predicted to cut ties with $20 million playmaker.
Even if they deploy a franchise tag for more than $20 million to keep free agent wide receiver Tee Higgins, the Cincinnati Bengals should have plenty of cash to spend this offseason. The Bengals, who finished dead last in yards per play allowed (6.0) in 2023, may look to improve their defense if they try to add a high-profile player when the market begins in March.
Probably the most interesting position on Cincinnati’s roster going into the offseason is defensive tackle. Entering free agency, DJ Reader is coming off a serious quad injury. Given his uncertain health, the Bengals may be able to re-sign him.
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This summer, Jackson was scheduled to be an exclusive rights free agency, but the two sides quickly reached an agreement on a new contract. The Minnesota Vikings 2022 sixth-round pick participated in 15 games during the previous season, getting 126 defensive snaps and an additional 260 special teams snaps. He finished with 21 tackles (14 solo) and one interception. Due to a toe injury, he was sidelined for the last two games of 2023.
Omenihu clearly missed the Super Bowl matchup with his former San Francisco colleagues after tearing his ACL during the Chiefs’ victory over the Ravens in the AFC Championship Game. His surgery will now be followed by a protracted recuperation period, so in less than seven months, it will be uncertain whether he will be ready for Week 1. Omenihu beginning the 2024 campaign on the reserve/PUP list wouldn’t be shocking.
Despite missing out on more than 180 tackles for the third consecutive year, the 28-year-old led the Jaguars and finished fourth in the NFL. Oluokun is expected to be a top IDP producer in 2024 as he approaches the last year of a three-year, $45 million contract he signed with Jacksonville in 2022.
Fields toned down his recent move to unfollow the Bears on Instagram, pointing out that in order to avoid seeing football-related stuff on his page over the winter, he also unfollowed accounts from other sports leagues. Fields was all praise for Chicago and its supporters, but he also appeared to be well aware that the first overall pick in the 2024 NFL Draft may take his spot. In an interview with Lions wide receiver Amon-Ra St.
Brown and teammate Equanimeous St. Brown for their podcast, Fields cited a few teams that have been linked to a trade for him. He noted that the Steelers and Falcons both have strong offensive playmakers. The early favorite in the betting markets to acquire the native of Georgia is Atlanta; Pittsburgh, New England, Las Vegas, and Denver are among the other contenders. Despite Fields’s wish for a speedy settlement, this might go on for weeks or months.
Armstead stated following Miami’s playoff defeat in the wild card round that he might think about retiring this offseason, but the Pro Bowl left tackle will try to make a comeback in his 33rd season. Armstead’s durability has always been a concern; over the past three seasons, he has only played eight, thirteen, and ten games. However, Armstead’s commitment for the 2024 season is fantastic news for the Dolphins offense as he continues to be a successful player on the field.
