With the NFL Draft in the rearview mirror and the upcoming season quickly approaching, the Cincinnati Bengals are looking to bolster their roster with some key free agents. The Bengals have been relatively quiet thus far in free agency, with the team still having some cap space to work with and some needs to fill. While the Bengals have been relatively quiet, there are some key free agents that could help the team both now and in the future.
QB Derek Carr
The Bengals have been searching for a long-term answer at the quarterback position for the past few seasons, and Derek Carr may be the answer. The former Raider has been a consistent starter for the past five seasons, and has the experience and skill set to be the team's starter for the foreseeable future. He has a career completion percentage of 64.9%, and has thrown for over 4,000 yards in each of his five seasons as a starter. With the Bengals looking to make a run at the playoffs, Carr could be the missing piece they need to compete in the AFC.
RB Devonta Freeman
Devonta Freeman is one of the more intriguing free agent running backs on the market. He has proven to be one of the most versatile backs in the game, and is coming off a season in which he rushed for 656 yards and five touchdowns. He also has the ability to catch the ball out of the backfield, as he caught 53 passes for 428 yards and four touchdowns last season. With the Bengals needing to add a playmaker in the backfield, Freeman could be the perfect fit for the offense.
WR DeSean Jackson
DeSean Jackson is one of the best deep threats in the NFL, and could be a great addition to the Bengals' offense. The former Eagle has a career average of 17.6 yards per reception and has scored 57 touchdowns in his career. He would be a perfect addition to the Bengals' offense, as he would provide a deep threat for quarterback Derek Carr and would help open up the offense for the rest of the team.
OT Trent Williams
Trent Williams is one of the best offensive tackles in the NFL, and he could be a great addition to the Bengals' offensive line. Williams has been a Pro Bowler in each of the past three seasons and has the ability to protect the quarterback and open holes for the running game. With the Bengals needing to upgrade the offensive line, Williams could be the missing piece they need to make the offense more effective.
DE Ezekiel Ansah
Ezekiel Ansah is a former Pro Bowler and could be a great addition to the Bengals' defense. Ansah is a versatile edge rusher who can get to the quarterback in a variety of ways. He had 14.5 sacks in 2015, and has the potential to be a dominant pass rusher if he can stay healthy. With the Bengals needing to add some pass rushing help, Ansah could be the perfect fit.
LB Deion Jones
Deion Jones is one of the best linebackers in the NFL, and he could be a great addition to the Bengals' defense. Jones is an athletic linebacker who has the speed to cover wide receivers, tight ends, and running backs in the passing game. He is also a sure tackler who can stuff the run and is always around the ball. The Bengals need to add playmakers on defense, and Jones could be the perfect fit.
CB Byron Jones
Byron Jones is one of the top cornerbacks in the NFL and could be a great addition to the Bengals' secondary. Jones is a physical corner who is great in man coverage and can also make plays in the passing game. He had three interceptions and 10 pass breakups last season and has the potential to be a star in the league. With the Bengals needing to add some playmakers in the secondary, Jones could be the perfect fit.
Conclusion
The Bengals have a lot of needs to fill in free agency and have some key players they could target. From quarterbacks, to wide receivers, to defensive linemen and linebackers, the Bengals have a lot of options to choose from. With the right moves in free agency, the Bengals could be a competitive team in the AFC and make a run at the playoffs.