The Bengals Did What!? A Bengals Mock Off-season

The free agency tampering period in the NFL is set to begin tomorrow at noon EST, so naturally, I have decided to post my Bengals mock off-season. In this article, I will go over everything that I see happening this off-season. Cuts, trades, free-agent signings, and a full mock draft are in store, with reasonings for everything. I am putting myself in Duke Tobin’s shoes and operating as if I am the general manager of the Bengals. While you’re here, make sure to subscribe to the NatiSports news article so you never miss an update.

Cuts, Extensions, and Trades

Before we begin, it’s important to note that before any moves are made by the Bengals, they have roughly $32 million in cap space.

Let’s start and go over the cuts and extensions that have happened, and more that I could see happening. Over the past couple of weeks, the Bengals have released defensive tackle Sheldon Rankins and offensive guard Alex Cappa. Those moves will save $16.6 million in cap space. Sam Hubbard also retired and saved the Bengals an extra $9.6 million towards the cap. In my projected moves, I also cut Germaine Pratt and Zack Moss to save an additional $9.1 million.

With my first big move, I decided to trade All-Pro edge rusher Trey Hendrickson. I traded him to the Detroit Lions, along with pick number 81, for the 60th, 133rd, and 246th pick, as well as a 2026 5th round selection. Using the PFF mock draft simulator, this in my opinion was the best return I could get for Hendrickson. The Bengals granted his ability to speak with other teams, and I see that being the most likely outcome.

All of these moves will give the Bengals roughly $83.5 million to work with heading into extensions. I decided to tag Tee Higgins and call it just that for now, costing the Bengals $26 million. An extension for Ja’Marr Chase is in the works as I write this, but it won’t go against the 2025 cap number. I expect his deal to be around $40 million per season. Mike Gesicki’s extension is 3 years, $25.5 million. $12 million comes in that first season, making the deal very favorable for the Bengals.

Free Agent Aquistions

Now let’s get into free agent aquisitions. It should be a busy couple of days for the Bengals as they look to fix the defense as well as the offensive line. I imagine they attack as hard as they did in the early 2020s.

The easy re-signings include guard Cody Ford, tight end Tanner Hudson, edge Cam Sample, linebackers Joe Bachie and Akeem Davis-Gaither, and punter Ryan Rehkow. All of those moves will cost the Bengals close to $1 million against the cap.

The re-signings up in the air that I decided to attack include Khalil Herbert ($2M), Trent Brown ($2M), and Jospeh Ossai ($4.5M).

Beginning with the external free agents, I attacked the guard positions first. I signed Will Fries ($11.5M) and Teven Jenkins ($9M). Both guards graded well using Pro Football Focus, and would be great additions to generate a stoutded offensive line.

To fill the gap created by Trey Hendrickson, I decided to sign Baron Browning from the Cardinals ($8.5M). He is a great pass rusher but is limited in the run game. It is my hope that he can generate pressure on his own paired with a draft pick. To pair up with him on the defensive line, I signed defensive tackle Poona Ford ($7.5M). He graded in the mid-80s in every category and is a very under the radar player.

I only added one linebacker, Cody Barton ($7M) who graded in the high 70s in the run, but struggled in pass coverage. Pairing him up with Akeem and Logan Wilson would make it all work.

I think that this free agent class felt a lot like the 2020/2021 class. Finding some cheap quality players hoping they turn into stars.

Mock Draft 1.0

To cap off the offseason projections, I ran a mock draft. All the players are listed below at the pick they were taken. The mock draft was run through PFF.

Rd. 1/Pick 20 (From DEN): Malaki Starks | Safety | Georgia

I traded the 17th pick to Denver for the 20th and 84th pick. I gained a 3rd round pick back after trading our original pick to Detroit. Malaki Starks is a top 10 talent in this class but might fall based on his athletic testing. I would’ve taken him at 17 too, but was betting on either him, edge Mike Green from Marshall, or edge James Pearce Jr. from Tennessee would be there. All would’ve been quality picks.

Rd.2/Pick 49: Bradyn Swinson | Edge | LSU

I drafted Bradyn Swinson as he had an astonishing 22% pass rush win rate. He is great to pair up with Baron Browning.

Rd.2/Pick 60 (From DET): Alfred Collins | Defensive Tackle | Texas

Alfred Collins was taken with one of the picks from the Trey Hendrickson trade. He is stellar against the run and would patch that hole that DJ Reader left a few years ago.

Rd. 3/Pick 84 (From DEN): Elijah Roberts | Edge | SMU

Elijah Roberts was taken with the pick I got from trading back with Denver. He also is great in his pass rushing abilities and would be a great rotational piece.

Rd. 4/Pick 118: Gunnar Helm | Tight End | Texas

Gunnar Helm would instantly boost this tight end room which lacks talent. Mike Gesicki and Drew Sample are there, but adding Gunnar Helm would give the room an extra boost.

Rd. 4/Pick 133 (From DET): Willie Lampkin | Guard | North Carolina

Willie Lampkin had phenomanel grades in both pass and run blocking. He is a great developmental piece behind the two guards I signed in free agency.

Rd.5/Pick 154: Trevor Etienne | Rnning Back | Georgia

Trevor Etienne is a fun back to add to the room. I think he could play a role on special teams and gain a few carries here and there.

Rd. 6/Pick 194: Keandre Lambert-Smith | Wide Receiver | Aubrun

Smith was a best player available type pick. Not too much to report on him but a fun addition.

Rd. 7/Pick 246 (From DET): Jailin Walker | Linebacker | Indiana

Another camp body with Jailin Walker. Maybe he makes it out of training camp but he graded fine in pass coverage on a great Indiana team.

Final Conclusions

To conclude our offseason mock, I want to make clear that these are moves I would persoally make. I think the Bengals could take some chances on these players, but obviously this won’t be perfect. I hope they improve the roster nonetheless. Stay with us throughout free agency for daily updates!