2012 NFL Offseason: Cincinnati Bengals Reportedly Interested in Braylon Edwards

On ESPN’s NFL Live, Adam Schefter reported that the Cincinnati Bengals have expressed interest in veteran free agent wide receiver Braylon Edwards.

The 29-year-old was released by the San Francisco 49ers prior to the final week of the 2011 regular season and was unable to land with a team during the active weeks of the NFL’s free-agency period.

A former first-round draft pick by the Bengals’ divisional foes, the Cleveland Browns, Edwards’ professional career has been mildly disappointing.

Still, Edwards is a physical specimen with brilliant potential as a threat down the field or in the red zone—as evidenced by his seven touchdown receptions for the New York Jets in 2010.

The eight-year veteran would be a vital leader as part of a Bengals receiving corps filled with talented, young prospects. Matched up opposite budding superstar A.J. Green, Edwards would see plenty of opportunities if able to win the job while also alleviating some of the coverage Green will be faced with from opposing defenses.

At 6’3” and 214 pounds, Edwards has a place in a league that has begun to put a higher value on big-bodied receivers like Calvin Johnson, Vincent Jackson and Marquis Colston.

He has yet to land with a team, but Edwards has kept training in hopes of getting his opportunity some place this season.

With a need for a serviceable, veteran presence at the receiver position, Cincinnati could be an ideal fit for Edwards to revitalize his NFL career.

Louis Musto is a featured columnist for Bleacher Report. Follow him on Twitter here.