5 Under the Radar Free Agents the Cincinnati Bengals Could Pursue This Offseason

The Cincinnati Bengals find themselves in a great situation this offseason. The team has the best salary cap situation of any team in the NFL. To be exact, the team has $44 million to spend to reach the salary cap.

To be fair, the team has seven starters entering free agency, which accounts for a good amount of the free cap space. However, some of that cap space is because of owner Mike Brown not willing to spend to the cap.

So while the Bengals could make a huge splash in free agency this offseason, it also puts them in a position to make quieter pick-ups as well. Under the radar free agents can sometimes be the acquisitions that set a team like the Bengals on the brink, careening over to the top.

With that in mind, here are five guys flying under the radar that the Bengals could pursue this offseason:

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Reggie Wayne, Wide Receiver

Reggie Wayne is a big name, but not expected to draw much interest on the market at the age of 33. Wayne is on the outs in Indianapolis as a regime change and rebuilding process are about to begin.

Despite the absence of Peyton Manning last season Wayne still caught 75 passes for 960 yards and four scores. As the only viable option on a putrid offense, that’s not horrible. It was a down year for Wayne, but given the circumstances it can be overlooked.

Wayne is a veteran presence that could mentor a young Bengals team in the locker room. On the field Wayne could be very productive at the two spot across from A.J. Green.

Wayne won’t draw much interest on the open market, but he could be just what the doctor ordered for Cincinnati.

Martellus Bennett, Tight End

In October of 2009 the Bengals made a “significant offer” for Martellus Bennett of the Dallas Cowboys, but Jerry Jones politely declined. The Bengals proceeded to draft Jermaine Gresham and now have a chance to get their man in Bennett as well.

Bennett won’t wow anyone with his stat lines, having only caught four touchdowns in four seasons with the Cowboys while being overshadowed by teammate Jason Witten. What he lacks in stats he makes up for in potential standing at 6’6” and weighing in at 270 lbs.

The Bengals aren’t dying for another tight end, but adding Bennett for cheap couldn’t hurt. He is a great run blocker and would give the Bengals another massive target that can create mismatches at the tight end position.

Evan Mathis, Guard

Last seasons the Cincinnati Bengals let Evan Mathis test free agency where he decided to sign a one year deal with the Philadelphia Eagles. Mathis was thrust into the starting role and excelled in the process.

While bigger names such as Carl Nicks and Ben Grubbs will get all of the attention this offseason, Mathis is probably the better value at this point. He is 30 years old but won’t demand a massive contract like other names will.

Mathis would be a perfect fit for the Bengals now. Bobbie Williams might not return, and the guard position is quite possibly the weakest link on the team. Bringing back Mathis would provide an instant starter, albeit one who should have been in stripes last season.

Dan Connor, Inside Linebacker

Dan Connor is on the way out of Carolina thanks to Jon Beason, but an important thing to note is the Panthers’ defense didn’t experience a drop off with Connor in place of Beason. Connor has been one of the better linebackers against the run in the NFL for some time now, and the Bengals could use him.

Last season Connor had 75 tackles in spot-duty. His play against the run is exceptional, and he can be effective in the passing game as well if asked to do so.

The Bengals could be in trouble at middle linebacker thanks to Rey Maualuga running into trouble with the law yet again. Connor is the remedy for this issue and is the better player at this point anyway. The team needs a true consistent leader in the middle, and Connor can be that for Cincinnati.

Brandon Carr, Cornerback

Brandon Carr is the player on this list that will cost the Bengals the most money, and rightfully so. Carr is one of the better cover corners in all of football and Cincinnati needs help desperately at the position. Carr likely won’t re-sign with Kansas City because the team has more important free agents to bring back such as receiver Dwayne Bowe.

Carr recorded 45 tackles and four interceptions last season despite teams avoiding throwing to his side of the field. Carr is a big, physical corner that frustrates opposing receivers at the line of scrimmage and surprises them with his athleticism and ball-skills.

Carr will cost a massive amount of money, but it’s necessary. Nate Clements and Leon Hall are the only worthwhile corners left on the roster, and Clements isn’t a starter and Hall is coming attempting a comeback from a serious injury. Carr is a must have for the Bengals no matter the cost this offseason.