Cincinnati Bengals: The Top 10 Free Agents to Target

The Cincinnati Bengals went from a possible Super Bowl contender with experience a year ago to barely being a competitor in their own division with such veteran players like quarterback Carson Palmer and wide receivers Chad Ochocinco and Terrell Owens.  What a difference a year can make?

However, the Bengals can make their transition painless, yet have a successful turnaround if they play their cards right.

Albeit in the 2010 season, the Bengals’ issues were injuries as they had 14 players on the IR, mainly from the defense side of the ball.  They are in a unique situation as most of the players on their current roster help them go undefeated in the AFC North and made the playoffs in 2009.  It’s just a matter of selecting the right personnel to return and to add a few more pieces to be a threat again. 

Through a youth movement led by rookie quarterback and possible starter Andy Dalton, the Bengals have good young blood in some key places.  But in order for them to first survive in their division to contend in the AFC, the AFC North with the likes of the hard-hitting, violent Baltimore Ravens and Pittsburgh Steelers, the Bengals must build according to their normal opponents. 

The Bengals need to be physical up front (offensively), defensively aggressive at all points of the ball, have a power running game, be sure-handed at receivers, and be solid on special teams, especially in the kicking game – which they have in kicker Mike Nugent.

Unfortunately, Palmer do not want any part of the Bengals and general manager Mike Brown is not going to let his veteran signal caller go – and rightfully so.

However, the Bengals believe they are set at quarterback with Dalton and with young pass catchers in Jermaine Gresham, Jerome Simpson, rookie A.J. Green and Jordan Shipley, running back Bernard Scott and defenders in Pat Simms and Carlos Dunlap, they are off toward a good start.

But they would be off to a great start if they could add…..

10. LB Brandon Johnson

Johnson is a high motor, 6’5” speedy defensive end who knows the Bengals’ system.  His cover skills are not bad, but stuffing the run is his strength.

9. RB Cedric Benson

Despite Benson’s recent run-in with the law, he has been very productive for the Bengals since his arrival three seasons ago.  His physical style suits the physical AFC North Division as he amassed a total of 3,109 yards and 15 touchdowns.  Benson and Scott combined with help Dalton’s expected transition as the team’s new starter smoother.

8. LB Stephen Tulloch

Tulloch would remain Bengals’ fans of San Diego Chargers’ newly acquired linebacker Takeo Spikes as he has a no-quit motor, who is always in an attack mode.  Tulloch was a terror as a Tennessee Titan as his finished with 160 tackles last season and he is very durable for the way he plays at the age of 26.

7. OT Rich Seubert

Seubert was an anchor the New York Giants offensive line and the 11-year vet could supply great stability for a line with some youth.  The Giants released Seubert for cap reasons, but he will be highly pursued and the Bengals should be one of those in the market for him.

6. WR Braylon Edwards

Let’s face it, Edwards will not return to the New York Jets and it’s not because they don’t want him.  Edwards played well for the Jets last season.  However, he isn’t their top priority.

Bring Edwards to a division he is familiar with (when he was a member of the Cleveland Browns)may be comforting to him and on a team loaded with wide receiver talent, the pressure to deliver big on every play won’t be any issue for him.  Ochocinco will pair nicely with Edwards as they both will help lead the charge for the passing game, making it again smoother for Dalton.

5. LB James Anderson

Anderson had a breakout season for the Carolina Panthers last season as he bagged 130 tackles, 3.5 sacks, forced two fumbles, and got a pick.

With the absence of Julius Peppers, who signed with the Chicago Bears a year ago, Anderson finally had the opportunity to display his talents as a potential dominant defender.

4. DT Cullen Jenkins

A team can never be without too many linebackers, and if the Bengals don’t want to get the defenders mentioned, Jenkins should be on top of their list. 

Jenkins was a huge part of the Green Bay Packers outstanding Super Bowl run last season.  Jenkins’ ability to take on double teams to help create other opportunities for quicker guys off the edges would greatly beneficial to the young Bengal defensive ends.

And his seven sacks from season could help a Bengals team to get pressure on opposing quarterbacks.

3. RB Ahmad Bradshaw

If the Giants don’t re-sign Bradshaw, the Bengals should be knocking at his door on Aug. 4 at 12:01 am.  The high energy, speedy back with power has the AFC North type of running style needed to battle against the Ravens and Steelers.  The way of the NFL in recent years has been a solid one-two-three punch and Bradshaw would absolutely put the Bengals over the top - easily.

2. S Dawan Landry

Landry stint with the Ravens was loaded with ups and downs.  Landry needs a new start and going to the Bengals would be a great place for him.  Normally is a slow starter in games as he attempts to figure out his opponents.

However when the chips are down late in games and the defense needs to make a play, where many times the Bengals lost opportunities to win, Landry will be johnny-on-the-spot.

1. CB Johnathan Joseph

Joseph was the Bengals’ best defensive player last season and is comfortable in their system as a ball-hawking, physical corner. 

Frankly, the Bengals needs to re-sign him as they can’t afford to let him go.