2012 NFL Free Agents: Cincinnati Bengals Targeting Jaguars DE Jeremy Mincey?

The Cincinnati Bengals’ defense thrived last season because of a deep rotation on the defensive line that consistently flustered opponents.

That rotation is now in jeopardy entering the 2012 NFL Free Agency period because Jonathan Fanene, Frostee Rucker and Pat Sims are all currently free agents.

The Bengals have been adamant that they will focus on bringing their own guys back before browsing the open market, but that doesn’t mean they haven’t kept tabs on what is happening around the league.

One free agent that could hit the open market is the Jacksonville Jaguars’ defensive end Jeremy Mincey. The Jags and Mincey are currently discussing a deal, but nothing has happened yet.

The Bengals reportedly have interest in Mincey, and are likely to contact him about playing in Cincinnati if he reaches the open market.

Mincey is a prototypical rotational defensive end that would fit defensive coordinator Mike Zimmer’s scheme perfectly.

The Bengals staff likely discovered Mincey last season when he wreaked havoc on the Bengals offense to the tune of five tackles, a sack and constant pressure on rookie quarterback Andy Dalton.

Mincey stands at 6’3” and weighs in at 270lbs. He’s 28 years old, but had a breakout season last year with 57 tackles, eight sacks and four forced fumbles.

Mincey is a high-motor, versatile player that can play defensive tackle in obvious passing situations.

Adding Mincey to a rotation that includes Carlos Dunlap, Michael Johnson, Geno Atkins and potentially Fanene or Rucker would do wonders for the Bengals defense.

The unit was ranked seventh overall last season, and Mincey could push that even higher in 2012.

Depending on how much money Mincey is looking for if he hits the market, the Bengals could cut the now ineffective Robert Geathers and replace him with Mincey.

Geathers is set to make $4.2 million in 2012, and that salary could potentially go to Mincey instead.

There are a lot of variables that have yet to play out with this scenario, but the Bengals’ interest in Mincey makes sense.

Mincey has reportedly said the Jags won’t receive a hometown discount, so he could very well hit free agency.

Regardless of the future of Fanene and Rucker, if Mincey enters free agency the Bengals will likely give his agent a ring.

If the price is right, the Bengals could add yet another talented piece to an already elite defensive unit.

NFL Free Agency opens March 13^th, and the Bengals already sound set on improving upon the unexpected success of last season.

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